Page 13 - Simplifying T'ai Chi Rev3 2017

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Prologue

This book is based on a series of notes that I originally wrote for those attending
my T'ai Chi classes for health improvement. It is intended to introduce complete
beginners and novices to the basic concepts and maxims of T'ai Chi and
introductory Qi Gong. Hopefully the simplified content will answer questions,
reassure, dispel misconceptions, and help novices progress along what is
undoubtedly a rewarding road.
It is not intended to teach specific T'ai Chi form or replace the many existing
in-depth books on form and technique that have been written by other formally
trained masters and teachers.
The intended purpose is only to provide a documented reference of introductory
information. Its content is based on the many questions that we are asked and
general discussion that we have with our own beginners.

I have been teaching T'ai Chi for a number of years, have met and trained with
many people and read many books on the subject. It's this combination that has
provided me with a wealth of information that I want to pass on to others.
So please don't read this book and say 'this has been said before by so-and-so', or
'he read this in such-and-such a book'. In reality you may be right - but surely that
is the mandate of any teacher - to read, observe and listen, and then pass on the
knowledge he has gained. Please don't criticise the simplicity of the movement
detail as being only superficially descriptive and lacking the full internal or martial
intent - they are written for those of any ability who are starting their journey.
Do please accept the explanations in this book as my interpretation and
contribution to introducing T'ai Chi to as many people as possible.
Trevor Reynaert 2014

Re-issued 2017 edition

As my 70th birthday approaches I have re-visited this book to make a few subtle
changes to the original pictures and text, and have also added a new section
introducing the beginner to the meditation and body control of Zhan Zhuang.
Currently the world around me is torn with turbulence, extremism and hatred. I'm
sure that I'm not alone in wishing that the friendship, the harmonies of emotion and
the control that T'ai Chi develops in us could be shared and practised by everyone
to bridge the barriers created by religion and politics and produce a more peaceful
future world.

Trevor Reynaert 2017

Flipbook Sample