Product: The Essence of Taiji Qigong (2005)
Rating: 4.0
Excellent compliment to the book of the same title
"The Essence of Taiji Qigong: The Internal Foundation Of Taijiquan" with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a complimentary DVD to accompany the book of the same title. The book goes into more depth regarding the theory, while the DVD provides video instruction to assist with learning the movements.The first four minutes of the program show Dr. Yang performing a series of movements while a narrator briefly tells the purpose behind Taiji Qigong.Next, come the Qigong Training Procedures: Regulating the body, regulating the breathing, regulating the mind, regulating the Qi, and regulating the spirit. The narrator gives brief descriptions of what you are doing while Dr. Yang performs movements on screen. Not, the descriptions are not regarding the movements Dr. Yang is performing, but the general goals of the procedures. The narrator then lists a couple important points about practice.We are now about seven minutes into the DVD and we get to the Stretching section. First, the goals of stretching are shared. Dr. Yang performs a series of stretches while music plays. This goes right into the warming up section that follows the same format. The narrator shares the goals as Dr. Yang performs the movements for various parts of the body.Around the 29 minute mark, Dr. Yang shows the Wai Dan Standing Still Meditation. Then at 32 minutes we see the moving taiji qigong. First, there are three sets of Stationary Taiji Qigong: Primary, Coiling, and Rocking Sets. The movements of the sets are taught, and then illustrated continuously. At the 92 minute mark, Walking Taiji Qigong is discussed and demonstrated. The picture is clear, Dr. Yang moves gracefully as always, and the narrator's voice is easy to understand, as are the subtitles. The DVD also contains the standard YMAA extras.Over all, I would highly recommend this DVD and the companion book to anyone interested in learning more about Taiji Qigong. I think these two resources would help the Taiji practitioner with understanding and training. So, why only 4 stars? Because I much prefer the DVDs where Dr. Yang actually teaches to the camera. Those DVDs are like you are there learning from him. This DVD just shows him going through the motions as you listen to the narrator. Also, to get the maximum benefit from this DVD, you must use it in conjunction with the book of the same title. I'm glad to have this DVD in my library, and I'll practice some of the movements from it. However, it is not my favorite Qigong resource by Dr. Yang. Add it to your library, but be sure to get his other DVDs to deepen your understanding too.Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series.