Books

Tai Chi by Cheng Man-Ching & Robert Smith

This book contains Cheng’s short form with photos of Master Cheng.  Photos are in mirror image which some people find difficult to follow.  Contains insights into basics, applications and classics.

Tai Chi, Mind and Body by Tricia Yu

This book includes very good instructions on Tricia Yu’s Tai Fundamentals Movement Patterns and Tricia’s simplified adaptation of the traditional Cheng Man-Ching form.

Tai Chi Handbook by Herman Kauz

I recommend this book for beginning tai chi ch’uan students only.  Its photos and instructions of the Cheng form are the easiest to follow. However, the execution of the postures has flaws. This book helps if you want to know how to get from one posture to the next. 

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne

East meets West. A Harvard professor’s overview of Tai Chi incorporating eastern philosophy as well as recent scholarly research on the benefits of tai chi. Well written.

Cheng Tzu’s Thirteen Treatise on T’ai Chi Ch’uan by Cheng Man Ch’ing translated by Benjamin Lo and Martin Inn

This book has Master Cheng’s famous thirteen chapters about various aspects of tai chi. This somewhat esoteric book contains valuable insights on the nature of tai chi. It also contains photos and instruction on the form including the practical applications of the moves. 

The Essence of T’ai Chi Ch’uan by Lo, Inn, Amacker & Foe

This is a translation of the T’ai Chi classic writings. The classics are essential for the serious tai chi student.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu

There are many translations of this classic of Taoism, the philosophy behind tai chi. I like the translation by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English.