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T'ai Chi Beginning Practice | 
 enlarge | Actor: David-dorian Ross
Studio: Gaiam
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $7.75
You Save: $7.23 (48%)
New (22) Used (10) from $6.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  24 reviews
Sales Rank: 9010
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 70
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 1000
ISBN: 1931919615
UPC: 029956010208
EAN: 9781931919616
ASIN: B00049QPGU
Theatrical Release Date: 2004
Release Date: December 7, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: brand new still in sealed factory box. exact one shown
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| Editorial Reviews:
Description
This is the way to learn tai chi ‹ with the intuitive, personal feel of one-to-one instruction. U.S. and world tai chi medalist David Dorian Ross clear, insightful instruction is captured live as he demonstrates each move in this unique DVD. The result is candid, thoughtful explanation thats more in tune with the student. Teaches 8 essential tai chi poses ‹ a total-body workout that resembles a martial arts dance, with breathing and mental imagery techniques that intensify the practices proven health and fitness effects. Includes BONUS A.M. Chi workout.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
 A Good Intro August 17, 2008
I bought the T'ai Chi Beginning Practice and then bought the Daily Practice by the same guy. I enjoyed both. The instruction is pretty clear. I would recommend buying the Daily Pratice after having gone through the Beginning Practice. The daily builds on what was learned in the beginning practice.
 Great Intro to T'ai Chi July 26, 2008
I only just bought this dvd the other day and this morning was the first time I used it. I recently injured my knee doing those fast-paced, hard-core aerobics type dvd workouts and my doctor told me that I basically have bad knees and will have to be careful to do workouts that aren't so high impact (I'm not old, bad knees run in the family). Hence, I decided to try this and I really enjoyed it. I felt a little self-conscious at first because I'm really not used to the slow paced and graceful movements (I'm rather klutzy) but I can't wait to do this dvd again! It is a bit difficult to keep up with at first, but I anticipate continuing to get better and better and I really enjoyed the instructor. I would definitely recommend this, but know that it's going to take some time before you get really great at it. Some people see that as a problem, but I like that because when I actually begin doing better I feel like I've accomplished more.
Good Reinforcement July 23, 2008
This DVD is a great reinforcement/introduction to Tai Chi, however I would recommend if you are truly serious about getting into Tai Chi and learning it correctly and indepthly, to break down and join a class. Doing this at home by yourself, especially with no previous experience, is not going to get you to the level you may desire. Nor will it correct you when you are wrong or guide you as well as an instructor in a class or one on one setting.
Less stress, more balance and harmony now June 18, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Years ago my spouse and I purchased a copy of David-Dorian Ross' A.M. Chi in VHS format. We felt that T'ai Chi might be too demanding for us and sought a easier alternative. A. M. Chi is a simplified version of QiGong. We began to use it regularly as part of our exercise regime. We quickly became David-Dorian Ross fans. I looked for a DVD version of the A. M. Chi recording and was delighted to find it as a bonus feature to T'ai Chi Beginning Practice. We are happy followers of both of the presentations on this DVD. A. M. Chi is invaluable as a warm up. Beginning Practice truly is a beginner's introduction to T'ai Chi. Over the years, even as we aged, we became more and more experienced in T'ai Chi. I prefer it to Yogi, which I find too demanding. My spouse finds Yogi more useful, but joins me each morning in T'ai Chi practice. The combination of balance, stretch, motion and vision seem just about right for my needs. David-Dorian Ross is easy to follow. I like his stress on the blend of spiritual and material aspects of practice. There are many introductions to T'ai Chi available in DVD format. This is one of the best and the easiest to use of the five I have tested. I have given copies to many friends and relatives.
For patient novices! Probably easier to follow once you've done it a few times June 4, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Tai Chi Beginning Practice, with David-Dorian Ross. Keep in mind this is my first outing with Tai Chi (never tried it before, absolute novice, but I am reasonably fit and do enjoy yoga):
*The Solo Forms - Tai Chi*
Good Things -
The setting is lovely - in an aspen forest in the Rockies of Colorado.
High production values.
The instructor has a nice, gentle voice, serene manner and seems like a good teacher.
When I was able to get the moves right, I felt elegant and graceful. I think I will be able to grow into this DVD.
Less Good Things -
Sometimes the high production values get in the way of being able to follow what the instructor is doing. If the camera wasn't circling around or closing in on David's face, I might be able to figure out what direction I am to be moving into. :)
Sometimes David gets his right and left switched up, which is EXTREMELY hard to handle...since it's tough enough to figure out the right/left in the first place (he is facing you).
David moves a bit too fast for a novice (like me). I am sure the pace will be fine once I know what I am doing. My husband, who had at least some beginners Tai Chi experience, also found this hard to follow. Figuring out your left and right when someone is facing you is really a tough nut to crack.
I spent a lot of time in this segment just standing and watching in yogic Tree Pose, waiting for something to cycle around so that I could follow again.
I would have preferred the DVD to show us a split screen or insert with him NOT facing the audience. I am thinking of actually watching this DVD in the mirror to be able to follow along. I am hopeful this will be helpful!
*Flowing Practice Demonstration*
It was a good idea for the DVD to include a segment on how the forms are supposed to look, all flowing together, by a master. I appreciated this addition.
*Qigong/Chi Gong Extra*
There is a bonus segment on the DVD, a Morning Chi Gong practice. This is set on a beach and is very easy to follow; a very soothing and wonderful addition to the DVD.
I think for some people the DVD is worth getting for this part alone. I have never done chi gong before and I think this is fabulous - anyone can do it.
I was a little bit distracted by the waves creeping up to his feet, but it's ultimately neat that the wave only actually laps David's toes during the final move. How did they plan that? heehee
*The Upshot*
The total time on the DVD is 1 hour and 10 minutes. I would recommend that beginners with some experience be patient with the right/left issues (maybe watch in a mirror). For complete novices, this may not be the best starting DVD, unless you are really patient with your own frustration levels. Personally, I plan to use this DVD a few times a week, and believe each time will be easier and more graceful.
That said, and this bears repeating: the Chi Gong bonus segment is wonderful for anyone at any level. As you stand in one place through the whole movement, you don't need a large space to work in (as you do with the Tai Chi segment). This is a plus for people with tiny living rooms! :)
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