Mastering Tai Chi Cane for Health & Self-Defense: Chen-Style, Yang-Style & Stretch-Massage Forms Rooted in the Taoist Eight Immortals

July 21, 2022 Although I have mostly foresworn writing Amazon reviews, I wish to record here my very high praise for the new book: “Mastering the Tai Chi Cane…”, by Jesse Tsao, PhD.As a Yang practitioner, one of my first impressions was that In organization and compactness, it is very like the book, “Tai Chi Ch’uan…” by Cheng Man-ch’ing, including: > brief statements on the magic of Tai Chi -For example, Dr. Jesse’s book begins with stories of the 8 Immortals and their magic. -CMC’s book closes with stories of the Yang family, noting that, “….when one understands the ‘interpreting energy’- one is gradually arriving in the parlor of the supernatural.” > step-by-step descriptions and photos of the postures in the forms (must be evaluated through long-term use) > CMC ends with brief remarks on, and photos of, Pushing Hands. Dr. Jesse’s book ends with the inclusion of the 1912 “The cane as a weapon” , which is a real gem; its inclusion here is brilliant; its photos themselves convey the potential magic of the cane.******************************************************As in many fine books which become personal treasures, there are fine points which add much- for example, the Foreword by Dr. Jeff Tsao, MD.In trying to write this brief appreciation, I have inevitably been drawn into meditation on weaponry in general in tai chi; and the cane in particular as a tai chi weapon. Similar thoughts have been expressed by others, including Dr. Jesse, but I will include the following as food for thought:I can’t be the only one with the family history of a family elder avoiding recapture from the nursing home by whacking (aka, warding-off or penging) the pursuer with a cane. … (Right, Maurice, we are all getting older.) Moral of the story: my Grandmother was returned home, where she died in peace.…And I have witnessed able-bodied strollers in cougar country taking along a cane with the optimistic? idea that they might be able to fend off a cougar with the cane if under attack. Optimistic perhaps, but in self-defense, the first rule is that you must look after yourself; and carrying a cane is being prepared. The cane may also come into play against Gravity when it takes on the guise of an Opponent, and threatens one's equilibrium.Thus:The cane is a practical tool which can undergo instant change from commonly used aid in locomotion, balance, and stability: to WEAPON.It does seem to me that , as well as lending itself to quick hand-offs and application from either side (Peng Left and Peng Right, etc., and see the 1912 Navy booklet) the Tai Chi Cane is one of the few weapons that can easily implement the CAI (Plucking, Grabbing) energy.**********************************For the tai chi romantic, perhaps it must be the sword. In that case, you will want to watch Kurosawa’s Duel at Ganryu Island.Rule of thumb: the makeshift is a basic of weaponry That said, the cane is a time-honored weapon, humble but effective. The practical choice.Thank you again, Dr. Jesse.

Mastering Tai Chi Cane for Health & Self-Defense by Dr. Jesse Tsao inculcates three forms, including Yang Style, Chen Style, and Stretch-Massage, with step by step instructions. Dr. Tsao is an international authority on Qigong, Tai Chi, and Tai Chi weapons. I highly recommend this book along with the companion instructional DVDs for greater study and practice, for any or all of the three forms, for those interested in Tai Chi Cane.This wonderful Tai Chi Cane book starts with a superb forward written by Dr. Tsao's son, Jeff Tsao, MD. I have been purchasing Jesse's Instructional DVDs for near 13 years. It was a delectation to learn more details from Jeff about his father, to get greater insight into the life of Jesse, this internationally respected Tai Chi teacher. The forward is followed by the preface, then acknowledgments, and introduction. The introduction relates to the reader the legendary Eight-Immortals. It covers a summary of footwork, stances, holding and movement of the cane, energy cultivation, and the facing direction of the forms in relation to the compass rose. Subsequent sections include the Yang style, Chen Style, and lastly the Stretch-Massage form. Each form is described posture by posture, with each posture described by several movements and photos. What is particularly cool is the photo series at the end of sections, which I found to be very valuable. This book closes with a section about the author, followed by an excellent supplement entitled “The Cane as a Weapon” by A.C. Cunningham (1912).In summation, I believe this is Dr. Jesse Tsao's second best book. I highly recommend everyone interested in Tai Chi to purchase his Practical Tai Chi Training, which is the best Tai Chi book I've ever read. This Tai Chi Cane book is superior to his Eight-Immortal Flute book in both the posture descriptions and writing. Although I've always been interested in the cane as a weapon, this book has given me a renewed impetus to consider and explore more in-depth this utile weapon, which can be incorporated into daily life and carried everywhere!

