Tai Chi Healthways

Compact Tai Chi Sword in Mixed Styles blends Tai Chi with various sword techniques, including Wudang sword, Ming Dynasty General Qi Jiguang's (1528-1588) long saber (Miao-dao), Yu Chenghui’s two-handed longsword, and Medieval long-sword methods. Both Qi and Yu hailed from Penglai, China, my hometown, where the historical use of longswords in martial arts training is abundant. This routine serves as my homage to this tradition. Its core focus is utilizing the sword as a tool for body conditioning and harnessing inner energy, emphasizing dragon and tiger strength, while also integrating practical sword defensive and offensive techniques. Notably, there's a seamless connection between weapons and tai chi bare hand routines. While a standard-sized sword suffices, a heavier longsword facilitates training the back, waist, and hips for blade movement, minimizing reliance on arm muscles.

Practical Stretching Anywhere in the Qigong Way - II

This is the 2nd set of practice, a little more dynamic. Stretching is an excellent thing you can do for your health. Without the need of a floor mat, these simple yet effective moves can help you limber up for tai chi and Qigong practice or any sports, improve your balance and prevent falls, increase your flexibility, and even help relieve arthritis, back, and knee pain. Dr. Jesse Tsao shared his practice based on traditional Chinese tai chi and Qigong practices. They are easy and practical to use anywhere, each posture has Qigong energy circulation benefits, and they can be customized to your ability anywhere from easy to challenging. You’ll find these moves can boost overall flexibility and loosen up tight muscles, including specific stretches to ease back pain, stiff hamstrings, and the neck and shoulder pain that comes from spending too much time sitting at a desk staring at a computer!

Tai Chi Cane in Simplified Form 24 Template is a specialized practice that incorporates the use of a cane within the context of the Simplified Tai Chi Form 24. This practice serves both self-defense purposes and facilitates the training of body energy extension through the cane. Following the publication of my book, "Mastering Tai Chi Cane for Health & Self-defense," I have received numerous requests from readers, particularly beginners and instructors, for a simpler Tai Chi cane form.

My inspiration for this simplified cane form came from the traditional Tai Chi Eight Immortals Cane I & II, rooted in my hometown's practices. While these routines are excellent, they can be quite challenging for newcomers. In contrast, the Simplified Tai Chi Form 24, originally created by Li Tianji and popularized by my teacher, Professor Li Deyin, is widely acknowledged for its gentle and graceful movements, making it an ideal introduction to tai chi for beginners.

In creating this cane routine, I have adapted the Form 24 template to cater to beginners, aiming to honor and carry forward the teachings of Professor Li Deyin while making tai chi with a cane accessible to a broader audience.

Tai Chi Hiking Staff for Self-defense

Weapon training is an important aspect of Tai Chi, with the sword being the most popular weapon. However, in modern life, it’s impractical to carry or use a sword in public spaces. The Tai Chi Hiking Staff offers a practical alternative, combining an everyday tool with Tai Chi’s graceful movements. Its portability makes it ideal for exercise and self-defense, bridging ancient martial arts with modern fitness. The hiking staff can be switched to handle position swiftly between single and double-handed grips because it is bladeless, and it can also mimic long-handled weapons like the spear or Guandao, providing a full-body workout and cardiovascular benefits, which is why I’ve integrated these postures into the routine.

Tai Chi Qigong Hiking Staff for Beginners serves as an "appetizer" to the main routine, Tai Chi Hiking Staff for Self-Defense, offering a gentle introduction to the foundational movements. The postures incorporate basic martial arts techniques while blending elements of Tai Chi and the Five Animal Frolics (五禽戏). This unique fusion creates a holistic practice that not only prepares the body for more advanced routines but also deepens the experience with core martial arts principles. Suitable for all ages and body conditions, this introductory set can also stand alone as a complete Qigong practice, fostering both physical well-being and inner balance.

Weighted-ball training with Tai Chi Silk Reeling (chan-si) and Self-massage, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao of Tai Chi Healthways, is one of the most effective ways to enhance your energy circulation and improve your balance, endurance, bone density, and core strength. Moving the ball around your torso massages your inner organs and reflects the inner dan-tian rotation. The weight helps develop your rooting and leg strength. Momentarily extending the ball away from the torso will improve your arm strength It can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Strong muscles lead to strong bones, and strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Harvard Health Publications remarks that “a combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40.” As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after a minor fall or even a simple everyday activity such as bending over to tie a shoelace. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. Even walking across a room without help may become impossible. Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several studies show it can even build bone, offsetting age-related declines in bone mass. Practicing tai chi with a weighted ball puts healthy stress on the bones and can promote the activity of bone-forming cells. The result is stronger and denser bones.

