This is a basic instructional video, easy to follow. The movements are not overly complex. I would say it's great for a beginner. The style ia a little "californian", with surf metaphors running throughout. The instructor is obviously knowledgable, but his delivery style can be off-puuting to anyone from East of the Rockies. There is much to learn here for the beginner, and Joey Bond is careful to give you enough to work on, but not too much. Since the essence of Tai Chi is in the repetition, not the accomplishment of many routines, I find this in harmony with the subject's intent.
This DVD was produced by PBS and was nationally syndicated for 8 years before going over to Europe on the UPI television network. The rights went to Janson Media who produced the DVD from VHS since it was made in 1994 (not the 80's). Master Bond was 46 years old when he did this PBS production and it looks like he didn't want to let go of the 80's look as I found out that Joey Bond was an active musician surfing in California, at the time, and as they say, the job & passion goes with long hair! The great thing about the DVD is it authentic teaching approach which Bond is doing backwards, literally, for the audience, and yes he discusses and talks and points out everything that is important and useful. Our generation has a hard time with attention-span, so the talking may wear on some people's patience, but don't forget that Tai Chi is a slow-motion martial art and the moves are actually complex. Bond seems to have the trick for breaking it down, maybe a little over the top, but in China they don't say anything at all in class and you just have to figure it out. Glad I'm on this side of the pond with Master Bond showing me the beauty of Chinese culture in the middle of it all. Bond wrote me back personally to tell me these things, and as to his clothes, he said that the lighting in the studio was so hot that he changed from the traditional Chinese gear to California beach wear. A last minute idea, but then again, Bond is not Chinese, and I agree that it all comes across as relaxed, easy going, with a full plate of moves carefully taught. Love the DVD & Bond is a pioneer and wonderful teacher!Read full review
This is apparently a PBS TV series recording. Joey is a good teacher and does all the routines like a mirror image. That is, he describes the move but is actually moving in the direction that you are supposed to move rather then what he is saying. This makes it easier to copy from the TV screen. It is a slow series which, given the difficulty of the subject, may be good. I recommend it for the person who wants to learn the 24 form and is not in a hurry.
The techniques were solid and well explained, but this was basicly just a VHS tape that someone converted into DVD format. Also, because the original was made in the early 80's, the hair and clothes were outdated (and somewhat funny and distracting). From a Tai Chi standpoint, this disk is good. from a video standpoint, it is mediocre.
This might be good for someone who has not ever exercised before. It is very simplified and easy to follow. But the entire tape (an hour) only teaches you two moves in a combined sequence. I was ready for several moves to "get a work-out" and this failed terribly in that area. It only makes you want to buy something else to really learn what Tai Chai is all about.
I gave to a friends son to see how a man can use Tia Chi and not be considered a "sissy". He can't wait until he can start practicing in a class room situation.
I think it looks so cool to watch the people that do Tai Chi. A exercise I would love to learn and make my body better as well as my mind. This dvd is like watching a weekly series all at one time as it plays one program, it comes to an end, then it starts another
It does give instruction slow and is easy to follow,All veiwing is clear and in good shape.All I need is more room and more time for usage.
The DVD is a great way for my family and I to start our healthy year; very informative and easy paced DVD.Great price and a "buy now" helped in deciding on this DVD.
I bought this dvd so that i could find other ways of relaxing when tensed or streesed. This dvd has allowed that and opened my eyes that I might take up tai chi or some other form of martial arts
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