Cultivating the Civil and Mastering the Martial: The Yin and Yang of Taijiquan

Comprehensive with great photographsCultivating the Civil and Mastering the Martial is a complete guide of all aspects of taijiquan. It is probably best suited to someone who has been practicing taijiquan and is looking for considerably more depth. Andrew Townsend synthesizes the classics and presents the essence in a way that is more comprehensible to the Western mind. The book is a step-by-step guide to going far deeper in the tai chi practice by cultivating qi (chi). The accompanying photographs clearly augment the descriptions in the text. It is particularly helpful to see a standing posture that is described in the text. Each chapter is extremely clear, yet comprehensive and detailed. I suggest looking at the table of contents for more information. It has become my go-to essential reference.I have also purchased the Kindle edition, a bargain for $4.95. It augments the book which is published in a large format. The Kindle format holds up surprisingly well and all the photographs are included. It is possible to zoom in on the photograph to get more detail than in the book format. On balance, though, the book is a better format for reading and the kindle provides a take-along during my travelsFrom the book,“As Master Huang used to say, “Change your taiji change your life.” This book is a marvelous resource and an inspiration to help me put this into practice.

If you have purchased the Kindle version, you may now be angry as you discover that the formatting is very flawed. Yes, through a formatting glitch, the great many italicized words in this book do not have a space after them, and many paragraphs have line breaks in the middle. Please, take a deep breath, and get over it. There is a wealth of tremendously valuable information in this book; I know because it took me years and years of study to learn things that are in this book, and few books in my large library on the topic come close to the breadth and depth of this one. I wish I'd had this 25 years ago!

People take up tai chi for various reasons. Some want internal energy development, some want martial arts, and some want spiritual development. This book is really the only one that I have seen that truly addresses these topics at an in-depth level that is useful. Each chapters provides information to help the reader understand the theory and principles behind the moves. One thing that I like about Andrew Townsend's books is that he provides exercises and movements that allows you to immediately put the theory into practice. I also like that he addresses multiple tai chi styles. I have found these insights useful to understand the approach of other styles. There is an abundance of information in this book to provide you with inspiration and contemplation for your own practice. Highly recommend!

I have been practicing Tai Chi for about two and a half years. My instructor felt that I would benefit from a better understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundation of Tai Chi. This book is a great compilation of the Tai Chi classics and advanced exercises, and I am reading it for the second time.

Andrew Townsend has written an encyclopedic presentation of the principles and practices of Taijiquan. Whether you are beginning your journey or have some years "under your belt," there is something for each player devoted to Taijiquan. "Cultivating the Civil and Mastering the Martial" is animportant addition to my library particularly in the areas of standing, rooting, and push hands.

Interesting and comprehensive book covering the 'basics' of taijiquan (with attention given to different styles), including the philosophical foundations, giving lots of exercises and instructions also of quite advanced daoist neigong practices. Good illustrations of postures, exercises, and weapon forms.

This is an excellent edition for any Internal Martial Artist's library. Deeply informative, scholarly, and thoughtful. Highly recommended!

Fantastic book! Great "how do and why" book for any novice or expect! A must read by all.

This is the third of the author's books that I have read in rather quick succession. Another tome, which is again readily readable and easy to comprehend. But as for all of his books, a work to which you will continually refer back through coming years to support understanding of one's Tai Chi practice.I especially enjoyed this one for the direct approach to the philosophy, together with the explanation of principles into application for both movement and fighting; solo and partner practice.All the author's books are worthy to find a place in your bookshelf - both beginner and experienced practitioners alike. A good read through winter evenings, ready for spring training ...

Andrew Townsend's "Cultivating the Civil and Mastering the Martial: The Yin and Yang of Taijiquan" has expanded my understanding and practice considerably, and continues to do so. It is a book I shall be returning to again and again for reference, and to augment my practice.In my view, it is not for beginners, but if you have been learning for a year or two and want to deepen your practice and understanding, then this book is highly recommended.

Bem escrito e detalhado, porém alguns tópicos carecem de mais objetividade, há muita informação subjetiva, que desvia o foco de alguns temas.Ainda assim, apresenta exercícios e técnicas raramente demonstradas em outros livros, com orientações bastante precisas.

Fantastic.