by Michael A. DeMarco (Author)
This book presents the historical background of taijiquan (tai chi) in China and one of its major representatives, Xiong Yanghe (1889-1981). By providing the time and place of Xiong's life, his involvement in the military, and his emigration to Taiwan where he taught for decades, a rare view of the fullness of taiji is presented. He had the innate ability and the opportunities to study with many great teachers. The result was the Grandmaster Xiong was a teacher who embodied a stunning comprehension of taijiquan, including open-hand and weapon routines that are practiced solo or with a partner. Xiong's respected position among the few luminaries in the art helps scholars, teachers and practitioners to better understand the depth of taiji culture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS- Taijiquan Enters the Twentieth Century
- Master Xiong Yanghe's Life and Influence
- Xiong Style Taijiquan Long Routine
- Push-Hand Methods
- Dispersing Hands Routine (solo/paired)
- Taiji Straight Sword Routines (solo/paired)
- Taiji Broadsword Routines (solo/paired)
- Taiji Staff/Spear Routines (solo/paired)
- Bonus of the Five Animal Frolics
- Other Chinese Styles in the Xiong System
- Appendices
- References
- Index