This book is a book about Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Standing Meditation. The book is both an introduction to, and an in-depth presentation. The book ¬addresses the beginner, the more experienced student, and the teacher. It covers the Martial, as well as the Civil art of Tai Chi.There are many training systems that are focused on strengthening the body, but that have very little or no relevance to the strengthening and development of the mind. In reverse there exist many meditative practices, which are focused on the strengthening and development of the mind, but in the same way neglect the body. Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Standing Meditation are training systems which both strengthen the mind, the ability to use the body more ¬appropriately, as well as strengthening the internal organs. They will help you find tranquility, balance, rest, and regeneration, and help the individual to become better at exactly what he or she yearns for. They increase the ability to focus and at the same time develop that part of our nervous system that deals with calm, rest and recovery.In this current day and age, the obsession with how looking fit equals good health is a relatively new phenomenon, when seen in relation to how long mankind has existed. Tight, hard and knotted muscles are erringly seen as being fit. It can be difficult to accept and understand, that training is definitively not about exhausting oneself in order to achieve good, healthy results. Especially as we have been indoctrinated by phrases like "no pain no gain". Reality is rather different. Systems of movement like Tai Chi and Qi Gong, which strongly encourage the balancing of bones and joints, and where the movements are aimed at being liquid with a release of the joints while letting go of all unnecessary muscle tension, are a far better bid at an appropriate form of exercise. This way the muscles are being exercised without fatigue. The physical balance is developed while flexibility and mobility are preserved. Added to this is a strengthening of the bones, and the integration of body and mind, as well as one's own experience of peace and wellbeing. A well-balanced skeleton is the foundation for relaxed muscles and free movement of the joints.The book is based on the author's experience of more than 30 years, and contains a wealth of training tips, instructive photos, and links to video clips of key exercises.It also includes excerpts from his dairies, and anecdotes from his personal experiences with some of his teachers - teachers who are among the very best when it comes to Internal Martial Arts, as well as Qi Gong.Standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang) will be a cornerstone and common thread throughout the book. In this you will experience time and again, how the author return to standings and describe new angles and new takes on the subject. Torben Bremann (the author) was born in 1960. He started learning Taiji and Qigong in 1987 from Master Chu King Hung (disciple of Master Yang Shou Shung). In 1989 he came in contact with Master Chen Guan Ming and in 1994 he became a student and disciple of the latter's Master, He Gong De and amongst other things, learned Chen style, Zhanzhuang (standing) and Emei Qigong from him until his death in 1999. From 1991 - 1998 he also received teaching from Patrick Kelly - a long time student of Master Huang Xingxian. In 1998 he was introduced to Master Yek Sing Ong and Master Wee Kee Jin, from whom he has learned Taiji and Zhanzhuang. From 1999 to 2007 he was a private student and close friend of Wee Kee Jin. In 2005 he was accepted as a private student by Master Sam Tam in Taiji, Zhan Zhuang, Qigong etc. Apart from these he has had several other teachers as mentioned in the book. He has amongst other things, an education in traditional Chinese Medicine, psychomotor therapy, psychotherapy, is a specialist in anatomy, motion analysis and physical training, and has a background in both western and eastern medicine.
