Search - Step by Step Tai Chi with Tiffany Chen on DVD

A Thorough Introduction to the Chen Modified Yang-style Form

S. Meckling | Columbus, OH | 03/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am favorably impressed with this complete introduction on the William C. C. Chen Yang-style form. This form is unique enough that it will take months to truly learn the 60-movement choreography. I have the opportunity to learn this form and its related martial arts from a Chen certified instructor but didn't want to waste the first 3 to 6 months just learning the basic form movements. The competence gained through practice with this DVD will allow me to enter into the refinement phase where master instruction is more valuable. Yes, Tiffany's instructions are precise and that is the goal of a good instructional program. "Peace and movement" can be a result of diligent practice, as well as other more beneficial effects, but not the goal of this DVD. This is about grounding the student in the solid fundamentals of the mechanics necessary to perform the movement correctly from which all other things flow.

The innovative features of this DVD are very valuable in understanding the mechanics and breathing of the form performed well. I've found the automatic continuous looping of each segment (12 segments in the entire form) an invaluable tool in learning the form. The momvements in each segment are presented 3 times from slightly different angles and with different vocal instructions on each pass. These can then be looped continuously until sufficiently familiar. The whole DVD can be shown in mirrored format making it much easier to mimic the movements.

If I have one gripe it is that the director of this DVD (as well as other Tai Chi instructional DVDs I've tried) can't stop himself from switching viewing angles in the middle of a movement. It's enough that each segment gets 3 seperate treatments.

Thanks for a great introduction to Grandmaster Chen's form."

Fine, not great.

Mdrredhead | Chicago, IL. USA | 03/18/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I realize that this DVD is step by step, however for beginner's the instructions are confusing and visually it is confusing also. It is very difficult to see what area of the body she is referring too, because the camera angle is wrong. The approach of this instruction also seems to be rather goal oriented rather then being about peace and movement. Tiffany's perfectionistic manner makes this rather less enjoyable than it should be.
As a beginner, I find other DVD's of Tai Chi to be better, such as "discover TAI CHI" with Scott Cole, AM & PM workouts. My goal starting out, was to increase flexibility, balance, and reduce feelings of stress."

This one is worth having...

K. W. Forsythe | Colorado, USA | 01/16/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a presentation of William C.C. Chen's expanded 60 movement version of Cheng Man Ching's Yang style tai chi form. William Chen is well-respected in tai chi circles. The form is presented by his daughter Tiffany Chen.

As noted by other reviewers, the form can be a bit difficult for beginners to follow from the DVD mostly due to the constantly shifting camera angles (hence the 4 stars rather than 5). But the content of the DVD, the instruction, and the form itself are very valuable.

In recent years it seems that everyone and their brother's uncle has produced a tai chi video or DVD (I own dozens of them), and it can be difficult for beginners to identify what's useful versus what is not. This is a good one and worth having. You just have to be a bit patient in trying to decipher things with the changing camera angles. But it's worth it!"

Inspiring Tai Chi Instruction

K. M. Gill | 11/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a taiji quan player for over 25 years and am certified to teach the William C.C. Chen form because Tiffany Chen's father is my grandmaster. While it is very difficult to learn the form from a tape or dvd, Tiffany has developed a very easy-to-follow and beautifully presented program. Experienced players will be able to see the changes in energy that accompany the movements, and beginners will get a wonderful introduction that will hopefully inspire them to seek personal instruction. Certified teachers worldwide are listed on the Grandmaster's website."