Internal Body Mechanics for Tai Chi, Bagua and Xingyi: The Key to High-Quality Internal Structure and Movement

When we talk about the subject of "internal martial arts", it's common to hear generic words like "use your energy". But, how to do it correctly?This book is like an oasis in the desert. You will learn that the most "mysterious, esoteric, fantastic" concepts are based on the correct use of your body structure. Or, to use a more technical word, your own biomechanics.If you intend to be a serious practitioner and get the good results, this book, with absolute certainty, will save you years of training and will preserve your body from practices that, if repeated in the wrong way, may even cause physical injuries.Even though I studied with masters who are members of the Chen family, I had not learned everything that this book teaches in a didactic, easy and objective way.I hope volume II will be produced.

Internal Body Mechanics for Tai Chi, Bagua and Xingyi is unlike most books that are available on the internal arts, in that not only does it present usable information on the basics of the internal martial arts, but it also strips away the mysticism and complex TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theories that so often muddy the waters for most of us. The author, Ken Gullette, is a knowledgeable and respected instructor who practices what he preaches, approaches the arts with a scientific, evidence-based mind, and discounts what he refers to as "woo woo" theories related to Chi-flow and the "energies" so often discussed in the arts. He describes the methods of Tai Chi and other styles not as actual energies as they are often presented, but as concrete, physical body methods of dealing with force and generating power. He is focused on the use of the internal arts as a complete martial system that is primarily a self-defense practice, and not solely on the health and healing aspects of Tai Chi.In this book, Sifu Gullette describes six key body mechanics that are needed to develop real skill with internal martial arts, and that when understood and practiced, leads the way to developing the storied "Iron Wrapped in Cotton" ability of advanced practitioners. Without these key mechanics, tai chi is a physical practice only, relying on brute strength and unrefined movement. Each of the mechanics is presented with exercises, some solo but most with a partner, which can help you test yourself and learn these methods.Sifu Gullette presents this information in straight-forward, clear language, with a healthy dose of humor peppered throughout.If you live in an area that doesn't offer quality instruction in Tai Chi or the other internal arts, or if you feel that your current practice may be missing something, I highly recommend picking up this book.

This book is, in one word, amazing!!! The pearls of wisdom Sifu Gullette imparts in this jewel of a book are priceless. The concepts he explains so clearly give you the insight to how beautiful and powerful the internal arts are. If you are a student of the internal arts, then you need this as your number one book in your library. His manner of speaking and detail to attention are as if you have him over your shoulder, guiding your moves and correcting your mistakes. A must have for any serious student of the internal arts!!

I found Ken's book to be well written and a good introduction for people within the internal martial arts community that are starting to make that transition in their art to actually connecting things to the ground properly. I don't entirely agree with some of what Ken states within the book (i.e. the involvement of fascia), but I don't think that takes away from the overall intent of the book, which is to convey a foundation for people "at that point" in their art.

I’ve been practicing Tai Chi for about 10 years. Started with Yang style, went to Chen, then Chen Pan Ling, and now a yang/Chen blend. No matter the style, you will find great benefits from this book. There is no other book out there like this one that breaks down stuff that is so instrumental to learning Tai Chi. Don’t hesitate and go ahead and pick this one up.

Well written. Got some good pointers out of it. Ken does a great job explaining body mechanics for internal art form practitioners. Worth adding to my collection 😊

IF I KNEW THAT THIS BOOK WAS AN INTODUCTION TO SALE AND BUY DVD'S(5) BY KEN GULLETTE IN ORDER TO UNER STAND KEN GULLETTE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM;I WOULD NOT BUY THIS BOOK!

I received this volume as a gift from a friend. The real world of martial arts is not about tournaments, or doing flashy 'thunder blade' forms, or winning competitions. It is about staying alive, and staying healthy, and surviving confrontations in real life. There are far better materials available here on amazon; 1st class authors and Masters such as Dr. Yang Jwing Ming and Liang Shou Yu, as well as Mike Patterson, C Tang, and Liu Jing Ru offer up their skills in Xingi, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Yiquan with comprehensive manuals and video instruction. if you already have some skill in these arts, and have been at it a few years, and have your theory and body mechanics down, these authors and their literature are for you. IF, however, you are a neophyte, you need to find a real live instructor to school you in the basics of the skills you wish to learn. The book offered here is just not up to that gold standard, as of this edition.

I have a large library of taiji books. This book is the best book yet. There is no b.s. no mystical mumbojumbo. Every thing works as advertised

This program is exactly what I need.Beautifully presented in a clear and interesting way.I definitely will be enrolling for further classes.Patricia

Good, easy to understand book

This book makes the principles simple and easy to understanf. Definitelyrecommend no matter what your martial arts background.

the literature and video aids I have so far found superficial. lacks detail and explanation of very foundational internal practice.I feel like people are almost apprehensive to write confidently about what they know just in case someone else will respond to that with a higher level knowledge.