Customer Reviews:
for the none martial.......2007-03-24
lam shows some detail in this dvd but sadly it isnt any good for anyone wanting to get into internal kung fu[which taiji is].
beginner or not this is watered down for the masses and i doupt there would be any great health benefits from this if any atall.
a good dvd for people only interested in winding down but the health or martial benefits will be in the head alone.....
taiji is taiji not yoga or pilates but many mix them up.
Very effective for learning Tai Chi.......2006-09-03
Based on my experience I can confidently state that one can learn Tai Chi from this DVD.
I have tried books and two other DVDs but this is the best DVD to start with.
Very effective from day 1.
Dr Lam has loads of information at his website and there is a very friendly and helpful forum where you can ask questions. Dr Lam or another expert will answer you.
I was adviced to use this DVD before progressing on to more advanced DVDs. It is best to try and perfect few movements than to learn many.
"Welcome to Tai Chi".......2006-05-14
I think that would be an apt way of looking at this DVD. It's a very good DVD, and is taught very well. I bought it to learn, and learn I did. Dr. Lam, although not talking in his mother tongue, explains the movements very well, and even uses some of his pupils.
If there was one thing I would fault the DVD on, it's that it's ever so slightly fast. I would personally prefer it slightly slower (but maybe that's a personal thing). On the other hand, Dr. Lam can take his time whilst you're stuck in a pose.
Other than these personal niggles, the DVD is very good and well worth buying to learn a few basic movements to start with. The next logical step is the 24 movements (which Dr. Lam has also made a DVD of).
Very Good for Beginners.......2005-07-28
Very good DVD, with the instructor showing a move himself, then having 1 of his students show the move from various angles, al the time telling you precisely where your arms and feet are supposed to be. By the end of the DVD I could do all the moves in a 12 step move (whatever you call it).
The only thing missing would have been more information on breathing, as this is left out, but I guess the DVD is focused on beginners so the aim is to teach you the moves.
I think people with injuries or elderly people who aren't that fit or flexible would find this very helpful, as the Dr goes very slow and very gently explains how not to over-exercise yourself.
All in all great for someone like me who's never done this to learn the basics of Tai Chi. But most certainly a Beginners DVD.
Highly Professional DVD and Top Tai Chi Style for Health.......2005-03-28
This is a Tai Chi DVD for complete beginners, but it doesnt get bogged down with lots of theory and background to Tai Chi.
Dr Lam is a family Doctor as well as top Tai Chi Master. So he has blended his knowledge of the Human body and Health with Tai Chi to create powerful Tai Chi for all body types, ages and physical abilities. He has loads of other dvds out there, but this is the best one to start with.
It begins with easy to learn warm-ups and cool downs and QuiGong Breathing etc. It ends with a 6 form routine which contains a lot of health benefits and many basic Tai Chi movements.
The production values are very high with side, front, back demos and relaxing background music.
All in all I really rate this DVD as it does what it says on the tin. I personally didnt want to get too heavily into the whole Tai Chi philosophy thing. Dr Lam does go through some core principles and so on, but not at great length which means we can get on with the Tai Chi.
Customer Reviews:
Tai Chi For The Mind & Body........2007-07-17
If I remember correctly this is a late 90s production that was once sold on Amazon.com in region 1 VHS format and was titled " David Carradines Tai Chi For The Mind & Body" and received mostly impressive reviews. This long awaited UK DVD version has the added bonus of some nice stuff in the extras menu and also the advantage of being able to choose either the AM (mind) or the PM (body) routine at the push of a button and without any old fashioned fast forewarding.
It is a shame they never kept the Mind & Body title but that does not take away the fact that this is very simple and highly enjoyable and beneficial couple of Tai Chi workouts
The first session is the AM (mind) Tai Chi and fine for any time of day. However if you are looking for a easy and gentle Tai Chi routine to practice before work then this is the perfect choice beacause it does not try to get you to put the individual movements together, which means that you do not need to waste precious time pausing and rewinding and trying to master complete form. The movements are practiced in such a way that you should feel more relaxed without the need to work on the continous form.
