5 comments about Tai Chi for Arthritis (6 Languages Edition).

1. easy and step by step to follow. great for beginner.but if there is 24 forms even better.



2. I have been practicing Tai Chi Chuan for almost a year. I had begun practice of this form for stress reduction and because I have stiffness in my shoulders and neck. I practice the simplified 24-form Yang Style Tai Chi.
   
   Everybody says how beneficial Tai Chi is for people who are senior citizens, but it did not take me long to notice that many of the forms in the 24-form Yang Style are inappropriate for people with balance problems, bad knees, and the like. Not to worry, Dr. Paul Lam has put together a 12-form Tai Chi that they can do. The video begins with a discussion of the health benefits of Tai Chi, including interviews with leading rheumatologists (arthritis specialists), as well as testimonials of Tai Chi practitioners who have benefitted from Tai Chi, and as a result, were able to reclaim their lives from arthritis. I liked the fact that this DVD did not dwell too much on traditional Chinese medicine or the martial aspects of Tai Chi. What is important for me is that it works.
   
   The exercises presented on this DVD are appropriate for most people, and, with some modification can even be performed by those who are wheelchair bound. The emphasis is not on producing a form of exercise that is delightful to watch other people do but rather on what can best benefit the practitioner of the art.
   
   I would like to add a caveat that this DVD should be seen as either an adjunct or a supplement to regular Tai Chi classes and practice. One benefits from having instruction of a qualified instructor. I am not just saying this to generate business for Tai Chi instructors. I am saying it because a good instructor can help you get going, give suggestions on modifying the form to meet your individual requirements and capabilities, as well as to provide the encouragement to keep going. Going to classes also provides you with a built-in support group of people who are of like interest and share experiences with you.
   
   It is up to you to get out there and do the gentle form of therapy that offers so much in benefits.



3. Dr. Lam does an excellant job in explaining and practicing each move front and back and then putting it into the pattern. Also gives good discription of alternatives to take into account one's individual joint problems; I am just sorry that the CD was not for the entire program for arthritis, but just the first third. This should have been explained that it was only a partial program.



4. I got this DVD because arthritis and a back/leg/nerve injury were leaving me with limited flexibility and a lot of pain. I alternate this DVD with 'Healing Yoga for Aches & Pains' (the Matkins), and have found that my flexibility, strength and posture have gradually improved and I experience less pain and need pain relievers less.
   
   I really love this DVD because the class/instructors/demonstrators are normal, everyday people, older, with some stiffness of their own. It's encouraging to see them work through the poses, each with their own degree of perfection. Once you learn the routines, you can practice them along with Dr. Lamm- this is fun. On a good day, my body feels like it is floating through the routines! Dr. Lamm is very inspiring and his DVD is very helpful for arthritis stiffness and pain. It's just what my doctor ordered.



5. I woke up about 3 am and couldn't fall back to sleep. So I thought I'd pop in the Tai Chi DVD I bought and watch it through before actually trying it.
   I guess this guy is good, but good golly Miss Molly, it just couldn't move any slower and the folks in the video can't be any less than 70 or 75 years old. No need to watch this one through before trying it, it goes soooooo slowly that you can toss in laundry and cook Christmas dinner between the moves. I realize that one needs to be careful when doing any exercise, but one warning at the beginning is good, I don't need a warning every other sentence. I got to the point of the first move, and just couldn't watch any more.
   And the warm up exercises, ARGH! The man who does them is VERY elderly and hard to understand and again with the warnings... OY! And somewhere I missed in the description that this tape is from Austalia, and they are have lovely accents, but hard to understand!
   I think I'll tuck this one away and get it out when I'm 80. :)
   Not worth the $$ I paid for this, in fact, I'm sending it back. This is for folks who are VERY elderly or VERY debilitated. I didn't realize it mean elderly, I know a lot of folks who aren't 75 but do have bad arthritis, but this is NOT NOT NOT geared to anyone under 75ish.
   Obviously I am VERY dissapointed in this.

5 comments about T'ai Chi Beginning Practice.

