Essential Books For Beginners
Dear Students,
You will often hear references to lineage teachers, the classics, Prof. Cheng's insights on Tai Chi, and the Tai Chi principles. The main takeaway is this: learning the form is only the first step toward a profoundly healthier life and the great gate of change. The key lies in studying the classic books written about our practice. In short, familiarize yourself not only with what you practice, but also with the lineage and the importance of the teachers who have preserved the practice for centuries. Use this as your guide: study these works closely, and let them shape your understanding.
T'ai Chi: The "Supreme Ultimate" Exercise for Health, Sport, and Self-Defense by Cheng Man-Ch'ing, Robert W. Smith
This book, by renowned Tai Chi master Cheng Man-Ch'ing, introduces T'ai-chi as a path to a healthier life, a sport, and a method of self-defense. It is a complete, step-by-step manual for beginners.
Note: Our founder wrote this must-have training manual.
Tao Te Ching - Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English
The classic Chinese text was written around the 6th century BCE and is traditionally attributed to the ancient sage Laozi (Lao Tzu). It consists of 81 short, poetic chapters that explore the nature of reality, morality, and how to live a balanced life. If the Tao Te Ching is the blueprint of Taoist thought (explaining the theory of Yin/Yang and Wu Wei), Tai Chi puts that philosophy into physical action, teaching the body to yield, stay rooted, and flow like water. Free PDF
Books For Intermediate Students
The Essence of Tai Chi Ch'uan: The Literary Tradition by Benjamin Lo
The Tai Chi Classics are a collection of historical essays, manuals, and poems written by master practitioners over centuries that outline the core philosophy, internal principles, and combat strategies of tai chi chuan.
Note: Benjamin Lo was a direct student of Prof. Cheng and the first to translate the Classics into English.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers on T'ai Chi Ch'uan
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers on T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Professor Ch'en Wei-ming wrote this book, T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen, as a famous exponent of the Yang style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and a student of the great master Yang Cheng-fu.
This book is based only on what Professor Ch'en heard in his teacher's classes and his own personal questions.
Books For Advanced Students
Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on T'ai Chi Ch'uan by Cheng Man-ch'ing (Author), Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo (Translator), Martin Inn (Translator)
In this scholarly yet practical book, Professor Cheng shows exactly how the postures and movements of t’ai chi work, using examples from anatomy and physics, both internally as energetic principles and externally against opponents. This is a must-have for any serious T’ai Chi Ch’uan practitioner.
Note from Shifu Francisco Alvarez: I have shared this book with many truly excellent Tai Chi teachers in both Yang and other styles of Tai Chi; each one has had the same comment: "This is excellent. Prof. Cheng really got Tai Chi and shared it all in his book."
Lao-Tzu: My Words are Very Easy to Understand by Cheng Man-ch'ing
Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching by Cheng Man-ch'ing
Other Relevant Material
Cheng Man-Ching's Advanced Tai-Chi Form Instructions
With select writings on Meditation, the I Ching, Medicine, and Art
Tao Te Ching. It is always good to explore different translation and see which one resonates with you.
Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English: Tao Te Ching – August 12, 1972
Known for their poetic and elegant translation, a good balance between accuracy and readability.
Ursula K. Le Guin: Lao Tzu : Tao Te Ching October 20, 1998
Her translation is known for its straightforward and accessible language, making it a good option for beginners.
Stephen Mitchell: Tao Te Ching 1988
Mitchell's translation is more poetic and spiritual, emphasizing the mystical aspects of the Tao Te Ching.
A COLLECTION OF WRITINGS FROM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS