Simplified Tai Chi for Beginners: Learn the 24 Form a 6 Minute Routine

While there's no doubt that Tai Chi is not the easiest thing to learn with a video especially due to its three dimensional nature, Helen Liang has created a really wonderful and practical teaching DVD.The different sections present the 24 form in a variety of ways including a full demonstration, a guided walkthrough of the complete 24 form, basic guidelines, individual detailed descriptions for each movement, and a rearview demonstration of the complete form (among other things).As I started to get the hang of the first few movements I started to begin each practice session by starting with the walkthrough to see how far I could get, not worrying about being perfect. Then I would focus on a new individual movement to get into the details.If you're brand-new to Tai chi, as I essentially was, the most important single thing is to be patient and realize this is a marathon not a Sprint.If you're patient and give yourself plenty of time to learn gradually, you should find this DVD to be a wonderful tool. I also purchased the app for this program so I could take it with me and practice as well as reinforce the overall concepts wherever I go.In fact the only thing I wish the DVD offered was some different angles of the walkthrough but I guess you can't have everything.Lastly, I also purchased Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong by David Dorian Ross which is a 4 DVD Great Courses program and the two programs really compliment each other nicely!

After using David-Dorian Ross's Tai Chi Fit "To Go," "Flow," and "Strength" DVDs, I wanted to try learning the simple 24 Form. This DVD, with Helen Liang, was just about perfect. On this DVD, she first performs the Form without commentary, then she performs it while narrating each move, then she presents a number of general guidelines. Next she instructs each move in detail, demonstrating a number of times and, when necessary, breaking it down into hand and foot work. She also explains the transition from one move to another very carefully. The presentation of each move includes a demonstration of the martial application. On the last track, another expert demonstrates the form from the back without commentary.She states at the beginning that the form will take some weeks or months to learn, and I found that to be the case, even having learned many of the moves from David-Dorian Ross's DVDs. I did learn it, however, and now I can run through it whenever I take a break from whatever I'm doing. It's a great way to unkink the back after sitting or driving.It takes patience and perseverance, but if you can't get to a live teacher this DVD works. The menu is efficient and easy to navigate.

This is the best video of the 24 Form that I use. It takes you form the opening form to the closing form with step by step and explanation easy to follow for each form from start to finish. Great teaching video.

I have to admit, this video is beautifully done. I've been doing exercise videos for about 15 years, stuff like P90X and Janis Saffell. My first intro to Tai Chi was when Janis and Scott Cole got together and did a mix of Tai Chi and Kickboxing. Since then I have done many of Scott Coles Tai Chi dvds. I know they are not super advanced Tai Chi, but he makes it easy to learn. I wanted something a little more advanced, so I tried this.For people who have done dvd workouts, you know how the instructor facing the camera will usually move the left side of their body and call it the right side? Because of the mirror image. A very simple thing that makes following a workout so much easier. The biggest problem I have with this video is that the instructor does not do that. I guess I am spoiled from years of right=left and left=right, but this video hurts my head. She moves her right side and says move right, but of course on the TV it is to your left, so it is backwards. If you DO make the mental switch and move left when she says right, then you are in effect doing the workout backwards. I don't know how much that matters, but it makes me feel I am doing everything wrong.Some people will know what I mean, others will think I'm being stupid. This review is for the former.

I'm in my mid 60's and a beginner to the 24 form. I have practiced Tai Chi for Arthritis for 3 months. Found it fairly easy and wanted to move unto the 24 form. I've read some reviews that some seniors found it to be to advanced. First I should say, I'm in "descent" shape and feel that I will be able to do all of the 24 forms. (I'm on form 5 at this time from this DVD). I believe that the people rating this DVD low didn't know what they were getting themselves into. The 24 form is the 24 form, meaning there are 24 different forms to learn, and yes, standing on one foot is one of the forms. They should try the simplified ones first, like the Tai Chi for Arthritis as an example, which by the way, aren't that easy, (to do them right). Over a couple of years, I have tried a couple different Tai Chi beginner DVD's, neither one was anywhere near as good as this one. Read any of the 5 star reviews and they say it all. Great DVD, easy to follow and I'm so happy to finally found one that works for me. A friend and I just 3 days ago swapped DVD's (mine by Helen Liang for his Tai Chi for beginners by Dr. Paul Lam) both equally as good.