1. I really like David Dorian-Ross but when you are teaching beginners they need to be able to follow the movements. That is why aerobics instructors lead the class behind them.
   
   If you are a beginner it is too hard to follow the movements facing the instructor. I have to follow the DVD in a mirror or I get lost.



2. There are several problems about learning tai chi from a video. The most important is that no matter how good the video, it can never tell you when you are doing it wrong or when you could hurt yourself. I teach tai chi and you would be surprised how many people fail to follow a move correctly even after repeated, detailed instruction. People are not very conscious of their body and they may think they are doing the moves right when they are not. The benefits of tai chi come from following the form correctly and not doing so can result in injury.
   
   Another problem is that people tend to be distracted by the motion of the hands and they miss everything else that is happening in a particular move. They concentrate on the arms and hands and miss what the rest of the body is doing.
   
   There are many forms of tai chi and each has different forms. Most videos fail to mention the form they are based on which is very confusing to people who try to follow videos for different forms.
   
   The correct use for any tai chi video is as a reference. Attend a class and ask your instructor if he/she recommends a video. You can then use the video when you practice at home. Do not rely on any tai chi video as the sole form of instruction. You need an experienced instructor that will teach you patiently and give you gentle corrections when necessary.



3. There are way too many cuts and edits in this video to see the whole routine through. Even playing it at half speed I'm having trouble seeing the full body positions.
   
   There needs to be static shots of the person teaching you. This one constantly cross fades and only has half body shots. Can't see his feet, can't see his other hand. Not helpful at all.



4. Starts with the basics, takes you through a beginning routine that introduces the kinds of moving and breathing that make Tai Chi so profound.



5. As some others have said, this is not a great way to learn T'ai Chi if you've never done it. He seems like a good teacher, and I can see this being helpful if you're taking classes someplace and want to practice at home. But it's useless for a total beginner. The camera angles make all of this very confusing. I studied dance for many years and almost always in a dance class you are watching your teachers back (although you can see his/ her front in the mirror) so the left right thing is clear. I kept getting lost trying to mirror the instructor in this video. And why are the only close ups on his face? Not very helpful. Next time they should try some close ups on the hands and feet when breaking down the moves. It would have been great to have the break down of the moves in split screen with one camera on his front, one on his back. Anyway, if you already have somewhat of an idea of T'ai Chi and need a video to "remind" you of the moves then maybe this would work. As to really learning from this, I know I can't and I doubt anyone could given the camera angles and lack of any real plan as to how to shoot this for instructional purposes. It seems like it was made by people who know T'ai Chi and they never had a total beginner "test drive" the video.

5 comments about David Carradine's AM & PM Tai Chi Workout for Beginners.

1. I think David Carradine's workout is really great, and the outfits aren't so silly in this video. However the one thing I find disappointing is the floor space required once you put all the moves together. Obviously, they practice in quite a large studio space, where ample floor space provides plenty of room to move around. I only have a small space in my living-room, and I quickly find myself running into furniture. The workout itself left me wanting a little more than was offered, but is more than adequate for beginners provided you have plenty of room in your workout area. I also think all the bonus extras of his life story in film & television, and his music is unnecessary and a bit self-involved. All that said, its still a pretty good buy, and I use it regularly.



2. From someone who has never done Tai Chi before this DVD is quite easy to do. Some of the directions are a little hard to follow sometimes, but again that may just be me. (I am not the most coordinated person). All in all I am very happy with this purchase



3. I picked this video from a shelf of several Tai Chi exercise videos because of the familiar face and the mystique surrounding David Carradine. He seems stiff, and not confident in (or very familiar with) the motions.
   I keep trying to watch Arnold Tayam behind David because his movement is so beautiful, but I get frustrated whenever the camera isn't pointed at him. Arnold also does a beautiful sequence of movement at the end of the video filled with exercises that are not covered in the instruction.
   I was hoping to be introduced to the philosophy and symbolism involved with Tai Chi, but it wasn't covered here.
   I agree with another reviewers comment about difficult camera angles some times making it hard to follow, but you can eventually get it.
   Still its nice to exercise to, and I feel pretty good when I do. I am going to read reviews of as many Tai Chi, taijiquan, qigong videos as I can to find some that will work better for me.



4. The tape is easier to follow than I expected. Following David Carradine's voice is very soothing. My doctors have recommended Tai Chi for my arthritis, to help movement but also for the breathing and relaxing capabilites. Don't get me wrong Tai Chi is difficult to learn because itself is very complex, but the tape is easier to follow than others I have seen. I am anxious to accomplish this tape and get some of David's other tapes.



5. I have lost several inches off my waist and went down a whole pant size in just two weeks of doing both routines everyday. My eating has not changed, and I am pleased with the results. I find it challenging as I put my all into it. Great for those not wanting a change in exercise options.

5 comments about Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health - The Eight (8) Pieces of Brocade (YMAA) DVD.

1. This DVD lives up to its promises - it introduces you to the world of Qigong. I have personally practised some Qigong exercises before - from some books - but after watching this DVD I realized that I was doing them somewhat wrong. I didn't see any of what I had been practising in this video, however, doing Qigong is like a poem (actually, it was a poem for ancient Chinese), like a moving meditation, it's soft and smooth, whereas I had a rigid and strict execution. This DVD presents two sets of exercises - sitting (on a bed, let's say) for elderly and weak people, and standing - for everyone else. There is a track presenting the history of Qigong, specifically this set, and detailed explanations of each exercise, including medical benefits (e.g. what internal organ you would be massaging by doing them). Granted, you need more information (e.g.on breathing - it is only briefly touched), but then again, a beginner could only get so much or else (s)he becomes scared of so many new things. Still, Dr. Yang has a book with the same title, I've ordered and received mine (but haven't started reading it yet), that should explain more things. The book and the video complement each other - the former has more information, but the latter shows you the execution. Get them both.
   I'm also a beginner, and have no teacher, but apparently, looking at customer reviews for Qigong beginners, this is the course path that I recommend (that is what I am going to order and study, even if I get a teacher in the meantime):
   - Stick to 8 Pieces of Brocade until you execute it well, and by that I mean not only physical execution - which you will probably get soon, it's very simple, but also mental - you master it when you are able to focus on it from beginning to end, or sort of.
   - Get "Chi Kung: The Way of healing" by Master Lam Kam Chuen, those exercises should prepare you for the next stage
   - Get "Chi Kung: The Way of energy" by Master Lam Kam Chuen and "Opening the energy gates of your body" by Bruce Frantzis Kumar, those books complement each other. Note that apparently all the exercise in "Way of healing" are actually easier selections from "Way of energy", so don't be surprised. I guess, because of this you could skip the "Way of healing" phase completely.
   When all the above is done - you should have greatly improved your energetics, but it could take years or even a lifetime without a teacher. You are then ready to study Dr. Yang's other books - I won't write the relevant ones here (although I had started too, but removed the paragraph), by then you should know which they are, they don't belong in this beginner's review. Anyway, at that stage you should probably get a teacher.
   In short, this is a nice beginner's introduction, short of having a teacher. Did I mention to get a teacher?



2. I probably own four or five books on the 8 Pieces of Brocade, a Qigong exercise that at first does not appear to be complex or difficult to learn. After reading the various books on this exercise I felt that I had a pretty good grasp of how to do the exercises and what to expect. Watching this DVD was very enlightening and corrected some misconceptions I had about the exercises. The book by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming is excellent, but as suggested by the author, using the DVD and the book together is a very effective technique for obtaining accurate and effective results while doing this form.
   
   The DVD offers both the Sitting and Standing versions of the 8 Pieces of Brocade exercise. Dr. Yang starts off the DVD with a history of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, which was created approximately one thousand years ago.
   The 8 Pieces of Brocade is presented in two main sections, the sitting version and the standing version. First shown is an analysis of the steps in the sitting version.
   
