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Product Description
"Tai Chi Chuan - Decoding the Classics for the Modern Martial Artist" is the first book in English to provide a detailed, illustrated explanation of the "Tai Chi Chuan Classics", the "Classic of Boxing" and the "Tai Chi Diagram Explanation". The aim of this remarkable book is to enable the reader to 'do' the Classics and incorporate them into everyday martial arts practice.
About the Author
Dan Docherty has practised martial arts since 1971. He trained in Tai Chi Chuan under Cheng Tin-hung while serving as an inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force between 1975 and 1984. In 1980 he won the Open Weight Division at the 5th South-East Asian Chinese Pugilistic Championships in Malaysia. Dan is a founding member of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and is a successful teacher who participates in seminars throughout the world. He regularly contributes to martial arts publications and is the author of Complete Tai Chi Chuan [Crowood 1997]. Resident - London
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Registered Tai Chi Chuan Instructor - TCUGB
Instructor - Northern Wu Style Tai Ji Quan Global Association
"Decoding the Classics" is a groundbreaking work with the five texts known as the Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) Classics at its heart.
Many translations are already available e.g. works by Louis Swaim and Barbara Davis give enjoyable insight into the difficulties of translating the Classics. T.T. Liang has also given his own translation with a relatively long commentary on the "Da Shou Gu" Classic.
The above authors have translated "Da Shou Gu" as the Playing/Pushing Hands Song. Docherty translates it as the Fighter's Song. "Decoding" as a whole benefits from the author's own martial experiences in full contact competition fighting and daily life. "Decoding" isn't just about the martial tactics and strategies found in the Classics though; the philosophical and alchemical aspects are also explored.
Docherty has tackled two of the Classics before in 1995's Instant Tao. This is also a recommended buy as the differences in the translations give further insights and "Tao" includes the author's translations of several poems by Li Bai. In "Decoding" Docherty has significantly deepened his commentaries on the Classics. No poems this time, instead there are many pertinent quotes from Lao Tzu and others.
In amongst the detailed commentary and illustrated examples on the martial usage of the Classics there is much food for thought - rooting and drop stepping; waist and centre line; silk reeling, torque and punching to cut the opponent; leaning the head, peripheral vision and avoiding ill intentioned fists - it's an entertaining and informative read.
"Decoding" is a worthy companion to Docherty's previous offerings and an essential purchase for all TCC practitioners as well as martial artists of other styles looking for useful concepts to adopt in their own practices.
Instructor - Northern Wu Style Tai Ji Quan Global Association
"Decoding the Classics" is a groundbreaking work with the five texts known as the Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) Classics at its heart.
Many translations are already available e.g. works by Louis Swaim and Barbara Davis give enjoyable insight into the difficulties of translating the Classics. T.T. Liang has also given his own translation with a relatively long commentary on the "Da Shou Gu" Classic.
The above authors have translated "Da Shou Gu" as the Playing/Pushing Hands Song. Docherty translates it as the Fighter's Song. "Decoding" as a whole benefits from the author's own martial experiences in full contact competition fighting and daily life. "Decoding" isn't just about the martial tactics and strategies found in the Classics though; the philosophical and alchemical aspects are also explored.
Docherty has tackled two of the Classics before in 1995's Instant Tao. This is also a recommended buy as the differences in the translations give further insights and "Tao" includes the author's translations of several poems by Li Bai. In "Decoding" Docherty has significantly deepened his commentaries on the Classics. No poems this time, instead there are many pertinent quotes from Lao Tzu and others.
In amongst the detailed commentary and illustrated examples on the martial usage of the Classics there is much food for thought - rooting and drop stepping; waist and centre line; silk reeling, torque and punching to cut the opponent; leaning the head, peripheral vision and avoiding ill intentioned fists - it's an entertaining and informative read.
"Decoding" is a worthy companion to Docherty's previous offerings and an essential purchase for all TCC practitioners as well as martial artists of other styles looking for useful concepts to adopt in their own practices.
13 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Books on Tai Chi are quite common, but the majority you'll find in most bookshops, do not offer anything meaty or of substance. Those who practice Tai Chi as an exercise are well catered for, but those who want to go for the more martial aspect of the art are less fortunate. Dan's new book answers this need and does so very well. Many books go through theories, but I feel that Dan explains the theory side the best. Its written in plain and frank manner, easy to understand. Where most authors provide a brief commentary, Dan describes how these theories are used and examples are described at length. Tai Chi Chuan can be practical and highly relevant in modern society and the material describes how it can be so. This book isn't just for Tai Chi people, but also for those who practise other styles of kung fu. Like Dan's previous book "Complete Tai Chi Chuan" will not be everybody's cup of tea, but let's be honest, they're better than a lot of Tai Chi books out there. Most books are a reflection of the author's opinions and the application of their knowledge. This book is no different, but you get the benefit of a well researched book and from a teacher who has a wealth of experience. Good books on Chinese kung fu are limited, but "Tai Chi Chuan - Decoding the classics for the Modern Martial Artist" is a rare gem. As a Chinese Wudang student, I find the content to be fair, honest and answers many of my questions. Since I've purchased my copy, it has never seen the bookshelf. Worth every penny, buy...
13 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For a martial artist of any style this book will provide insights,explanations and examples of a classical tradition in action. Anecdotes from his personal experience as a fighter and as an inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police add light to the translations. Some of the work consists of material he has tackled before., but these are new translation that add depth to the work he has done before rather than replacing it. He also uses different techniques by way of example while making his points. And his points are not all martial they touch on internal alchemy and meditation as well. The background material quoted make this book worthy as it opens doors to areas of chinese, particularly Taoist writings that many people may not be aware of.
A book that reads and will reread well.
A book that reads and will reread well.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Dan Docherty's Book
I trained under Dan's supervision and found him to be the best Taijiquan teacher around. Brilliant book, you have got to buy this.
Published 16 months ago by jimbo87
TCC Decoding the Classics
Plenty of information about Tai Chi Chuan, and of particular interest to Wu stylists. Interpretation of passages in Tai Chi classics quite clear and concise. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Alex Tan
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