'This book , T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen, was written sixty years ago by Professor Ch'en Wei-ming, who was a famous exponent of the Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan and a student of the great master, Yang Cheng-fu. In 1927 he established the Chih Jou School in Shanghai where he taught manyi students. At that time he saw how popular T'ai Chi Ch'uan was becoming and he was concerned that if it became a fad it would lose its original spirit. In the process of its being spread, its principles would be forgotten or mixed with other forms, thus leading to the loss of an important part of its essence. Therefore, this book is based only on what Professor Ch'en heard in this teacher's classes. The questions are his own personal questions...

'Thirty-eight years ago I was very weak so I studied T'ai Chi Ch'uan with my late teacher, Professor Chang Man-ch'ing, and so was able to regain my health. During the first few years of my practice I had a chance to read this text. I was so happy that I treasrueed it and derived continuous benefit from it. In 1974, after I came to the United States, I happened to mention Ch'en Wei-ming to one of my American T'ai Chi friends, Mr. Robert Smith. He felt that insofar as T'ai Chi Ch'uan was gaining popularity in the United States, students needed a good reference book. He said, 'If we can translate this book it will help these students immensely.' I felt that he was right and attempted the task of translation. Because of our busy schedules, the work continued off and on till the present when it was finally finished.'-Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo from the introduction.

Contents

Preface by Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo
Introduction
Taichi: Commentary on the history and the correction of the legend
Taichi form
Taichi: Push-hands
Taichi fighting techniques (san shou)
Chin (Internal force) of taichi
Relation of taichi to tao-yin and meditation
Taichi: Physique and achievement
Appendix: Five character secret by Li I-yu
Glossary