Why Reading is Essential for Your Tai Chi Chuan Training

In Tai Chi Chuan, reading plays an essential role in complementing your physical practice. If the practice you do in class and at home represents the "Yang" (active, physical) side of your training, then reading and reflection represent the "Yin" (passive, mental) side. During training, you cannot learn all the theory and history of Tai Chi Chuan, which is necessary to understand the art's subtleties. Reading the secrets of the old masters will help you understand the essence of Tai Chi Chuan. Is there a perfect book to get started with? The answer is no, and that’s good news. You have the freedom to explore and learn at your own pace.

Unlike Japanese martial arts, Chinese martial arts like Tai Chi lack rigid standardization. Each Tai Chi school follows a curriculum shaped by the teacher’s lineage, personality, and wisdom passed down through generations of masters. While there are five main styles—Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun—students moving between different Yang-style schools, for example, may be surprised to encounter variations in the same forms.

Mastering Tai Chi is less about memorizing one "perfect" form and more about internalizing the principles and eventually creating your own expression. The ultimate goal is the freedom of freestyle practice, where form becomes a fluid, personal art.

When choosing books on Tai Chi Chuan, consider what aspects of the art most interest you. Are you drawn to learning different forms, understanding core principles, exploring qigong, deepening meditation practices, or delving into martial applications? Below is a curated list of excellent books, categorized by topic, to guide your journey.

Tai Chi Fundamentals and Yang-style short form

• T'ai Chi Ch'uan: A Simplified Method of Calisthenics for Health & Self Defense Paperback (1993) by Cheng Man-Ch'ing

• The Tai Chi Book: Refining and Enjoying a Lifetime of Practice (1998) by Robert Chuckrow

• Sunset Tai Chi: Simplified Tai Chi for Relaxation and Longevity Paperback  2011) by Ramel Rones, David Silver

Tai Chi Principles and “Secrets”

• Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters: Selected Readings from the Masters (1998) by Yang Jwing-Ming Yang

• T'ai-chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Transmissions (1983) by Douglas Wile

Qigong

• The Root of Chinese Qigong 2nd. Ed.: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment (1997) by Yang Jwing-Ming, Thomas Gutheil

• Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body: Qigong for Lifelong Health (2006) by Bruce Frantzis

• Eight simple qigong exercises for health (1997) by Yang Jwing-Ming

Meditation

• Teach Yourself to Meditate: Over 20 Exercises for Peace, Health and Clarity of Mind (1994) by Eric Harrison

• Art of Meditation Paperback (2011) by Matthieu Ricard

• Meditation for the Love of It: Enjoying Your Own Deepest Experience (2011) by Sally Kempton

Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications

• Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan Paperback (2014) by Yang Jwing-Ming

• Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications: Advanced Yang Style (2016) by Yang Jing-Ming

• The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan by Yang Chengfu

Are you a beginner and still unsure where to begin your Tai Chi journey? If you're looking for just one single book to get you started, I recommend Sunset Tai Chi by Master Ramel Rones.

Happy reading!!