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Product Description
Tai Chi is well-known for bringing the mind, body and spirit together to gain balance, prevent injury and promote good health. Filmed on a tranquil location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this program features two practices that offer personal one-on-one instruction and will allow you to experience the many layers of benefits this martial art has to offer. The first practice will revitalize and energize using the principles of Qi Gong. This Qi Gong series will focus on the breath and energy flow to prepare your mind and body for Tai Chi. In the second practice you will learn Tai Chi postures step-by-step, and then use these ancient flowing movements together in a moving meditation designed to increase the body s natural energy. This powerful Tai Chi sequence will help clear your mind, reduce stress, enhance flexibility and promote overall wellness.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I really couldn't disagree more with the other reviewer! Tai Chi is not quick to learn: you have to learn the forms first before you can do the 'workout' (play the form) and the second section of this DVD is a really good guide to that - I haven't even attempted the third section yet! But, after the 'warm up' (sorry, hate talking about this like it's an aerobics DVD!) the relatively non-annoying american guy takes you through all the forms, doing each one twice, full description, very clear. First time through I tried to do the whole lot, and that was really very silly of me. At the moment, I'm working through slowly, making copious use of the pause and rewind buttons, learning one form at a time, and about three forms each 30 minute session. I can now do the first half of section two all the way through with him, and feeling very confident and relaxed and really quite excited at how easily it seems to be coming. Very much looking forward to getting to a point where I can move on to section 3, which is the full 'Tai Chi experience!'. So - it's a great DVD if you pace yourself and use section 2 as a step by step learning tool rather than trying to do everything at once. I bought it because I accidentally went to the US site first, where it has lots of great reviews.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
60 reviews
193 of 197 people found the following review helpful
A wealth of knowledge
20 April 2009
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I practice TaeKwon Do and I got this DVD as a kind of complement to the courses I take, knowing that Tai Chi is much lower impact and meditative, yet it still has elements of balance and energy that might hopefully help me improve in my practice. It's a lot like what I expected, very slow and careful movements that flow in time with your breathing, and I think it's very peaceful and yet still decent exercise.
I found this DVD to be an absolute wealth of information. The instructor sure manages to talk about absolutely everything, so you have no problems understanding where your feet are supposed to be, or where your weight is, or what each posture is supposed to be representing. It was really quite useful, and while he covers a lot of material very quickly, even in the introductory section while we're learning the postures, I managed to remember a lot of it, and it did seem natural after only a few practice sessions.
My problems with this DVD are minimal. First, I would like him to go a little slower in the Qi Gong section. While I know that everyone is different and will move at their own pace, he says to time your movements to the inhale and exhale of your breath, and to use your full lung capacity with each movement, and yet, I was halfway through one inhale/exhale combination when he was done with his second, so I was kind of left behind at a few points. Maybe I just have exceptional lung capacity, but as an ex-smoker, I kind of doubt this.
Another problem that I found was that I don't think that the flow gives equal attention to both right and left legs, as I found my right side to be harder worked than the left. A reverse flow might also have been helpful, but perhaps there is a good reason this is not included. According to instruction, each direction of movement is supposed to have specific metaphysical benefits.
I found this DVD to be an absolute wealth of information. The instructor sure manages to talk about absolutely everything, so you have no problems understanding where your feet are supposed to be, or where your weight is, or what each posture is supposed to be representing. It was really quite useful, and while he covers a lot of material very quickly, even in the introductory section while we're learning the postures, I managed to remember a lot of it, and it did seem natural after only a few practice sessions.
My problems with this DVD are minimal. First, I would like him to go a little slower in the Qi Gong section. While I know that everyone is different and will move at their own pace, he says to time your movements to the inhale and exhale of your breath, and to use your full lung capacity with each movement, and yet, I was halfway through one inhale/exhale combination when he was done with his second, so I was kind of left behind at a few points. Maybe I just have exceptional lung capacity, but as an ex-smoker, I kind of doubt this.
