| "The Essence of Taiji Qigong: The Internal | | | | Wai Dan Standing Still Meditation. Then at 32 |
| Foundation Of Taijiquan" with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming | | | | minutes we see the moving taiji qigong. First, |
| is a complimentary DVD to accompany the book | | | | there are three sets of Stationary Taiji Qigong: |
| of the same title. The book goes into more depth | | | | Primary, Coiling, and Rocking Sets. The |
| regarding the theory, while the DVD provides | | | | movements of the sets are taught, and then |
| video instruction to assist with learning the | | | | illustrated continuously. At the 92 minute mark, |
| movements. | | | | Walking Taiji Qigong is discussed and |
| The first four minutes of the program show Dr. | | | | demonstrated. The picture is clear, Dr. Yang |
| Yang performing a series of movements while a | | | | moves gracefully as always, and the narrator's |
| narrator briefly tells the purpose behind Taiji | | | | voice is easy to understand, as are the subtitles. |
| Qigong. | | | | The DVD also contains the standard YMAA |
| Next, come the Qigong Training Procedures: | | | | extras. |
| Regulating the body, regulating the breathing, | | | | Over all, I would highly recommend this DVD and |
| regulating the mind, regulating the Qi, and | | | | the companion book to anyone interested in |
| regulating the spirit. The narrator gives brief | | | | learning more about Taiji Qigong. I think these |
| descriptions of what you are doing while Dr. Yang | | | | two resources would help the Taiji practitioner |
| performs movements on screen. Not, the | | | | with understanding and training. I would give it 4 |
| descriptions are not regarding the movements Dr. | | | | rather than 5 stars. Why? Because I much prefer |
| Yang is performing, but the general goals of the | | | | the DVDs where Dr. Yang actually teaches to the |
| procedures. The narrator then lists a couple | | | | camera. Those DVDs are like you are there |
| important points about practice. | | | | learning from him. This DVD just shows him going |
| We are now about seven minutes into the DVD | | | | through the motions as you listen to the narrator. |
| and we get to the Stretching section. First, the | | | | Also, to get the maximum benefit from this DVD, |
| goals of stretching are shared. Dr. Yang performs | | | | you must use it in conjunction with the book of |
| a series of stretches while music plays. This goes | | | | the same title. I'm glad to have this DVD in my |
| right into the warming up section that follows the | | | | library, and I'll practice some of the movements |
| same format. The narrator shares the goals as | | | | from it. However, it is not my favorite Qigong |
| Dr. Yang performs the movements for various | | | | resource by Dr. Yang. Add it to your library, but |
| parts of the body. | | | | be sure to get his other DVDs to deepen your |
| Around the 29 minute mark, Dr. Yang shows the | | | | understanding too. |