   Throughout this analysis the DVD uses multiple angle shots to display the front, sides and rear of Dr. Yang as he demonstrates each of the movements. Additionally, the added benefit of sound helps the student to realize for example how hard to tap the teeth, or when to breath in and out. Even the tapping of the fingers on the back of the skull during one of the exercises helps the student to do the movement correctly by listening to the sound that is made when Dr. Yang demonstrates the movement.
   
   Following a very detailed and clear presentation during the analysis of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, the form is then shown in its entirety. With the convenient chapter markers available on the DVD, the student can easily follow along whatever section they choose. The movement to DVD for the YMAA products has made learning much easier by allowing this convenient and instant access to any part of the material.
   
   After the analysis of the sitting form of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, the DVD then presents the analysis of the standing form of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, followed by a continuous demonstration of the form.
   
   The student is then treated to a lecture by Dr. Yang on the 8 Pieces of Brocade. This lecture is approximately 50 minutes and has a wealth of information about the form. Clever use of animation helps to illustrate the flow of chi that occurs while doing the form.
   
   In my opinion, the way to learn martial arts successfully is to employ the following tools:
   
   Instruction from a teacher
   
   Studying printed material
   
   Visualization in your mind
   
   Self practice and study while doing the forms
   
   Writing a journal to record what is learned or taught during each lesson
   Watching videos of the teacher
   
   Filming yourself and comparing it to the image you had in your mind of how you were doing the form
   
   Socialize and share your knowledge with other students and work on the principles together
   
   Try teaching one of the concepts, moves, techniques or applications to a person who has no knowledge of Taijiquan. In the process you will easily learn as much as the person you are trying to teach.
   
   This DVD is one of the above mentioned tools, and a wonderful addition for the serious student to learn and practice properly the 8 Pieces of Brocade.



3. I started this exercise for 1.5 months and see some result,since I'm overweight,it's not a weight loss(for now) but my neck & back aches were gone and more energy. I started with the same repetitions as in DVD (6)then build up to 9 and now 12 will be 24 as Dr. Yang said soon. The exercise need quiet time to do.



4. I've been doing Qiqonq for many years and have tried a number of books, DVD's and tapes. This one incorporates the key elements in a very easy to understand and follow program. I would recommend reading other books that go into more depth about the principles of Qiqonq than the book that comes with this DVD.



5. I've been doing this routine for about ten years. It's a great well-rounded routine that you can do a little or a lot.
   
   I've done it so much it's part of me and I can almost do it in my sleep.
   
   I usually do 5 to 10 minutes, but I've had a doctor take me off my blood pressure medicine completely after a few weeks of regular half-hour sessions.
   
   The teacher is a martial artist. But middle-aged types (like me) can do this just fine.

5 comments about Tai Chi for Health: Yang Long Form.

1. This Yang Style Long form Tai Chi is well produced and structured in a way for easy learning. There are different sections that you can refer to and a bonus section with only three different techniques that are not complicated and can be done right away which left me with a feeling of relaxation. This is not something that you can rush through because it is a method that has to be memorized and practiced. I have another DVD by another Tai Chi practioner that is the "short form" but I wanted this one as well once I get to a higher level. The first 56 moves in this DVD is the short form with some variation to the other DVD that I have. So you don't have to try to learn all 102 movements to feel accomplished. The bonus section is worth the price. It will make you feel like David Carradine for those of you who remember the TV show - Kung Fu.



2. First, I want to answer those who said they were confused by the video. Tai Chi,like other martial arts is not something that you can or should attempt to learn on your own from a video. You need a teacher. You will never fully learn the art unless you have a teacher. There are no exceptions.
   
   Having said that, this DVD is an excellent supplement to class training. Yes, it can be a bit confusing if you're constantly looking at Terry, but then since the Tai Chi form is constantly changing directions, this confusion would be difficult to eliminate. A bird's eye view would have been most helpful, and had the DVD had such a view, I would have given it five star.
   
   So, do not watch Terry, since you can't anyway without distorting your movments, but rather just listen carefully to what he's saying, which is very clear and nicely done. This in combination with regular class attendance will advance your art quickly.



