The classic guide to Lee style T'ai Chi Ch'uan written by the master of the style reprinted here in its exact original format in a new high quality edition with improved binding and top quality paper suitable as a text book for frequent use.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan, which literally means "The Supreme Ultimate", has proved itself over and over again to be one of the finest ways of improving health and creating tranquillity throughout the entire nervous system, creating a deep peace of mind. T'ai Chi consists of a system of body movements designed to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harmony. This guide introduces all these different aspects of the art, including: T'ai Chi sword and T'ai Chi dance; 140 stances, with photographs and detailed instructions for each one; and T'ai Chi's philosophical and historical context.

T'ai Chi is the embodiment of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism with a history dating back over three thousand years. Through the cultivation of the natural internal energy of the body or 'Chi' T'ai Chi exercises improve the health and increase vitality by aiding the regeneration of the body whilst creating a deep feeling of peace and relaxation in the mind.

For sixty years Chee Soo devoted himself to studying and teaching this natural philosophy through the Lee style of Taoist Arts. This book contains the essence of his wisdom, with detailed explanations of the movements and stances, philosophical and historical background to the Arts, and photographs showing all 140 stances from the T'ai Chi form, this is essential reading for the beginner and advanced student alike.

The History of T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
When they first see a demonstration of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (The Supreme Ultimate) most people are fascinated by the beauty of the performer's movements, and naturally assume that it comprises a sequence of physical callisthenics. This is only partly true although it did have its very early beginnings in the various forms of pugilism that existed in China for many thousands of years.
In very ancient China, superstition, divination, spiritualism, and religion went through various stages of development and advancement, and played a very important part in everyday life. The roofs of Chinese houses were turned up at the eaves so that the dragon could rest on its travels through the sky, and it could even curl up and go to sleep without falling off the end of the roof. Even the dead had to be buried in exactly the right position, so that the spirit would not be hindered in its flight from the grave, and every village had its own specialist to advise bereaved families how and where their dead should be buried.
There were many different aspects of divination and spiritualism that had to be studied, and theories that had to be proved. These all provided a very valuable foundation for the development of codes of thought and mental conduct, the discovery of the fundamental workings of the body, the discovery of the harmony that existed within the universe, and the exploration of the depths of the spiritual world.
The goals of immortality and a longer life included the search for constant good health, a greater understanding and control of oneself, the full utilization of the mind, and a greater appreciation of the world beyond the physical aspects of the human body.
Taoism came into being in China between 10,000 and 5,000 BC, and it was through the dedication and hard work of the early Taoists that they were able to develop so many arts and crafts from the foundations and guidelines given to them by the 'Sons of Reflected Light', a sect of people reputed to be over seven feet in height, and who wore a type of clothing that had never been seen in China before. Where they came from is still a mystery, and may remain a mystery forever, but whilst they stayed they taught local craftspeople many different arts and crafts, which were far advance of anything else that existed in those far off days. Many of these skills are still in advance of anything that is in existence even in this present day and age.
Great efforts have been made by the Taoists through the ages to carry on this good work and to pass on this knowledge that was given to them by the 'Sons of Reflected Light'. Unfortunately, since no written records were kept in those far distant days, some of their teachings have no doubt been lost in the realms of time.
Amongst the skills that were passed on are silk-weaving, glass and pottery making, the manufacture of gun-powder, and metal working. The most important of all however, is the vast array of health skills, many of which are still being practised and taught today...

2007-04-14 A thoroughly thought provoking wonder

I had this book handed to me by a friend, and I practiced it for around three months, just by the book alone, during this time I got around the first 50 down. Eventually I found a group of people that taught the art and only a few minor alterations were needed to how i had interpreted the pictures from the book. So i would definitely recommend this book to anybody wanting to find a serious Tai chi form as this is apparently the only Taoist form. But I would suggest that if you have this book or intend buying this book, you find a group that teach the art to help in the understanding.
Also sticky hand, whirling arms and hands, tai chi sword, tai chi dance, and tai chi stick are sections of this art covered briefly so that one can see just how indepth this art actually is
Much of Chee Soo's own thoughts come through this book and allow you to gain a knowledge of how the Tao can be approached in a very simple and childlike way, which after all, is the way.
Chee's closing comment in the book is this
"When strains are no longer felt, strains disappear. When stresses are not experienced, stresses vanish. When aggression is not recognised, it does not exist. When badness is not seen, it ceases to be prevalent. When we no longer think of goodness, it disappears. When we do not think of hate and evil, they both vanish. When we do not recognise 'I', it does not exist. When earth is not seen, then earth ceases to be prevalent. When we no longer compare one with another, then all disappear, and we understand the Tao"
I would say that is the closing remark of someone that knew the way.
Lucky reading...