Practical Stretching Anywhere in the Qigong Way

Stretching is an excellent thing you can do for your health. Without the need of a floor mat, these simple yet effective moves can help you limber up for tai chi and Qigong practice or any sports, improve your balance and prevent falls, increase your flexibility, and even help relieve arthritis, back, and knee pain. Dr. Jesse Tsao put together this stretching routine based on traditional Chinese tai chi and Qigong practices. They are easy and practical to use anywhere, each posture has Qigong energy circulation benefits, and they can be customized to your ability anywhere from easy to challenging. You’ll find these moves can boost overall flexibility and loosen up tight muscles, including specific stretches to ease back pain, stiff hamstrings, and the neck and shoulder pain that comes from spending too much time sitting at a desk staring at a computer!

Tai Chi Ball in Form 24 by Dr. Jesse Tsao is adapted from the Simplified Tai Chi Form 24 to honor his teacher Professor Li Deyin of Beijing Renmin University, who is the most significant expert making tai chi worldwide popular today. This routine stays as close as possible to the original 24 postures with a ball in between the hands. The practice uses dan-tian (lower abdomen) rotation to generate torso movement, which leads to ball movement, to develop internal energy and core strength. The ball is usually made out of rubber, wood, steel, or even stone, and typically weighs between 2 and 30 lbs. This form will help you sink your center of gravity, improve balance and posture, tone muscles and tendons, and enhance internal power. You can start with a lighter medicine ball and then work up to a heavier one over time. This is a new curriculum of the Tai Chi Healthways instructor training program.

Tai Chi Ball Neigong by master Jesse Tsao shares a traditional practice to develop internal energy and core strength. The practice uses dan-tian (lower abdomen) rotation to generate torso movement which leads to ball movement. The ball is usually made out of rubber, wood, steel, or even stone, and typically weighs between 5 and 30 lbs. This practice will help you sink your center of gravity, improve balance and posture, tone muscles and tendons, and enhance internal power. You can start with a lighter medicine ball and then work up to a heavier one over time. This is a new curriculum of Tai Chi Healthways instructor training program.

Tai Chi Ball Strength Training in Chen Style

Weighted-ball training in tai chi forms is one of the most effective ways to improve your balance, endurance, bone density and core strength. It can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Strong muscles lead to strong bones, and strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis.  It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight. 

Harvard Health Publications remarks that “a combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40.” As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after even a minor fall or far less obvious stress, such as bending over to tie a shoelace. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. Even walking across a room without help may become impossible. Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. This is tremendously useful to help offset age-related declines in bone mass. Practicing tai chi with a weighted ball puts healthy stress (tugging and pushing) on bones and can nudge bone-forming cells into action. The result is stronger and denser bones.

Weighted-ball Strength Training in Sun Style Tai Chi, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao of Tai Chi Healthways, is one of the most effective ways to enhance your energy circulation and improve your balance, endurance, bone density, and core strength. Moving the ball around your torso massages your inner organs and reflects the inner dan-tian rotation. The weight helps develop your rooting and leg strength. Momentarily extending the ball away from the torso will improve your arm strength It can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Strong muscles lead to strong bones, and strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Harvard Health Publications remarks that “a combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40.” As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after a minor fall or even a simple everyday activity such as bending over to tie a shoelace. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. Even walking across a room without help may become impossible. Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several studies show it can even build bone, offsetting age-related declines in bone mass. Practicing tai chi with a weighted ball puts healthy stress on the bones and can promote the activity of bone-forming cells. The result is stronger and denser bones. This video compliments Dr. Jesse Tsao and Jason Weil’s book Practical Tai Chi Training: A 9-Stage Method for Mastery, published 2021, the #1 Best Seller on Amazon new books on Tai Chi and martial arts.

Tai Chi Ball Strength Training in Wu Style

Weighted-ball training in tai chi forms is one of the most effective ways to improve your balance, endurance, bone density and core strength. Dr. Jesse Tsao created this practice for Tai Chi Healthways's instructor curriculum. It can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Strong muscles lead to strong bones, and strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Harvard Health Publications remarks that “a combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40.” As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after even a minor fall or far less obvious stress, such as bending over to tie a shoelace. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. Even walking across a room without help may become impossible. Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. This is tremendously useful to help offset age-related declines in bone mass. Practicing tai chi with a weighted ball puts healthy stress (tugging and pushing) on bones and can nudge bone-forming cells into action. The result is stronger and denser bones.

Tai Chi Ball Strength Training in Yang Style

Weighted-ball training in tai chi forms is one of the most effective ways to improve your balance, endurance, bone density and core strength. It can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Strong muscles lead to strong bones, and strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Harvard Health Publications remarks that “a combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40.” As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after even a minor fall or far less obvious stress, such as bending over to tie a shoelace. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. Even walking across a room without help may become impossible. Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. This is tremendously useful to help offset age-related declines in bone mass. Practicing tai chi with a weighted ball puts healthy stress (tugging and pushing) on bones and can nudge bone-forming cells into action. The result is stronger and denser bones. This DVD video compliments Dr. Jesse Tsao and Jason Weil’s book Practical Tai Chi Training: A 9-Stage Method for Mastery, published 2021, the #1 Best Seller on Amazon new books on Tai Chi and martial arts.