This said contrary to other reveiws the complete form is demonstrated by Master Arnolde Tayham over the credits at the end of the PM workout, so the form is there even though there is no pressure put upon you to study it.
The second session is the PM (body) workout which teaches a slightly more energetic form. Dispite what is said in some earlier reviews the complete form is not only demonstrated but the viewer is also shown how to put the movements together into the complete form whilst Carradines narration (and demonstration) explains exactly which way to turn etc.
You are taken through the form perhaps a little too quickly and without enough repeats to be able to go through non stop. Thats OK, that is the idea of having the DVD and being able to use the pause and rewind button but don't expext to finish this second PM session in a relaxed state because for a while at least you will only be feeling the fraustration of failing to keep up with the people demonstrating, but you will finish up with the satisfaction of knowing that you are getting a little better each time you practice.
I would say for learning some Tai Chi and Chi Kung in an unrushed but highly informative yet relaxing manner you really should get "David Carradines Chi Energy Workout". But this PM workout makes an excellent addition even though it is slightly rushed in comparison.
The AM session of this DVD should not be missed either for its simplicity and relaxing tone but I would reccomend buying the "Chi Energy Workout" first and supplimenting it with this DVD at a later date.
It should be noted that Carradines expertise as well as his production methods have come on in leaps and bounds compared with his terrible 80s production titled "David Carradines Introduction To Kung Fu & Tai Chi".
The end.
Amazing.......2007-06-20
I agree with the previous reviewer, I have recently purchased this DVD and wanted to do some form of Tai Chi/Chi Kung without going to classes or trying to learn something that took ages to master. This fits the bill perfectly, everytime I use the AM workout in particular I find it really relaxing and far easy to learn than the complete form, the forms shown are easy to master and really relax the mind and body. Thoroughly recommended.
Its not in the title.......2007-02-28
Was not quite sure about this dvd as there was no synopsis, AM/PM Tai Chi, what the heck is that I thought?
Well I was plesantly suprised.
This is not a dvd that will teach you tai chi long or short form, it is a series of exercises based on the individual forms of tai chi. Each exercise is performed separately from each other not continuously as in Tai Chi. Don't let that put you off though.
If you are looking for pure Tai Chi form then this will not fit the bill but if you are looking for something that uses the beauty and fluidity of Tai Chi to improve your fitness with out devoting years to learning the form then this does it rather well.
I have practiced Tai Chi for many years, but have lapsed in my practice so was looking for a guide to get me back into it. My son has never expressed any interest in the form particularly but he was transfixed by this dvd and was loving following the exercises. His comment was, 'I like doing this, it is not to hard to follow'. So I think that sort of says it all :)
Quality of filming is good and set pleasant to look at, warm up and cool down sections as well. I would recomend this dvd to someone not looking for the pure form.
Customer Reviews:
Movements good - Decor and Personal Presentation Poor.......2007-05-14
I could not accept that I would use this DVD for tuition if I had to look at the background curtains and a generally a scruffy set up.
The moves however and general tuition were sufficient to give you a basis for learning this movement. I am searching for other DVDs of T'ai Chi and will only come back to this one if all else fails.
Excellent tuition - poor dvd layout.......2006-07-22
At 70 years of age I found this to be a really first class tuition course for Tai Chi and my wife and I have now reached lesson 12 (from 18) after some 4 months practice (30 minutes each day). The DVD does however have two major faults :