3. I bought this to help me with a T'ai Chi class I have been taking. The warm up will really get you warmed up. It is great. The on screen instructor, Terence Dunn does a terrific job of breaking each step down into easily understandable parts.
   I realize that the creators of all exercise videos have a thing about the instructor facing the audience. The only problem is it is much easier to learn if the instructor is facing away from you and moving the same parts in the same direction. Then you don't have to turn thigns around in your mind while trying to figure out where your arms and legs need to go. Other than that one small problem, the fact that each step repeats automatically until you hit the play button to advance it is a great help, allowing you as many repetitions as necessary for you to fully understand the movement.
   The only real problem I have is that I take a class in Yang long form, and this video has subtle differences in movements and sequence that may cause me to do the wrong thing during class. Of course I manage to do that anyway, so I can't really fault the video. All things considered I think it was a good purchase and I have already recommended it to many friends.



4. Many years ago I bought the VHS version of Terry Dunn's Tai Chi for Health. As noted by other reviewers, the DVD is the same as the VHS; not an update, or even a remaster. Still, I figured that the DVD would be more convenient to learn from. I was wrong. The DVD has the basic lessons divided into small sections of roughly 30-45 seconds that repeat until you hit "Next". This means you have to do the form with a remote in your hand. Also, there is no way to start at the beginning, and go thru, eg. 5 sections, and then repeat that. At least with the VHS, I can do this. Although the video quality is good, I cannot recommend this DVD, especially if you already have the VHS. Too bad, as Terry Dunn is a good video teacher; I would recommend the VHS, if you can stand the quality.



5. I throughly enjoy the learning technique's provided here on this video. Having had the chance years ago to practice with Terry Dunn him self, I found this relaxing to be retaught some skills from the same teacher.

5 comments about T'ai Chi for Health: Yang Short Form 37 Form.

1. This video has taught me more than the classes I am taking at the gym. I am a beginner at T'ai Chi and this video helps to establish the moves for the Yang short form. However, like the classes, it fails to address the psychological aspect as I expected it would. T'ai Chi still feels like I am shifting my weight back and forth and waving my hands in the air instead of reaching some inner peace.



2. I very much enjoy the DVD and I enjoyed learning about and doing T'ai Chi. However, the instructor in the video confused his right and left foot completely twice in the instructional part. Not just saying right foot and then correcting himself and then saying left, he actually calls his right foot his left and doesn't realize it, twice. There are also a number of times when he does realize it and corrects himself midword and even midsentence. It sounds like it's not a problem but it is because he's doing everything opposite of you as far as point of view goes, so you end up depending on his referrences to which leg, hand, or foot you should be moving. "Slowly roll all of your weight onto your right leg. Now slide your right leg forward." These are things that should've been picked up and fixed in post production, or even gaffed on location during the shoot. It's hard enough to properly learn techniques such as these without being instructed with the wrong foot, hand, or leg.



3. I studied this form in the early 1990's but got out of practice and can't find a good teacher of this form. This DVD is the next best thing to having my early teachers with me. It has a few minor production issues but is generally excellent.



4. Sorry, very hard to use as a work out guide. The various exercises do not follow one another smoothly, but each one loops until you click Next. Having done that, the next exercise does not pick up where the other one left you so you have to scramble to get into the position being shown. The guide mixes up his left and right, putting his weight on his right leg and telling you to put it on the left, for example. The darned FBI warning and a cute Panda bear can't be fast forwarded through so you are left to do warmups waiting, with the clicker in your hand. A new production would be very welcome as he obviously knows his stuff, but we want to follow and imitate, not just watch!



5. I really liked the way he described everything. His warmth and gentleness was very pleasant and did not get old, on the contrary became more endearing with use. I am not an expert on ability, so I can say only that he seems to be very, very good at both doing and teaching this art.
   