Joint locks (Qin-na ��拿 ) are a key element of tai chi self-defense and are based on the tai chi principles of adhering and sticking. Tai Chi Bang Qin-na Joint Locks in Chen Style, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao, provides you with an effective training method to develop your grasping ability with spiraling inner strength. Not only for tai chi practitioners, the training methods develop fundamental skills that can augment the practice of Aikido, Jujitsu or Judo techniques.  The short stick simulates the opponent's forearm, and training with the stick facilitates the development of coordinated hand movements 两手相搏相系 that are integrated with the tight spiraling action of the torso, providing highly effective and powerful self-defense reactions 太极圈要越练越小紧凑. It is also an excellent therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritic hands, strengthening and stretching the muscles and tendons for improved range of motion and dexterity.

Tai Chi Bang for Joint Locks in the Sun Style 

Joint locks (Qin-na擒拿 ) are a key element of tai chi self-defense and are based on the tai chi principles of adhering and sticking.  Tai Chi Bang for Joint Locks, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao, provides you with an effective training method to develop your grasping ability with spiraling inner strength. Not only for tai chi practitioners, the training methods develop fundamental skills that can augment the practice of Aikido, Jujitsu or Judo techniques.  The short stick simulates the opponent's forearm, and training with the stick facilitates the development of coordinated hand movements 两手相搏相系 that are integrated with the tight spiraling action of the torso, providing highly effective and powerful self-defense reactions 太极圈要越练越小紧凑. It is also an excellent therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritic hands, strengthening and stretching the muscles and tendons for improved range of motion and dexterity.

Tai Chi Bang Qin-na Joint Locks in the Wu Style

Joint locks (Qin-na ��拿 ) are a key element of tai chi self-defense and are based on the tai chi principles of adhering and sticking. Tai Chi Bang for Joint Locks, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao, provides you with an effective training method to develop your grasping ability with spiraling inner strength. Not only for tai chi practitioners, the training methods develop fundamental skills that can augment the practice of Aikido, Jujitsu or Judo techniques.  The short stick simulates the opponent's forearm, and training with the stick facilitates the development of coordinated hand movements 两手相搏相系 that are integrated with the tight spiraling action of the torso, providing highly effective and powerful self-defense reactions 太极圈要越练越小紧凑. It is also an excellent therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritic hands, strengthening and stretching the muscles and tendons for improved range of motion and dexterity.

Joint locks (Qin-na ��拿 ) are a key element of tai chi self-defense and are based on the tai chi principles of adhering and sticking.  Tai Chi Bang for Joint Locks, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao, provides you with an effective training method to develop your grasping ability with spiraling inner strength. Not only for tai chi practitioners, the training methods develop fundamental skills that can augment the practice of Aikido, Jujitsu or Judo techniques.  The short stick simulates the opponent's forearm, and training with the stick facilitates the development of coordinated hand movements 两手相搏相系 that are integrated with the tight spiraling action of the torso, providing highly effective and powerful self-defense reactions 太极圈要越练越小紧凑. It is also an excellent therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritic hands, strengthening and stretching the muscles and tendons for improved range of motion and dexterity.

Designed by Dr. Jesse Tsao, practice is designed to effectively stimulate the body’s energy meridians in a safe and gentle manner. Based on 16 simple and popular tai chi postures, the repetitive slow relaxed movements and abdominal breathing will help you relieve suffering due to anxiety, asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, muscle strain and pain, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, and many other ailments.  It will also strengthen your core muscles and help develop your balance and leg strength. This practice can be used as preventive therapy for everyone who wishes to reap the benefits of an improved quality of life

This is a therapy (or preventive practice) for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or Parkinson's Disease.  The stick provides you with a focal point to help  with hand-eye coordination.  The twisting moves can stimulate energy circulation in your fingers and wrists, prevent frozen shoulders, and improve the elasticity of the tendons around your elbows.  Combined with various tai chi postures, it stretches and tones your muscles, activates the hip and knee joints, improves the flexibility and strength of your spine, and  prevents lower back pain. The practice is adapted from the tai chi joint locking techniques of qin-na, a traditional  secret training approach for developing spiral inner energy.  Therefore, this routine can also be used as a martial arts drill.