1 It is very weak on Qigong, where there are much better dvds available.
2 It is not easy to locate your favourite lesson as for some reason the main menu only appears at the end of the dvd ??
A gentle and powerful introduction to t'ai chi.......2006-06-11
I am really enjoying this dvd and would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone. The sitting qigong relaxation exercise is beautiful, my breathing naturally just became so peaceful and at the end I didn't want to move, I just wanted to rest in that balanced state. The movements themselves are set out really well, because Bill takes you through them several times and you can always rewind the dvd to see it as many times as you need to. I like the way that the whole form is broken into lessons. The first time I found that I got confused and wanted to mirror him rather than do the opposite but I managed to get over that. I felt so good when I managed to memorise the first lesson and keep wanting to 'play' the movements all over the place throughout the day! The movements themselves - wow. When you are doing them, so slowly and gently, your whole body just feels balanced and calm, and when you breathe properly in unison with the movements, it is like nothing you have ever experienced - trust me :)
The only thing is that, as a previous reviewer said, I think a bit more care could have been taken with the set, which mostly appears to consist of a blue wavy blanket and lots of mosquito nets hung around the place. However there are some parts where Bill puts all the movements you have learned so far together in the park with lots of tweeting birds, which is nice. Oh another thing is that there is no music either, which I thought was a shame. I am intending to learn from the dvd and then play my own choice of music anyway when I practice.
I used to practice yoga and I liked it, but as far as I am concerned, nothing beats this wonderful feeling from playing t'ai chi, and Bill's dvd is an excellent way to learn.
If you want to learn T'ai chi, buy this!.......2004-11-26
I bought this DVD two weeks ago and so far things are going really well. I have learned nearly half of the twenty minute T'ai chi routine (form) already! I am really enjoying it too. It is very simple to follow (the form is broken down into managabe mini lessons), and if you do find anything a little tricky, simply replay that lesson as many times as you like until you get the movements into your head. I think I am learing much faster than I would if I were going to lessons, although I suppose this is basically like having lessons in your living room, whenever you like. One thing to bear in mind is that you need a reasonable amount of space to be able to do the movements, as you are required to slowly move around; but nothing excessive. Common sense though, I suppose. Bill douglas is very non-threatening, so being a beginner is not a problem. I would give this 5 stars, but perhaps it doesn't go into quite enough detail as regards the mystical/physiological effects, and also the scenery could be a little more imaginative as regards tranquility. However, these are minor points. I think T'ai chi is about doing, and feeling, and once you have been through this DVD you can continue to learn and practice by yourself: relaxing, centering, flowing. In short, I feel that I could not have found anything better for my money. A lifetime of T'ai chi simply and effectively. If you want to go on and learn more later, you can; but start here!
Good - but hard to grasp at first.......2004-10-24
After trying this for the very first time, I found that this DVD is only good to begin with if you already have a good imagination and understanding of Chi. It took me a some time to gain the patience required to start relaxing as I found the instructor, (Bill) cramming too much information into the relaxing part. It's like you are trying to remember what he has just said whilst thinking of breathing control and the light passing through your body parts in order to relax your self. I would of marked this 3 stars but as you listen to it more and more, you find it easier to grasp. As I say it is a good idea to have a little understanding of the whole thing before you begin this kind of thing. I had no idea of what it was all about, it was only brought to my attention from a person I know who does Yoga.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty vacant.......2007-03-17
Pretty video but dangerous. I found myself wondering if I was doing it correctly and realised that I could be actively injuring myself and never realise it... A real class and a real teacher were needed.
Does what is says on the tin.......2006-05-05
I was seeing a physiotherapist to release tension and improve my posture and circulation. Whilst the Physio's exercises dealt well with specific problems I knew I needed an overall routine to improve and improve flexibility, help relieve tension and maintain circulation. These silk reeling exercises do just that. The routines are enjoyable, manageable and effective. If you need to improve and maintain flexibility, circulation, posture and relaxation give this DVD a try.
Tai Chi Works!.......2005-12-07
This DVD contains good, simple to follow movements and sequences. The warm ups are wonderful ...... the Silk Reeling exercises are helping a lot. That sense of well being was there after the first time I followed a sequence. Well worth a look if you're thinking of having a go at Tai Chi, wont be disappointed.