Mastering Tai Chi Cane is a wonderful resource both for teachers and students. Master Jesse Tsao makes tai chi cane accessible for a wide audience—beginner and experienced alike. Dr. Tsao’s decades of experience, as practitioner and teacher of tai ch,i gives the reader confidence that the information in the book is authentic and accurate. The book includes instruction on two long forms of tai chi cane and a section on using the cane for health and well-being (stretches and self-massage). Besides detailed explanations of each movement, the book contains “key points” that deepens the reader’s understanding of tai chi principles and martial arts applications. Having been a teacher of tai chi cane for more than a decade this book is now a “go-to” manual for me and my students.

This book is intended and best suited for those who are learning or already know any or all of the Eight Immortal Cane routines created by Dr. Tsao based upon traditional Taoist martial arts practices learned in his home town of Penglai, China combined with traditional qigong, taijiquan, TCM and his doctoral research in Traditional Chinese martial arts. The first routine is largely based on traditional Yang style taijiquan, the 2nd routine is largely based off of traditional Chen style taijiquan cannonfist and the 3rd routine is more stretching and self massage suitable for anyone. This is a unique feature of the book as it focuses equally on health and martial arts. I was fortunate enough to learn the 2nd routine in person from him in 2010 and he has continued to teach and refine the form over the years so I am delighted to have this authoritative reference. Highly recommended for any martial artist or tai chi player interested in incorporating authentic traditional Chinese martial and health practices with a cane into their art.

A very helpful book, which combines a number of themes. It is heartening and inspiring to know, that as one ages, and contemplates using a cane, that it can be a great tool for health and self-defense! This book includes a Yang style Cane sequence, with explanations of key stances and moves, as well as the more explosive Chen Style routine. A health, QiGong sequence is also included. I feel this book will appeal to both a beginner, who gets a good introduction of some core points, such as stances, as well as a more advanced student, who wants to deepen their practice. This is a succinct text , drawn on twenty years experience of teaching cane form, and includes lots of illustrations of every move, and in the QiGong section, details of the key energy meridians, and how particular moves can facilitate healing. It is a first class text. I highly recommend it.

A very well produced book on Tai Chi Cane. There are very few books available on this subject, this one extensively covers two forms, exercises, massage and self defense using a cane. The cane has to be one of the most useful and widely available weapons/exercise tools employed in the martial arts, an everyday item that we will all probably possess and use at some point in our lifetime, why not unlock its full potential?

Tanto si ya sabes Tai Chi como si no, este libro es una excelente manera de aprender formas con un arma poco común: el bastón para caminar. Hay pocas formas de Tai Chi con bastón, y el libro presenta dos de ellas, desarrolladas por el maestro chino Jesse Tsao. Ambas pueden practicarse lentamente como meditación en movimiento, o imprimirles fuerza como entrenamiento de defensa personal. También se incluye una forma de automasaje con bastón, la cual es muy agradable y relajante. Todas las formas incluyen abundantes fotografías, por lo que es fácil aprenderlas. Por último, el libro también incluye un texto antiguo de principios del siglo pasado sobre el uso del bastón para la defensa personal con ejercicios y fotografías. Para mí, esta fue una sorpresa muy agradable.Este libro es el complemento perfecto de los videos del maestro Tsao sobre estas formas, pero también se puede usar independientemente de ellos. Ampliamente recomendable para practicantes de Tai Chi y de las Artes Marciales en general.

Maître Jesse Tsao est un excellent guide pour l'apprentissage des techniques de Taichi et Qigong. J'ai 81 ans et j'apprends encore de lui. J'ai déjà acheté des DVD ex. Wudang Tai chi sword, Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan. Ce livre rend l'apprentissage simple, clair et dynamique. Il utilise les deux styles Yang et Chen. Les nombreuses illustrations facilitent la pratique. Je pratique depuis presque 25 ans à Montréal, Canada.Merci de la rapidité de votre service pour cette dernière publication!

Theorie und Hintergründe sind gut, aber es fehlt ein dvd oder dvd serie