   Now I must say why I had to stop using his videotape (yes, it's that old). There is a synthesized soundtrack that slowly became unbearable to me. I really tried to do what he was saying, and this meant that I rewound the tape over and over again as I attempted to follow his instructions. Let me stop right here to state that I did not find his mixing up of left and right to be a problem: one viewing...yes; two viewings...a little clearer; three, four and five viewings...come on people, it's not an issue. Now back to what I was relating. The soundtrack: I am a musician, very sensitive to such things, so perhaps this will not be an issue with most of you--and I know the producers thought this would be a relaxing addition to the overall effect. However, in my case (and perhaps in the case of a small minority of you all) it ultimately became unbearable. I would like to go back to this recording if I could obtain a version without the pervasive, synthesized, 1970's "feel-good" sounds filling up the spaces between the instructions. Terry, can you help me on this?

5 comments about Gentle Tai Chi.

1. Just a few warm up moves put together in a kota. Might be good if you wanted something short to do while sitting.



2. I bought this tape to use in a Senior Adult Exercise Class that I teach at my church. They are mostly between the ages of 72 - 85 and for the most part, they enjoyed it; however, I found some didn't quite understand the meaning behind it or the benefits that you can receive... I personally enjoyed it and use it at home. I am going to continue to use it off and on until they become more comfortable with "something new"



3. I bought this for my mom for her birthday. She has taken a tai chi class at her local rec center and loved it. I wanted to encourage her to keep it up. She loves the format of the tape, the directions given, the amount of time that it takes, and how she can do just part if she is short on time. The only thing she has commented on is the amount of twisting. She has some back issues, so had just easily modified this to her abilities.



4. This DVD is very good. The performers are my age and above and this is comforting to me. I am worried if I do too much to start out with I will injure myself. I have some arthritis in my knee and my neck so this is very soothing to me.The fact that the routine can be done sitting in a chair will help others who think they can't exercise. Thanks for the exercise.



5. recieved the dvd in record time--recieved in excellent shape . was exactly what i was looking for---had taken a class before and wanted to refresh . checked other sites---amazon had it all along !!! vangie minnis

5 comments about The Legend of Drunken Master.

1. I love Jackie Chan and ALMOST all of his movies but the original Drunken master movie did nothing but dissapoint me. As for this one though, I was EXTREMELY impressed, I personally feel this is Jackie Chan's number one movie in that it shows you his real skill and what he can actually do. As opposed to most of his other movies where white people with guns try to kill him all the time, this one he actually fights using multiple styles and it was simply amazing. One of the best fight films possibly ever made.



2. Well I've been a Jackie Chan fan for ages & I must admit this is definitely one of his greatest films. He kept me entertained without the use of any car chases or big fancy explosions. Ken Lo (The main villain) was just crazy with those kicks!!! The main reason I like Jackie Chan is because of his hard work and determination to entertain people. The stunts he's done for our enjoyment has pushed him to the limit and beyond. With some memorable fight scenes & chuckle worthy humor, of all the Jackie Chan movies you gotta see, add this one to the list



3. I can't say that I'm a connoisseur of Martial Arts films by any means. I have a few Jet Li movies that I enjoy quite a bit, but other than that I don't have much. I also can't say I'm a big fan of Jackie Chan's. The first "Rush Hour" was pretty good, though 2 was just okay, but I didn't like "Shanghai Noon" despite the fact that I do think Owen Wilson is funny. Other than that, I don't have much Jackie Chan experience. Either way, when my girlfriend picked out this movie for purchasing I was skeptical, but because she wanted to see a Martial Arts film I caved, so we watched it.
   
   Wow, what an underestimation I made. I mean maybe it's because I wasn't expecting much so it greatly exceeded my expectations, but I still found this to be an incredibly fun movie to watch. I will warn viewers that this movie is dubbed in English and it's originally done in Cantonese. So, no sub titles, but you have the English over a different language problem where the mouths don't move in sync with the words. I could easily get over this because the movie was very well done and pretty funny. Another part that made this a little easier to deal with is, I believe, Chan dubbed his own character, so that was a nice feature. I'm personally not a Martial Arts purist, so I could let this slide.
   