Customer Reviews:
Accessible & Concise.......2007-08-21
I have been a weight trainer and jogger for years and was toying with the idea of taking up a martial art again at 40. With a job involving irregular and late hours I needed a good way of generating flexibility, posture and balance. The series of DVD's from the Australian Tai Chi Academy is first class at allowing you to master concise, clear techniques quickly, without becoming top-heavy in either Chinese mysticism or complicated movements which take weeks to master. Not a substitute for regular cardiovascular/muscle training of course but a vital component of any general fitness programme especially as one moves into middle age. A percentage of these moves you'll already be familar with in any case as Western keep fit classes have already copied them. An excellent and inexpensive introduction.
Well intentioned.......2007-03-17
As well intentioned as these people are they cannot dispute the dangers of trying to learn taiji from a video. Viewers can easily injure themselves as a consequence of poor alignment and poor physical perception.
'Excellent'.......2006-10-17
First class delivery, package and dvd. This is so what i've been looking for. Suffering with a muscle/bone desease but still being young and always been on the go i rate this 100%. Also never been able to shut off or relax. 'yep', this does it. Absolutley load's of exercises, warm up etc, and all easily illustrated. definate buy.
Weak.......2006-06-14
Unfortunately, the guy who stars in this video is just not that good at convincing us that he is a Master of this art. Besides his personal style, which I will make allowance for, his legs wobble which is a huge no-no in Taichi (I'm no master myself), his technique is inconsistent and they've managed to edit the footage in an annoying style where on-set plants get in the way of what you're trying to see and, all too frequently, the relevant portion of the body that is introducing a new movement is out of sight etc. etc.
The advertising makes it seem like some sort of taichi instructional video, which it is definitely not - there are none of the forms that we unenlightened people tend to associate with taichi. If you are looking for a taichi video, much better is the Paul Lam 'Tai Chi - The 24 forms'. You can actually learn a lot from that.
The 2nd star is for the quality of the assistant - she knows what she is doing and moves like a master. Poor old Brett is totally outclassed by his own sidekick. Poor man.
Tai Chi.......2006-03-24
This is an excellent DVD for visual learners who are complete novices. It has basics and many different sequences to do when you become more competent. It was worth every penny!
Customer Reviews:
Very good intructional DVD.......2007-08-15
This DVD is well presented and features warm up exercises, a set of the six basic movements and a further six advanced movements, with warm down and Qigong exercise. Dr Lam carefully explains and shows each movement at a pace anyone could follow. An excellent product.
Terrible quality, no medical viewpoints, but might be useful.......2006-03-02
This DVD is not great. After searching for DVDs on the subject I felt sorely disappointed to find only a handful, of terrible products. This is substandard from start to finish. It's only saving grace is that it has nice packaging! This looks like a low grade VHS, not a DVD and there is no attempt made at anything resembling a scientific appraisal of the impact of Tai Chi on Arthritis. This DVD would have benefited from including some science, some doctors and some real treatments. I am a Tai Chi and Chi Gung practitioner and do sincerely believe many Tai Chi practices will benefit Arthritis sufferers, not in the least because it encourages sufferers to mobilise the joints. Plus Chi Gung has been utilised in Chinese Medicine and hospitals for centuries.
But what is really needed is a combination of: natural pain relief (to ease symptoms), diet changes (to avoid chemical, food and other sensitivities, plus also to correct the candida yeast problem), environmental awareness (to understand and combat environmental triggers ranging from stress, to moulds, to gas, to chemicals), exercises (to maintain and extend range of motion in the joints).... i.e. a holistic approach.
