This is dedicated to my teacher and to all my students past, present and especially those (all of us) who find things "difficult", read on please: Review of "Uncovering the Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health by Stephen Hwa
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2010
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Format: Paperback
Stephen Hwa has written a book called "Uncovering the Treasure", Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health. This review concerns that book and largely I try to be in accord with Amazon's recommendations that reviews should be succinct, yet detailed and specific. As a rule Amazon suggests that the review informs readers whether or not the book measures up to: "What I wanted to know before I purchased the book"? For this, I hope the reader will bear with me because I have to play the role of both beginner and practicing student. This is equally difficult because I am a teacher of this art and often find myself lacking the "mind of a beginner" or novice, which as it is said is open to many possibilities, that of the expert being few.
Over and above all of this is my abiding appreciation for what I have learned all these years from Stephen Hwa, Ph.D., whose academic qualifications alone provide ample ability to provide us with such a rational and scientific treatise. This is in addition to the 30+ years he has spent studying and teaching the art. Equally little known is the fact that he was the single student of Yang Wabu (Young Wabu) who was a personal student and disciple of Wu Chien Chuan. I say "single" because Stephen Hwa started in Yang's class with many other students, all dropped out leaving Stephen as the lone student for the next 30 years. One teacher, one student for 30 years.
Yes, it is easy to see I am a "ringer" but the book may really be for those who have wandered the Tai Chi path many years and felt unfulfilled. For those who feel like they have been taken down too many one-way streets and wrong routes regarding the "internal" of this "internal martial art". You will understand my appreciation once you read the book. There is no "flowery", "ethereal" or "new age" language to be found in the book, there is however lots to puzzle over and to practice. The routes to solving the puzzle are clearly delineated however, all the student needs is a small place to practice, a desire to enjoy what they do rather than straining to achieve something and some time and gumption. Here in brevity is what I might have wanted to know (as a beginner or practitioner) before I purchased the book.
* What is meant by "internal energy" and what is the way to get it?
* How do all those types of "forms", (large, compact, square, etc.) fit into a learning program?
* What pieces am I missing in order to learn Tai Chi?
* How does the way I align myself contribute to gaining internal energy?
* Why are there seemingly so many rules to follow when learning this?
* Why does it seem so complex and difficult many times?
* If Tai Chi originated from martial artists, why is it what I see many times looks like dance?
* What in the world can I gain from doing Tai Chi?
* Are there any dangers in doing this, what should I cultivate, what should I avoid?
* Why does it take so long to learn?
* This art has no "belts" what distinguishes beginners from advanced?
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