This is designed for people with physical difficulty of standing or recovery from medical treatment.  You can still practice to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, hand arthritis.  The stick provides you with a focal point to help  with hand-eye coordination.  The twisting moves can stimulate energy circulation in your fingers and wrists, prevent frozen shoulders, and improve the elasticity of the tendons around your elbows.  It stretches and tones your muscles, improves the flexibility and strength of your spine, and  prevents lower back pain. The practice is adapted from the tai chi joint locking techniques of qin-na, a traditional  secret training approach for developing spiral inner energy.

Poor balance is a common issue for older adults and is a major cause of falls that send millions of people each year to the emergency room. Based on his 20 years of working for Cigna Healthcare's Disease Prevention program, Dr. Tsao created this Tableside Tai Chi Therapy practice to help you safely develop a better sense of balance and stability.  With a table as support, you can practice with confidence to improve your balance, while at the same time building strength, mobility, and agility. Tai chi can improve your posture, increase muscle strength and speed, sharpen reflexes, expand flexibility, and strengthen your core.  This DVD gives you step-by-step instructions for Tai Chi and Qigong exercises that will help you stay active and independent as you age.

We have already produced Tai Chi Warm-Up 18 forms to help pump blood to your muscles. Here is the cool-down 12 Forms with more neigong practice as the core concept to loosen up your muscles and return your energy. This can be used for any sport activity or physical workout cool-down. Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's breathing patterns and energy circulation.  (Difficulty: Beginner Level). (60 minutes)

This form is created strictly based on Chen style tai chi postures and self-defense applications, especially the Silk Reeling and Xinjia's small circles leading to large movements.  All moves are clear in practical martial arts meanings from authentic Chen family tai chi.  Dr. Jesse Tsao presents this routine to honor his Chen tai chi lineage, Sifu Grandmaser Chen Zhenglei, as well as other grandmasters such as Chen Xiaowang and Zhu Tiancai.  Dr. Tsao gained inside knowledge from hosting them across man y workshops since the early 2000s.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's martial meaning.   (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels). (60 minutes)

Tai Chi Neigong Shibashi in Chen Style Compact 18 Forms is created strictly based on the Chen family traditional postures.  Posture is only a tool to cultivate inner energy, the neigong is your goal. Repetitive drill on each posture is easy for a beginner to learn, it also provides the opportunity for advanced students to ascertain the feeling of inner work layer by layer.  It is designed for Zoom teaching to fit limited space for home or corporate onsite practice. This is also a perfect short form to lead beginners into a long form routine.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's main neigong concept.  (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels). DVD, (68 minutes).

Tai Chi Neigong Shibashi in Sun Style Compact 18 Forms is created strictly based on the Sun family traditional postures and the character of flexible steps.  Posture is only a tool to cultivate inner energy, the neigong is your goal. Repetitive drill on each posture is easy for a beginner to learn, it also provides the opportunity for advanced students to ascertain the feeling of inner work layer by layer.  It is designed for Zoom teaching to fit limited space for home or corporate onsite practice. This is also a perfect short form to lead beginners into the Sun long form.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's main neigong concept.  (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels). DVD, (68 minutes).

Tai Chi Neigong Shibashi in Wu Style Compact 18 Forms is created strictly based on the Wu family traditional postures and character.  Posture is only a tool to cultivate inner energy, the neigong is your goal. Repetitive drill on each posture is easy for a beginner to learn, it also provides the opportunity for advanced students to ascertain the feeling of inner work layer by layer.  It is designed for Zoom teaching to fit limited space for home or corporate onsite practice. This is also a perfect short form to lead beginners into the Wu long form.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's main neigong concept.  (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels). DVD, (68 minutes).

Tai Chi Neigong Shibashi in Yang Style Compact 18 Forms is created strictly based on the Yang family traditional postures.  Posture is only a tool to cultivate inner energy, your goal is to gain neigong. Repetitive drill on each posture is easy for a beginner to learn, it also provides the opportunity for advanced students to ascertain the feeling of inner work layer by layer.  It is designed for Zoom teaching to fit limited space for home or corporate onsite practice. This is also a perfect short form to lead beginners into the long form 108.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's main neigong concept.  (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels). DVD, (68 minutes).

Tai Chi staff in Yang Style Form 24 is totally based on the popular Simplified Tai Chi in Form 24.  It is easy to learn for people who know the barehand form.  The purpose is to use the staff to train your neigong and neijing, your internal power.  Strike with the staff to create vibration force, kicking back to your body to improve your structural alignment and balance.  This is created for Tai Chi Healthways' instructor program and continuing training curriculum, and is also made to honor Professor Li Deyin who is the icon of Tai Chi Form 24.  Dr. Tsao trained under him for 10 years in Beijing, China. Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's martial application, and showed where it comes from the original barehand form.   (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels).  (60 minutes).

