Via Media Publishing was founded in 1992 in order to produce the peer reviewed quarterly Journal of Asian Martial Arts (1992-2012)-the first publication of its kind to focus on martial traditions in an academic format. Many of the authors were scholar-practitioners, who utilized their unique talents to present articles from various specializations, such as Asian Studies, kinesiology, history, anthropology, philosophy, and physical education.
Those who were serious about this field subscribed to the journal to read articles noted for their high academic and aesthetic standards. Most were in the United States, Canada, and Europe, but also in other areas of the world. These naturally included martial art schools and individual practitioners. There was a strong base among university and public libraries too.
As founder of Via Media, I've decided to assemble this anthology of articles relating to taijiquan. There are over three hundred million taiji practitioners worldwide, drawn to the art mainly for health maintenance and it therapeutic value. Researchers can benefit from this handy anthology, particularly for the information and analyses presented, including the rich bibliographic listings. Taiji practitioners will also gain insights to benefit their own practice, be it for health and/or self-defense.
Included here are sixty-four articles, the same number of hexagrams in the Book of Changes (Yijing). In addition to 735 illustrations, there are glossaries, maps, charts, and bibliographies. Taijiquan is the term representing the general category of study, but taijiquan can be subdivided into its branches, from the original Chen Family Style to highly popular Yang Family Style. Other lineages are presented, such as the Wu and Sun systems.
The variety of material in this anthology reflects in-depth scholarly research and the experience of master practitioners. It will be a valuable source taijiquan enthusiasts for futures decades. By making this book available to individuals and libraries, we hope this rare material will greatly contribute to further research in this field and inspire many to learn taijiquan with aspirations to mastery.
DeMarco, Michael A.: - Michael DeMarco received a Master's Degree in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University and studied at National Taiwan University's Mandarin Training Center. Working in the People's Republic of China and in Taiwan emersed Mike in Chinese history and culture. He's studied and taught martial arts for nearly sixty years, focusing on kuntao-silat and taijiquan. For over twenty years, Mike published the peer-reviewed quarterly Journal of Asian Martial Arts and continues publishing and writing, including Wuxia America: The Emergence of a Chinese American Hero. He has also consulted and appeared in television documentaries that were aired on the Discovery Channel, Arts and Entertainment, The History Channel, and The Learning Channel.
