Links

MDBG Chinese to English (dictionary for looking up pinyin and characters)

TaichiHealthways.com Master Jesse Tsao’s website is an excellent source of instructional videos in English: https://www.taichihealthways.com/DVD-Video-Categories/ I can recommend his Tai Chi Summer Camp, Tai Chi trips (I’ve done three) and many conferences and workshops.

Essential Books

The references that I turn to again and again. Unfortunately, a couple of them (Li and Rodell) have gone to Book Heaven and are now very expensive. I have all these books in print edition so I can page around in them and underline and write notes in the margins.

Chen’s Taichi Old Frame One & Two by Chen Zhenglei: Laojia Yilu posture-by-posture with photos and explanations.

The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan by Yang Cheng Fu: Yang-style long form posture-by-posture with photos and applications.

Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan by Fu Zhongwen: Yang-style long form posture-by-posture with drawings and detailed descriptions.

Taijiquan (with complimentary DVD) by Li Deyin ($85! 😫): All major Li-family forms (24, 42, 32-sword, 42-sword) posture-by-posture with photos, common mistakes and important points.

A Study of Taijiquan by Sun Lutang: The master’s posture-by-posture explanations. Includes a fascinating biography of Sun Lutang.

Chinese Swordsmanship: The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition by Scott Rodell ($139! 😫): A great read on sword and a useful reference book.

Jesse Tsao: books on a wide range of topics by a great contemporary Chinese master.

My Books!

They’re all MURDER MYSTERIES (what is wrong with me?) except for Red Sky. All links are to Kindle ebook editions. Print editions are available too.

BLUE LAKE: A Mystery – Rural Virginia, 1945. The Second World War had just ended when Alice Hannon found the lifeless body…read more

FREEWHEELING: Murder on the Coast – Beautiful, carefree Randi Bell is oblivious to the danger that surrounds her. She makes excuses for her violently jealous…read more

ACCIDENTS OF LIFE: Murder in the Making – Ex-homicide detective Gil Tillier is called to a bloody crime scene. Local cops are off like hounds on a trail of…read more

LAY DEATH AT HER DOOR – Twenty years ago, Kate Cranbrook’s eyewitness testimony sent the wrong man to prison for rape and murder. When new evidence exonerates him…read more

Non-fiction:

RED SKY IN THE MORNING – Xa Lili was just six years old when full-blown combat erupted in war-weary Vietnam…read more