Tai Ci for Arthritis.......2004-11-28
this DVD is excerlent and is easy to follow I practised with this for a long time and have since gone on to attend Paul Lams workshop and attained an instrutors certificate. It certanly helps with arthritis
Customer Reviews:
Full form is a challenge.......2007-10-01
This series of DVDs from the Australian Tai Chi academy in Canberra is excellent at putting Tai Chi within accessible reach of people. The martial arts application contained albeit briefly is, I must admit, something of a token gesture here and is covered more fully by someone like Michael Wong in his Combat Ta Chi series. That said, and in response to previous criticism, the full form takes time. To capture, convey and then translate the movements via DVD isn't easy. But if people start with the other DVDs in the series they'll discover a more graduated approach. Whether one believes in Chi vitality or simply wants a framework to add to their cardiovascular fitness the value of Tai Chi's effectiveness cannot be underestimated. But this DVD is the final step and not a DVD to begin with-Qigong would be better.
Give it a chance!.......2007-10-01
Now Hold ON here! Yes, when you first put the DVD on it IS hard to follow, and it is annoying (infuriating) when the camera pans back to Brett, because you forget where you are going BUT....give it a chance. Do it slowly, learn 2 moves per day and you will find that suddenly what once looked like a minefield looks clearer. This is a great form to learn. I've had this for a few weeks now and I too stomped my feet and spat some fire at the TV Screen BUT it's becoming clearer. Isn't it typical of us in the West; we want it NOW and if we can't have it NOW we spit our dummies out. Stick with it - you won't be disappointed!
Umm strangely the word "Patience" comes to light.
Don't listen to the negative comments. I recommend this DVD.
Disappointment and Frustration Rather then Relaxation.......2007-01-03
As a teaching aid this DVD is a waste of tme and money. Leaving aside the poor quality of the editing and general shots that leave you trying to guess what the 'Form' is supposed to be there seems little awareness of the need to give teaching information in easily digestible bites.
Happily I only rented it and have absolutely no intention of purchasing the item either as a single DVD or as part of the boxed set.
Tai Chi - For Relaxation And Good Health.......2006-07-21
I agree with the previous reviewer, this DVD is very difficult to follow. There is way to much emphasise on artistic impression and nothing like enough on clarity of instruction. You find that as well as not being able to view the whole of the instuctors body most of the time, shots fade from one to another so you cant see what is going on, and also parts of the scenary obscure the instructors feet. The form is split up into small sections which the instructors run through in real time 3 or 4 times, again I would prefer if each movement was explained individually very slowly.
The only way that I could actually learn the form was to constantly use the slow motion and freeze buttons on the DVD player, very frustrating. But I have learned the form now and I find practicing it very enjoyable.
I think this form is worth learning but the way that the instruction is presented here makes the learning process very difficult and frustrating which is a pity as the instructors look to be very skilled and with a little more thought this could be a very good DVD.
I think there are enough good points in the DVD to make it worth buying but you will need to be prepared to do a lot of work with your DVD players remote cotrol to glean all the information that you need to learn the form
Not impressed.......2006-06-16
I was very disappointed with this DVD. I turned it off after the first 3 forms (following the warm-up). Although they looked like they would be good, I couldn't get to grips with them properly, because of the camera work. Brett faced you and Fontaine had her back to you so you saw the form as you would be doing it. I thought that would be good, but most of the time you didn't see her, as the focus was on Brett guiding you through the form. The trouble was (for example), that when he explained a movement, the camera's focus was on his torso, so you couldn't see everything he was doing. Added to that, you couldn't see what he was doing with his legs. I wasn't overly impressed with the style of presentation either. Movements were mentioned as he went along, as if he realised he had forgotten to tell you them at the beginning. Personally I would have preferred it if they had explained what to do slowly and then, showed you the movement in real time, rather than explaining as they did them.
UK DVD:
- Tai Chi Fundamentals [2003] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Firm: Aerobic Body Shaping [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Firm Body Sculpting System 2
- The Firm: Firm Abs [2003]
- The Invasion [2007]
- The Three Faces of Eve [1957] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Thin [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Total Circuit Training: Aerobics & Strength Conditioning [2004] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Tribal Fusion NYC (Bellydance) (All Regions)(NTSC) [2007] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Wai Lana's Little Yogis, Vol. 1 [2003] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
UK DVD List
UK DVD
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Tai Chi - The 24 Forms [2001]
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