Tai Chi Staff/Pole in Chen Style Form 36 is a combination of staff and spear methods and pole shaking to develop your internal strength and whole-body connection.  Dr. Jesse Tsao is carrying forward the teaching of his Sifu Chen Zhenglei's, Pole Shaking 13 Forms.  This routine was developed for Tai Chi Healthways' instructor certification curriculum.  The staff is under 8' long, so it can be carried inside a car for outdoor practice, but it is just long enough to practice the pole-shaking mechanics.  (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels) (60 minutes)

Starting with relaxation warm-ups, followed by the five most commonly practiced tai chi postures and wind-down with body energy channel patting, Dr. Jesse Tsao leads you into the wonder of tai chi practice effortlessly. Inspired by Professor Peter Wayne’s new tai chi book, this DVD is Master Tsao’s interpretation in response to his simplified tai chi program: 12 weeks to a healthy body, strong heart, and sharp mind. Detailed instruction with tai chi internal energy explanation by Master Jesse Tsao in English with front and back view demos. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggest 20 class hours.

Based on the classic tai chi energy circulation, self-healing and self defense, this short form is designed for daily stress reduction, banish fatigue, and energy enhancement to improve over all well-being physically, emotionally and psychologically. It can be downloaded onto a smart phone and practiced in an office room. This is Tai Chi Healthways new product for Corporate Tai Chi program.  Dr. Jesse Tsao teaches in English with front and back views. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggested 25 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

All moves are practical, useful techniques for self-healing and self-defense, based on traditional Yang Style Tai Chi for ease of learning and recall. Combined with the fan's openings and closings, one practices stress release and energy circulation.  It also emphasizes self-defense as each move has clear martial meaning.  The closed fan can be a baton to deflect, strike, stab, or bludgeon an opponent.  The open fan can be used to shield, distract, or even cut because traditionally, the ribs of the fan would have sharpened points.  Dr. Jesse Tsao created this routine based on his Ph.D. research on traditional Chinese exercise for disease prevention and well-being. He teaches in English with reviews after each lesson. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggested 20 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

It is good for beginners, each posture provides you the skill necessary to the next move. It is also know as Tai Chi 10 Form if you count the opening ans closing forms. Created by Chinese Sport Committee as the Level - 1 Tai Chi, Yi-duan Taiji. Dr. Jesse Tsao teaches in English with front and back views. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggested 25 class hours.(Difficulty: Beginner Level)

This well-kept Tai Chi secret develops many aspects: Section 1 develops concentration and balance, Section 2 works on joint flexibility and arm strength, and an optional, bonus Section 3 trains self-defense skill. The routine is based on characteristic Tai Chi postures with the traditional “eight-immortal flute's" martial functions. Detailed instruction is given in English with a front and back view demonstration. Suggest 20 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level, Advanced for Section 3)

It teaches basic Tai Chi patterns for hand movements, major footwork and stances, and connects them with yin and yang philosophy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This video also discusses the "Thirteen Essential Techniques" in self-defense applications of Tai Chi moves. (peng lu ji an cai lie zhou kao jin tui gu pan ding). Beginners will have a solid understanding in the fundamentals of Tai Chi and will be ready to move on to any routine. Master Tsao teaches in English. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggest 15 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level).

It is a combination of Tai Chi, Qigong, Taoist 8-Immprtal Cane, and traditional Chinese medicine energy points stimulation practice. It opens body%u2019s blockages to let energy flow flushing out stress, clean out stagnation and toxin. Dr. Jesse Tsao created this routine based on his Ph.D. research on traditional Chinese exercise for disease prevention and wellbeing. He teaches in English with side-view review. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi for Vitality is based on Dr. Jesse Tsao's PhD research project, combined tai chi posture with Qigong practice to open meridian channels and develop the inner energy (neigong) to prevent disease and strengthen the internal power. This instructional DVD is packed with energy-boosting techniques that will have you outpacing, outlasting, and outperforming friends who are years younger. No matter your age, you can possess energy that lasts all day — and into the night. Instructed by Master Jesse Tsao in English with reviews after each lesson. It is good for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation

This unique Tai Chi form uses an ancient tool called a Ruler which when used along with intention and breath cultivates and directs Qi throughout the body.  It is a great tool to eliminate worries and release ourselves from the past confusion.  This beginner-friendly form concludes with a step by step guide on how to use the Ruler to stimulate major acupressure points on the neck, back, shoulders, and scalp, making it a fun qigong session to share with a friend.  Instructed by Master Jesse Tsao and Jill Whinnery in English with reviews after each lesson. � It is good for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggested 20 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

 There are 8 energy applications and 5 footworks: peng, lu, ji, an, cai, lie, zhou, kao; jin, tui, gu, pan, ding.  All Tai Chi forms are variations and combinations of these fundamental skills.  Understanding these will provide you with the key to unlock many secrets of Tai Chi practice.  Detailed instruction is given in English with a front and back view demonstration. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