Another problem that I found was that I don't think that the flow gives equal attention to both right and left legs, as I found my right side to be harder worked than the left. A reverse flow might also have been helpful, but perhaps there is a good reason this is not included. According to instruction, each direction of movement is supposed to have specific metaphysical benefits.
224 of 231 people found the following review helpful
This is NOT 24-form Tai Chi
24 Aug 2009
Format:DVD
Let me start off this review stating that I am a complete newcomer to Tai Chi. I've seen people do it in groups and wanted to try it for health and fitness benefits. This DVD got good ratings so I got it.
I noticed right away that as another reviewer noted, he teaches you in "mirror" style, which was confusing to follow at times but not hard to figure out after a few rounds. I liked the step-by-step manner in which he taught, and the soothing music and scenery. A we progressed through the forms, I noticed that some of the movements I thought of when I thought of Tai Chi were not present in this DVD. After researching I discovered that there is no "one" style of Tai Chi, there are many schools and styles, and what I was probably thinking of was the 24-form "Beijing" style. So I was a little disappointed that this was not the 24-form Tai Chi I was hoping, but rather a 13-form style that I couldn't identify from watching Tai Chi videos on the internet, so I'm not sure where these forms he uses come from. He doesn't give any history or background to his style so it's a mystery to me.
Lastly, the Qi Gong section was just a little too new-agey for me. I wanted to learn Tai Chi for better balance and concentration and to improve my fitness routine. If that's what you are looking for too then I would try another Tai Chi DVD from a different instructor.
I noticed right away that as another reviewer noted, he teaches you in "mirror" style, which was confusing to follow at times but not hard to figure out after a few rounds. I liked the step-by-step manner in which he taught, and the soothing music and scenery. A we progressed through the forms, I noticed that some of the movements I thought of when I thought of Tai Chi were not present in this DVD. After researching I discovered that there is no "one" style of Tai Chi, there are many schools and styles, and what I was probably thinking of was the 24-form "Beijing" style. So I was a little disappointed that this was not the 24-form Tai Chi I was hoping, but rather a 13-form style that I couldn't identify from watching Tai Chi videos on the internet, so I'm not sure where these forms he uses come from. He doesn't give any history or background to his style so it's a mystery to me.
Lastly, the Qi Gong section was just a little too new-agey for me. I wanted to learn Tai Chi for better balance and concentration and to improve my fitness routine. If that's what you are looking for too then I would try another Tai Chi DVD from a different instructor.
113 of 122 people found the following review helpful
just received the DVD
19 Feb 2009
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
just received the DVD and i am watching it- i like the instructors calm non hurried yet comprehensive and informative manner and his enthusiasm for the exercises he teaches both physical and spiritual- this is how i got hooked on yoga years ago= and i can see why his studio has been a success. i needed a beginners because i know NOTHING aboubt Tai chi or Qi Gong and have heard good things so i thought i'd try this DVD to include it into my workout schedule. i believe watching this DVD it is the program i am looking for. its got Qi Gong to prepare yourself then breakdown of Tai Chi moves- then he teaches you how to do the flow so it has slow steps for people like myself to build my practice without being overwhelmed. the first time i tried it with a VHS years ago i dont even remember who it was by- was certainly not like this Element DVD! they simply threw too much at me all at once. the background is lovely view of the ocean which i also love. Highly recommend! adding to my review March 11 2009- i've been using this DVD for the past week Three days i injured myself after i first received this DVD and my plans to use it had to be put on hold. After being upset that i couldnt do my yoga i discovered i CAN do this so far its helped heal me by getting me moving but not aggravating the healing muscles from my injury. i throughly enjoy it and look forward to the time i set aside to do this- The qi gong section is 18 minutes if i can stand injured for 18 minutes and do this i recommended it to my friends and family as well. i guess i'm not as visual as the other reviewer as i just now figured out that mirror image problem they had it really hasnt mattered to me and i wouldnt give a low rating to something when its your personal preference. i have no problem following along with the excellent and detailed verbal instructions and mimicing the instructor and have spent many enjoyable sessions doing this practice and would recommend it it to anybody to include in thier workout. i feel calmer yet energized after it. still highly recommend
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