Tai Chi Concepts and Experiments: Hidden Strength, Natural Movement, and Timing (Martial Science) - Paperback Paperback – April 1, 2021

Product was exactly as advertised, it arrived ahead of schedule, and I will be from this vendor again.

Robert Chuckrow was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing, William C.C.Chen, Harvey Sober, Sam Chin Fan-siong, and Elaine Summers. He has studied T’ai Chi since 1970 and has always shared what he has learned, and is still learning, in a very understandable way, and this book is no exception. In addition, his Ph.D. is in experimental physics, a field of physics that is concerned with the observation of physical phenomena and experiments. And I think because of that background, experiments are included in this book that allow the student of T’ai Chi to experience the concepts, to feel and see for him/herself. In “Tai Chi Concepts and Experiments” there is a wealth of information every serious student of T’ai Chi will gain with just as many significant realizations. The T’ai Chi Classics, in my humble opinion, are made clear.

This book offers some very interesting "experiments," that is, ways to test certain concepts and structural aspects, along with thorough explanations of the concepts. Drawing from the author's background in experimental physics-based, some of the graphics may look daunting to some, but the associated explanations and "experiments" are easy to understand. As an engineer, I think I will enjoy this book! But don't get me wrong, one does not have to be an engineer to get a lot from this book. It is not as complex and the description makes it sound, as the author does a great job making the material accessible. I highly recommend it!

Robert Chuckrow's latest book is a unique blend of the theoretical and practical aspects of taijiquan. Written in a clear and very readable style, it elucidates many concepts not discussed anywhere else. Robert's many years of experience in taiji mean that he has developed empirical knowledge of what he is writing about; he is not simply repeating what he's heard, but has tested his theories. It is said that there is no substitute for a live teacher in taiji, but this book is the next best thing. Even if studying with a teacher, this invaluable volume could serve as a textbook for any taiji class.

I gave this book to a longtime tai chi practitioner as a gift. He's extremely particular about tai chi material, and he's very happy with this. Glad I bought it for him!

This book is an amazing resource for students and anyone interested in achieving excellence in the study of Tai Chi Chuan. It reflects a lifetime of the authors study in determining how to best pass on the key aspects of the art. Given the authors background in physics there is a lot of technical information to support concepts, and “experiments” to assist in learning. I highly recommend adding this one to your tai chi/martial arts library.

As a fluent reader of Chinese classics, I am hugely impressed not only by Dr. Chuckrow's depth of knowledge into the practice of Taiji, but his willingness to share what he knows. The general principle with most of the traditional Taiji classics was to only hint at the important things, with the full content reserved for oral transmission to select disciples. While there are contemporary books written in Chinese (as of yet untranslated) that aim to be somewhat more forthcoming, to this day little of real value exists in English. Dr. Chuckrow's book should therefore be seen as filling a significant gap in our understanding of many of the deeper principles of Taiji.What is especially useful is how he integrates principle and practice, which is well summed up in the title “Tai Chi, Concepts and Experiments.” Throughout the book Dr. Chuckrow presents various experiments to put the principles or concepts into practice. These are extremely valuable, and go well beyond what many other books do in terms of just presenting broad or obscure concepts that leave the practitioner to figure out on their own how to put them into actual practice.Interestingly, many of the practical techniques and experiments Dr. Chuckrow shares are not limited just to practitioners of Taiji, but could be of interest to all students and practitioners of any movement science or art. At the end of the day, all good movement should lead to optimal and uninhibited use of the body and the body’s energetic system as was originally meant to be. A first step along the way to that is perceiving when and how we are moving improperly, something that many of the exercises in Dr. Chuckrow’s book help bring awareness to.Unlike many people nowadays who write books based on very superficial understanding of a subject in order to make a name for themselves, Dr. Chuckrow has produced a work based on a half century of dedicated practice and serious contemplation as well as experimentation into the deeper meaning of this outwardly simple-looking art form. For all those looking to take their practice of Taiji or understanding of movement to a deeper level, Dr. Chuckrow’s new book will be a most welcome addition.

Cannot speak to the contents of the book, as it was a gift, but the book itself arrived dirty

The author and I don’t practice the same form of Tai Chi. Nevertheless this book was still interesting and informative for me. I like the way the reader is encouraged to look beyond the information easily available to them. I also like the way the author directs the reader to internet resources that provide more information on the point his is making. I’m interested in all aspects of Tai Chi. I’m especially interested in the bio-mechanics of Tai Chi and to that end I shall be looking to purchase the author’s book on dynamics. I think even though the physics side of the book goes completely over my head the book was definitely worth buying since the author also supplies an explanation aimed at an ordinary Person such as myself. This is also definitely a book for those of us who have reached the stage when we’re playing with our Tai Chi.

Interessante Einsichten, aber hier schreibt jemand nur über seine Versuche zu einem tieferen Verständnis über Fajin zu gelangen, ohne jemals dieses zu erlangen.

Good book and contents BUT faulty binding with 50 missing pages.