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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.