Four-Season Tai Chi II - Summer This is part of a series of Tai Chi forms following the change of seasons for a healthy life.  According to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing), the essence of the summer season is flourishing and growth.  Therefore, Tai Chi practice should be active and release the abundance of yang energy, exercising the cardiovascular system and preparing for harvesting energy in the autumn. Chen Style Tai Chi is the favored practice among young people and martial artists.  It is characterized by spiraling and coiling, occasional powerful strikes, stamping, and jumping.  All of these motions from the core, driven by internal power, and will train you to develop inner strength.  This short form is a combination of Master Tsao's studies from recent years with Grandmasters Chen Zhenglei and Zhu Tiancai.  He teaches in English with front and back views.  Suggested 25 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Levels)

This is the most popular routine practiced in the world today. It is created mostly from the traditional Yang Style for beginners. This DVD video teaches the standard 24 movements posture-by-posture with repetition and explanation by Master Tsao in English. The entire routine is demonstrated in both front and back views. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggest 25 class hours.

 According to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing), the essence of the autumn season is gathering and harvesting.  Therefore, Tai Chi practice refrain from excess emotion, remaining calm and gathering energy through breathing exercise to enhance lung function.  This will prevent lung illness and benefit the conservation process of the winter season.  Suggest for beginners and middle-age people.  Master Tsao teaches in English with front and back views.  Suggested 25 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Levels)

There are not enough references of Tai Chi's applications in self-defense today because it has been de-martialized from its original fighting purpose to make its way into the general population.  Master Tsao shares with you his research and 30 years of teaching experience in the major applications of Simplified Tai Chi Form 24.  The principles are based on Tai Chi Classics: to redirect or borrow an opponent's force first, then strike his weak point.  This video reveals Tai Chi's fighting secrets in an easy-to-understand and use manner.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 25 class hours.  Instructions are given in English.  Played by Master Jesse Tsao and Karl Newmeyer.  (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

It improves meridian channel circulation by massaging major energy points and inner organs, also loosening muscles, tendons, and joints. It is simple yet effective in relaxation and disease prevention. No need to identify exact locations of energy points--just use the bang to massage the area. Detailed instruction is given in English with a front and back view demonstration. Suggest 20 class hours.(Difficulty: Beginner Level)

Each posture is initiated with small circles from wrist rotation, driven by silk reeling energy flow.  It will help prevent heart disease, and lung problems because rotation stimulates 6 meridian channel origin energy points around the wrist.  It will also prevent carpal tunnel. This is also an effective tool to help Tai Chi beginners get rid of stiff arm problems.  It is also a foundation for two-hand coordination and further study in double weapon forms.  Master Tsao teaches in English and the entire routine is demonstrated in both front and back views.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 40 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Level). DVD, (63 minutes)

  Derive strength and develop good character from sword practice to form a unique way of life.  Tai Chi Sword Form 32 is the most popular sword routine practiced in the world today.  This DVD video teaches the standard 32 movements posture- by-posture with repetitions and explanations by Master Tsao.  Teaching is in English.  The entire form is demonstrated in both front and back views. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 25 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

The Tai Chi diagram is the foundation upon which Tai Chi was born.  Many people take it as only a symbol or philosophy, unaware of Tai Chi's principles and secret application methods are hidden within the symbol's curved lines.  In 1963, Professor Shen Jiazhen and Gu Liuxin (students of Chen Fake) published a book called Chen Style Tai Chi Quan, which revealed hand positions traced over the Tai Chi diagram.  Master Tsao provides traditional understanding on the art of tracing hands energy flow, circle size, speed, breathing, as well as Tai Chi's eight application methods in push hands: peng, lu, ji an, cai, lie, zhou, kao.  Detailed instruction is given in English with a front and back view demonstration. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 15 class hours.  Played by Master Jesse Tsao and Alain Mellan.  (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

Part One warms up major joints to open the body's energy channels.  Part Two works on inner energy flow.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 15 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

Traditional Tai Chi Eight Immortals Cane is a very special Tai Chi routine.  A walking cane is an everyday, common object, but is also a handy weapon in self defense!  This routine is based on the characteristics of Tai Chi postures with the traditional Taoist "eight immortals" cane/stick martial function.  It is fun for any age level to learn.  Grandmaster Zhu Tiancai created the Chinese brush writing calligraphy for this routine.  Detailed instruction by Master Jesse Tsao is in English with front and back view demos, as well as martial arts applications.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Level)

Four-Season Tai Chi I - Spring This is part of a series of Tai Chi forms following the change of seasons for a healthy life. According to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing), the essence of spring is birth and spread. Therefore, tai chi practice in springtime should be like young deer prancing in the meadow, vivid and agile. This routine is flavored with Wu style fast form. It exercises the tendons and stimulate bone growth, and will also release stress to prevent liver problems. Master Tsao teaches in English with front and back views. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggested 30 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Levels)  (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

On-Back Tai Chi Therapy is an energy practice that flexes the major joints, opens energy gates, and cleans out stress. The spiraling, coiling movements help circulate energy. These exercises can be performed on the floor or a bed, and are great for relaxation. It is ideal for people with lower back or hip problems, or for those who are bed-ridden. This is part of Master Tsao's doctoral research in Tai Chi for self-healing and disease prevention. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggested 25 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

On-Chair Tai Chi for Health is an instructional video based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and classical Tai Chi and Qigong postures.  It is focused on cultivating inner energy and improving joints and muscle strength, and is a gentle and effective workout to enhance your mind-body harmony, relieve stress, prevent hypertension, headaches, and back pain.  Breathing has been fully integrated into the movements.  Jesse Tsao teaches the 14 postures in English, with a face-to-face, mirror-imaged demonstration--viewer-friendly, no confusion.  This video will especially benefit seniors and those recovering from injury or from illness.  It will help restore your mind and body well-being in a relaxed, seated position.  This is also a good workout for travelers on long plane flights. It is a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 15 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner Level).

Some people call Tai Chi the "Chinese Yoga," but Tai Chi is more focused on flowing motions instead of static postures to open energy meridians.  This DVD provides good cross-training for yoga people to try Tai Chi postures, and is also a good workout for Tai Chi people for total body conditioning.  Postures range from simple to demanding, so people of all conditions and skill levels will have something to work on.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's breathing patterns, energy circulation, and self-defense applications.   (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels) (Difficulty: Beginner Level)

Four-Season Tai Chi IV - Winter This is part of a series of Tai Chi forms following the change of seasons for a healthy life.  According to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing), the essence of the winter season is conservation and storage.  Therefore, Tai Chi practice should refrain from overusing the yang energy, keeping moves quiet and subdued in the winter months.  This will prevent kidney illness and benefit revitalization in spring.  Suggest for beginners and senior people.  Master Tsao teaches in English with front and back views.  Suggested 25 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Levels). DVD, (63 minutes)

This is a popular routine for internal martial artists.  It is characterized by spiral energy and combat techniques expressing numerous power hits (fajin).  Cannon Fist is also called Chen Style Routine Two.  Its firecracker power is based on the accumulated energy from Routine One's soft silk reeling.  In this instructional DVD, Master Jesse Tsao presents the routine in its classic form, in English with detailed instruction and front and back view demos.  He credits this new DVD on the teachings from Grandmasters Chen Zhenglei and Zhu Tiancai. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours.  (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels)

Kwang-dao (Guan-dao) is the oldest Tai Chi weapon routine, passed down by Chen Wang-Ting, the founder of Tai Chi 300 years ago. Kwang-dao practice can improve body energy flow, strengthen the waist and legs, and develop your coordination.  Master Tsao teaches this traditional routine posture by posture, in detail for all the precise moves in English, with both front and back views.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Levels)

Chen Style Tai Chi Xinjia (New Frame) is characterized by spiraling and coiling, powerful strikes, stamping, and jumping. All of these motions from the core, driven by internal power, and will train you to develop inner strength. Small circles lead to bigger circles, with jerking, powerful movements. This DVD shares with you Master Tsao's studies from recent years with Grandmaster Zhu Tiancai, one of the four best grandmasters in Chen Tai Chi. Master Tsao teaches in English with front and back views. Suggest 30 class hours. (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels).

This disc contains part 2 of the instruction.  Chen Style Tai Chi Xinjia (New Frame) is characterized by spiraling and coiling, powerful strikes, stamping, and jumping.  All of these motions from the core, driven by internal power, and will train you to develop inner strength.  Small circles lead to bigger circles, with jerking, powerful movements.   This DVD shares with you Master Tsao's studies from recent years with Grandmaster Zhu Tiancai, one of the four best grandmasters in Chen Tai Chi.  Master Tsao teaches in English with front and back views.  Suggest 30 class hours.  (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels)

Chen Style Tai Chi New Frame (Xin-jia Cannon Fist) is based on internal power accumulation in the practice of routine 1, with more advanced kung fu techniques added in such as leaping, stomping, sweeping, grappling, and twisting.  Its stance tends to be compact for better mobility in self-defense applications, using faster motions with bursts of internal power for the execution of martial techniques.  Master Tsao teaches this traditional routine posture by posture, in detail in English, with both front and back views.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 45 class hours.  (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels)

