Tai Chi for Beginners with Grandmaster William C.C. Chen (DVD)

In theory, this DVD should represent an introduction into the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi, a 'soft' martial art that can be reduce stress, strengthen the body, discipline the mind, and improve that general sense of well-being. William C. C. Chen is, theoretically one of the most respected Tai Chi Grandmasters of his generation and I don't doubt this in the least.

But unfortunately, this well intended, high production video should include the word 'NOT' for beginners in its title.  I don't know whether it's just me but I found the half-mumbled instructions, combined with the worst choice of angles (ensuring you could never quite see what he was doing at any given time) almost impossible to follow. When you add to this the ridiculous over direction that used cranes and tracks to bring camera movement into the shots too (rotating around the host and bringing confusion into what was body movement and what was camera movement) then this really just proved to frustrating to be useful to a beginner.


And what does '50/50' mean? Probably that you should distribute your weight equally on both feet though this is not made clear. There is also no explanation as to the hand movements so you are left trying to figure out those all on your own. All in all, a classic case of good intentions badly thought through by people just too close to their subject matter to truly put themselves in a complete novice's position.

Having said all that, the DVD is not without merit. For those who have some experience of the moves already, perhaps through classes, then this DVD would actually be very useful as its programming allows for a great deal of flexibility in usage, from repetitions though to complete sequences with music only options and so on.


Some of the special features, like continuous loop options for each of the sequences, may appeal to those attempting to embellish their basic classroom training.



There are also three different form practices - basic, counting (like a mantra) and chi energy focus. The Tai Chi 'tips' are buried in the bonus features though, to my mind, should have been included in the introduction as these offer some good, practical advice for getting the most out of the sessions.

The best bit of the whole programme is when his daughter and son join him during the full form which is far easier to follow than a single instructor.


The picture quality is excellent for an NTSC video source transfer and is presented in 16:9.
Overall, I would say that, whilst this is a good DVD for those who are already familiar with the basic movements required in the Yang form of Tai Chi, this will only frustrate brand new beginners who will not be able to follow the confusing instructions nor the movements, due to ill-judged direction, camera movements and little thought as to how the viewer will follow specific foot and hand movements.