Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Tai Chi videotape
From: <BIGCU@CUNYVM.BITNET>
Date: Sunday, 22 Nov 1992 23:23:48 EST
Organization: City University of New York/ University Computer Center

A friend of mine, Marc Kaczmarek, is a photographer and self-employed video
producer.  (Well, actually, he's my haircutter - guess you gotta make money
somehow!) He has recently published a 90 minute video about Tai Chi entitled
"Tai Chi in New York".  I know his attention to detail and his attitude - it
is very good tape.  It is essentially a non-profit venture (he would have to
sell over 5000 tapes to break even - he expects to sell a few hundred and
has targeted public libraries since he wants people to have free access to
the tape), so I told him I'd mention the tape on the net since perhaps
someone is looking for such a thing.  The remainder of this post is the
blurb about the tape.  I hope this is not taken to be a commercial posting
but rather as an informational one.  Though I DO give an address and phone
number for him, I have no financial interest in this whatsoever.

Here's the letter he sent out soliciting libraries.  Words are his, typos
are mine :-)

"Dear Librarian,

I have just completed a 90-minute videotape about the ancient Chinese
exercise and martial art of Tai Chi, which I hope will find a place in your
collection.  A three-part tape, "Tai Chi in New York" tells the true story of
Master Shan-Fu Meng who first began to study at age forty, in his discipline
amid the chaotic energies of New York.

Every morning at 6AM, on a deserted waterfront pier, Master Meng leads a group
of students through the forms of Tai Chi within view of the Brooklyn Bridge
and the towers of the city's financial center.  Opening with this scene, the
video goes on to narrate how David, one of Master Meng's Western students,
went out walking one morning after a sleepless night and unexpectedly came
upon the elderly master doing his forms.  Intrigued by the calm and strength
generated in the exercises, David returned day after day to watch from a
respectful distance and gradually began to imitate Meng's movements.  Finally,
convinced of David's seriousness, Master Meng made a gesture that said,
"Follow me," and then the real teaching began.

The videotape allows any viewer to "follow" Master Meng, not only through the
story of his life and teaching, but also through some important, basic
exercises of Tai Chi.  In the second part of the tape, Master Meng
demonstrates eight forms essential to Tai Chi Chuan Yang style, including the
long form, partnered push forms, and several sword forms.  The third and final
section features a step-by-step demonstration of exercises designed to
strengthen the body, improve circulation and relieve stress.  These are
exercises that anyone can do; they are particularly useful for people with
back problems or other kinds of stress-related injuries.

With its emphasis on a sense of discovery, "Tai Chi in New York" is a film for
anyone who wants to improve their health, increase concentration, and achieve
a strong sense of well being.  For those interested in learning more about the
Chinese culture and the martial arts, the tape also makes important points
about the special relationship between students and teachers in these ancient
disciplines and the genuine alternatives offered to us by Eastern tradition.

Two years in the making, this videotape meets high professional standards for
imagery and sound.  It features calligraphy and original music specially
composed for the tape.  I made "Tai Chi in New York" partly to honor Master
Meng, but also because I want to share the benefits of Tai Chi with a wide
audience.  For this reason, my first efforts as distribution focus on public
libraries like your own, where many people can have free access to the tape.
You can order a copy for your library by completing the enclosed form and
sending a check or money order for $49.95, plus $3.00 for shipping and
handling.  I have enclosed some further information about the tape and a copy
of the jacket design.  if you have any further questions, please write, or
call me at (212) 431-7748.

                                    Yours sincerely,

                                    Marc Kaczmarek
                                    Studio 505
                                    P.O. Box 2031
                                    New York, NY 10013"
-------
Bill Gruber   BITNET: BIGCU@CUNYVM  Internet: BIGCU at CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU
City University of New York Computer Center

Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts