Description: In order to learn Taijiquan you must begin with the most fundamental steps, and systematically work up to the advanced levels. This book explains the five levels of Taijiquan from complete beginner to highest level practitioner. Readers will learn how to assess their current ability and identify exactly what is needed to reach the next level.
Brief description: Master Jan Silberstorff became the first Western indoor student and family disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in 1993 and now teaches in 15 countries around the world as a 20th generation successor of the Chen family. Jan co-founded the WCTA and is the leader of the German section. He has also recently founded sections in Brazil and Chile. In 2009 he founded a charity organisation called WCTAGhilft, which is helping 170 children in need in Sri Lanka and Brazil. He is a champion of many Taijiquan tournaments in both Europe and China, and has published books, articles, DVDs, and produced TV series on Taijiquan. Jan is fluent in Chinese having lived in China for many years. He now lives in Germany and Brazil.
Review Quotes: Taijiquan Grandmaster, Chen Xiaowang, has often said that no language fully captures the richness of all that is Taiji - even Chinese. But here, in this landmark translation and analysis of Chen Xiaowang's text on the five levels of Taijiquan, Jan Silberstorff has captured the essence of Taijiquan's progressive training in English. Jan's uniquely insightful commentary and explication of an accurate translation of Chen Xiaowang's writing on the topic, marks a turning point in the scholarship of this sublime discipline. Imbued with a rare depth of view into authentic Chen family Taiiquan - the original martial art from which all styles of Taiji emanate - The Five Levels of Taijiquan makes a substantial contribution to the field, as the essential guide for any Taijiquan student's practice and progress in this ancient martial art.--Stephan Berwick, Founder of True Tai Chi, Chinese martial arts instructor, and co-author of Taijiquan Hand & Sword, Taijiquan: Chen Taiji 38 Form and Applications and Tai Chi for Kids, Washington, DC, USA