   Now, I'll probably get thrashed for saying I haven't seen the first Drunken Master yet, frankly I didn't know one existed. That doesn't change my opinion that the movie was great. The Martial Arts performed in this film were absolutely top notch! Even more impressively is Chan does his own stuff, stunts and all. Apparently I should start looking into other Jackie Chan films to see if the others are on par with this one.
   
   Basically we return to Chan's character of Wong Fei Hung. He's a mischievous son of a healer and apparently Martial Arts trainer. Wong Fei Hung learned a style of Martial Arts called Drunken Boxing in the first film from another teacher, but his father doesn't seem to agree with that method of fighting. So when his father finds out he's been engaging in that kind of fighting he is severely chastised for it. It doesn't help that his mother is just as mischievous and was the one who encouraged him to do it! In the midst of all this Wong Fei stumbles upon a British conspiracy which involves taking ancient Chinese artifacts back to England. Wong Fei, a Royal Guard, and his friends seek to stop this from happening. The adventure is part comedy and part serious. Both are mixed excellently in a fairly seamless fashion that doesn't distract the viewer, neither tries to outshine the other style. A testament to how well written this movie is.
   
   The best fight scenes are the one in the restaurant and the final fight. Naturally the final fight has to be one of the best or else it doesn't end on a really superb note. One thing that is added in at the end is some outtake scenes when the credits are rolling. Here you can see some of the funnier mistakes that were made during filming; some of the more shocking are when Chan was being set on fire for some scenes!
   
   Anyway, I can't help but recommend this movie. However, the DVD doesn't appear to have that many options available for viewers. Like you can't watch it with sub titles in its original language. This might detract from some viewers, especially the purists. For me it didn't change my views much, again, I'm a little out of my element in this genre. Regardless, I recommend people see it, it has amazing fight scenes and a very well written story overall.



4. I, as so many fellow commentators here, have been an almost life long fan of the marvel that is Jackie Chan, and this particular motion picture, "The Legend of Drunken Master" or "Drunken Master II" is probably his best work ever. Definitely top three - fourish (it's quite hard to disguingish the best from the second best isn't it?).
   
   The fights and the stunts are, as usual, stunning, defying belief, and completely bonkers. Everybody is in top form, Jackie Chan, Chin Kar Lok, Ken Lo, Ti Lung and very impressively Lau Kar Leung. Visually very pleasing, very well produced and well acted this film is nothing but impressive.
   
   However, this DVD is the absolute opposite of impressive. There is no original language track on the DVD, only English, which is just stupid. These DVDs should be made with Mandarin/Cantonese(/English) language tracks and nothing less. There aren't any extra materials either, which isn't exactly bonus points to the average buyer.
   
   I give it three stars which comes as a compromise of 6 stars for the film and nil for the release. Get a Chinese copy if you can get your hands on one. It will be so much better.



5. One of Jackie's best. This movie combines great fight scenes with an "ok" story. The consolate is stealing chinese artifacts for a museum half-way across the world. It's up to Wong Fei-hong to stop them. Just give him some booze, and watch him go.
   
   This movie has great fight scenes, comedy, drama, everything you've come to expect from Jackie. A must have for any collector.

5 comments about Simplified Tai chi Chuan with Applications (YMAA).

1. This well-made DVD is great for illustrating each move and, in a separate section, showing the martial-arts basis for the move (for those who care). I was greatly relieved that the voice and "script" are low key and simple - no self-promoting, new-age, westernization spin. I lived for years in Thailand and China and I like the spirit of this DVD. The companion book explains Tai Chi's origins & versions, and gets into "energy points" and flows (much like chakras) so go to the book if you want that aspect of Tai Chi. I'm happy that the DVD omits it.



2. From the standpoint of a step by step way to learn the composite forms, this is the best DVD I have found. I have Claire Hooten's, David Caradine, Ramel Rones and Bruce Frantzis Tai Chi DVD's, but Master Liang gives multiple views, including combat applications. I am using this DVD in conjunction with the same titled book as suppliments to actual class time, but even if a Yang simplified 24-48 form class isn't available to you, the book and DVD will move you along the path of learning and enjoying this wonderful art.
   Sal Salcido



3. I ordered this DVD to supplement a class I am taking. It's great! Easy to navigate and easy to follow instructions. I love the ability to see the moves from different angles.