This video shares with you the most popular Chen Tai Chi fighting aspect.  The principles are based on Tai Chi Classics: to redirect or borrow an opponent's force first, then strike his weak point.  Master Tsao reveals Tai Chi's fighting secrets in an easy-to-understand and use manner.  Each posture is demonstrated first, then details teaching its application in Push Hands and self-defense fighting.  It is good for self-study or as a useful reference for teachers.  Instructions are given in English.  It is good for self-study, or a good resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 25 class hours.  Played by Master Jesse Tsao and Andrey Poddoubnyi (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels)

This video shares with you the most popular Chen Tai Chi fighting aspect.  The principles are based on Tai Chi Classics: to redirect or borrow an opponent's force first, then strike his weak point.  Master Tsao reveals Tai Chi's fighting secrets in an easy-to-understand and use manner.  Each posture is demonstrated first, then details teaching its application in Push Hands and self-defense fighting.  It is good for self-study or as a useful reference for teachers.  Instructions are given in English. Suggest 25 class hours.  Played by Master Jesse Tsao and Andrey Poddoubnyi (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels)

 It is a weapon method rooted in traditional Chinese mace, a blunt and heavy weapon used to deliver strong smashes. This practice reinforces Chen Tai Chi's motion starting with the center dan tian rotation, drivers coiling energy all the way to the wrists' small twisting circle to initiate large power blows. This is unique training for wrist rotation to stimulate six hand-meridian channel's origin points around the wrists energy flows. It will also help prevent carpal tunnel and improve arm strength. Baton length around 18" and 1.5 to 2" in diameter, prefer heavy/solid wood.  Master Tsao teaches this traditional routine posture by posture, in detail in English, with both front and back views.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 45 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Levels).

The original Chen style Tai Chi is the oldest style practiced today and is widely acknowledged to be the ancestor of all other styles. It is characterized by whole-body twining, coiling movements, and occasionally explosive releases of power. It is an ancient form which fully encompasses the Tai Chi principles, from stillness via soft relaxed movements to fast & dynamic applications, which can be performed vigorously or gently according to the condition of one's body. This DVD video teaches the Old Frame Routine One posture by posture in both front view and back view with review and explanations by Master Tsao. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggest 50 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Levels).

The original Chen style Tai Chi is the oldest style practiced today and is widely acknowledged to be the ancestor of all other styles. It is characterized by whole-body twining, coiling movements, and occasionally explosive releases of power. It is an ancient form which fully encompasses the Tai Chi principles, from stillness via soft relaxed movements to fast & dynamic applications, which can be performed vigorously or gently according to the condition of one's body. This DVD video teaches the Old Frame Routine One posture by posture in both front view and back view with review and explanations by Master Tsao. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation. Suggest 50 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Levels).

It requires a partner to practice with you, but Master Tsao teaches you a unique way to start with yourself.  This is a new approach to teaching Push Hands and is a good reference for Tai Chi instructors.  Learn the basic moves at home to practice the postures and understand the energy flow, then match with another person to develop sensitivity and react with peng, lu, ji, an (ward off, roll back, press, push). Tai chi push hands can build strength and flexibility of your Core muscles, form the central link between your upper and lower body. A strong core underpins almost everything you do. It is key to improving performance in almost any sport by extending your range of motion. Your slimmer waistline and better defined ab muscles will be hard to ignore. Push Hands will keep you motivated and continue to challenge you as you make progress.  Master Tsao teaches in precise detail in English and demonstrates with Alain Mellan. Suggest 30 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced Levels). DVD-R, (63 minutes)

  It attracts Tai Chi practitioners with its strong martial arts aspect.  The slashing motions of the sword are controlled from the center of the body with spiral energy flow.  There are 49 movements in the routine.  Master Tsao presents a demonstration, followed by step-by-step instruction in slow motion, in English.  There are plenty of repetitions in both front and back view.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced Levels). DVD-R, (61 minutes)

Yang Style Tai Chi is the most popular style.  This DVD teaches the ancient routine of Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form 108 in 22 lessons.  Master Tsao teaches each lesson posture-by-posture in English with back view and front view demonstration.  There are also self-healing and self-defense applications explained throughout the teaching.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 50 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Levels). DVD-R, Disc 1, First half instruction and entire routine demo (71 minutes)

In this video, you will learn the fighting aspects of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi.  The principles are based on Tai Chi Classics: to redirect or borrow an opponent's force first, then strike his weak point.  Master Tsao reveals Tai Chi's fighting secrets in an easy-to-understand and use manner.  Each posture is demonstrated first, then details teaching its application in self-defense fighting and Push Hands,a nd there are multiple applications in each posture.  It is good for self-study or as a useful reference for teachers.  Instructions are given in English.  It is good for self-study, or a good resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours.  Played by Master Jesse Tsao and Michael Muckin. (Difficulty: Beginner through Advanced Levels). DVD-R, Disc 2 of 2 (65 minutes)