This book is an introduction to a vast topic

 A very well-written review by an unknown author on Amazon: "I have had an interest in Tai Chi for years. I came across Stephen Hwa's material online a little over 2 months ago and I felt it was a bit different than what I had read about Tai Chi. I bought his introductory and martial arts application DVD and then received this book then purchased his forms DVD set.

This book is an introduction to a vast topic. It is given in a concise yet casual, easy-to-read style. It is not meant to teach the entire Tai Chi form but the principles that the form is based on. "Classical Tai Chi" is the form transmitted to Stephen Hwa from his teacher Young Wabu from his teacher, the very famous Wu Chien Chuan, son of Yang Luchan, the founder of Wu style Tai Chi. This form uses "small circle" or "small frame" movements which rely on more use of "internal discipline" versus most other forms.

Internal discipline in my humble understanding is the use of "core" muscles in the abdomen and back to add remarkable power to the already maximally optimized mechanics of Tai Chi moves. The small movements actually allow the core muscles to kick in and increase the power of the moves. Conversely, large frame movements are great for strengthening the limb muscles but may dissociate their movements from the core. The core movements elicit an unusual sensation of flow through the torso and in the body which feels like stretching and tingling like an energy flow.

Based on my current understanding it would take years of practice to learn to fully harness the internal discipline, yet I have noticed even a beginner like myself can benefit from the appreciation of proper mechanics as taught in Classical Tai Chi and the first awareness of the use of our torso muscles in coordination with the limbs. I believe both beginners and advanced students of Tai Chi will benefit from the mystique-free insights in this book. However, I feel that experiential confirmation of benefits may elude those who do not continue to explore the art and science. This knowledge is applicable to daily life and is free of dogmatic rules and so should be enjoyable to those who like to understand what they are learning."

Peace