4. My tai chi instructor recommended this DVD highly. She said she's been looking for years for a good one for her students.



5. As I was taking a Tai Chi class, I used this video to practice at home. It followed the instructors style and was easy to use and follow.

5 comments about Sunrise Tai Chi (YMAA) DVD.

1. This is my first Tai Chi DVD, and after my first try I was amazed and am now addicted to it. I regularly do Yoga but after trying Tai Chi , I'm hooked. This DVD is so relaxing and energizing, and full of great information.
   
   I skimmed through the DVD at first then I watched the whole thing. Mr Rones gives you really great instructions. There is a specific instruction section that lets you understand and try to learn the different techniques associated with Tai Chi. If you are a beginner I suggest you put some time aside and try to watch the entire DVD before you begin. to get instructions and a basic understanding.
   
   The DVD lets you choose your music and I just love watching it because it's very relaxing and soothing. I absolutely am addicted to this and am looking forward to better my Basic Tai Chi skills through this DVD. Can't wait to try it again after work when I get home. I do this any time of the day and I absolutely love it! It helps me relieve all of my stress and tension from work.
   
   I'm definately looking into getting his books and other DVD's as well.



2. Sunrise Tai Chi is a highly informative and flexible (so to speak) introduction to the topic. As a relative beginner, who is both a cancer patient and an academic neurologist, I have found Rones' style to be direct, logical, and easy to follow. He breaks down every exercise into manageable components that can be adapted to any level of experience, physical condition, or age. The visual effects and music also enhance the instruction.



3. Have spent the past month evaluating the "Sunrise Tai Chi" DVD by Ramel Rones, and am much impressed with everything from production values to the quality of instruction.
   
   DVD is split into 3 main sections: Demonstration, Instruction, and Workout. "Demonstration" shows Rones going through each of the exercises with a flute & harp playing in the background (with the notable exception of some cool Asian trip-hop beats during a few of the more aerobic exercises -- sadly, I was unable to find the musical credits). "Instruction" has Rones describe the proper execution of each exercise in a highly detailed and specific manner -- he discusses and demonstrates a variety of subtleties that could not be adequately described on the printed page, and this information will be of great value to instructors who wish to teach these movements to others. "Workout" is divided into 20, 40, or 60 minute workouts, with your choice of either traditional flute & harp or piano music in the background.
   
   Ramel Rones is a Master instructor, and this is quite possibly the finest instructional DVD I've hat the privilege to view and practice. Best implemented with a widescreen or projection television (which I do not have) . . . somewhat frustrating on a laptop screen (but fortunately there is a large screen TV with DVD deck at work).
   
   Highly recommended!



4. Ramel Rones is great in this DVD. He's obviously expert. He's thorough. He also addresses the senior population (I'm not in that target population yet, but will be I hope!). He passes on some of the tradition and gives a good morning workout that leads up to a relatively simple T'ai Chi solo form. and there are three levels of workout, with two selections of music to accompany through the guided workout, I like the choice of music.
   
   The training segment is thorough and you should be prepared to spend a while going through this part before really attempting the full workout.
   
   The camerawork is good. The video editing is a bit confusing at times (for example: during the shorter workouts, the hip stretch section focuses mainly on the right side, so you have to figure out for yourself how much time to balance it out between the sides, if you want to stay with the agenda of exercises chosen).
   
   The menu navigation tool is quite good, not perfect, but much better than most DVDs of this type.
   
   I'm looking forward to trying other DVD releases from Mr. Rones and the YMAA.



5. I've done other Tai Chi videos in the past and this is compares well to others. There are lots of facets to the video, and I recommend you take an initial look at all the areas on teh DVD before trying any of them. There are parts for instruction and others for meditation, tai chi, etc. My husband enjoys doing this very much as well.