Frequently Asked Questions
Is the website secure?
Yes, all of the "shoping cart" area has secure sockets which are monitored by a security service. We also process all credit card orders offline rather than through the internet directly to the bank for your credit card security.
What does NTSC and PAL video format mean?
This is the standard of video on tape, which is viewable on equipment in a specific country. For example, the USA and Japan use NTSC and most of Europe and China use PAL. There is also a third standard called SECAM. Countries such as, France, Russia, and several countries in the Mid East use this standard. We stock the PAL standard and the SECAM standard can be special ordered. If you are unsure of the format used in your country, click on the link below. In regard to DVD's they are formatted to run on any system and no conversion is necessary. World Video Formats.
Can I learn from a video?
Yes, it can be useful for enrichment while studying with a qualified teacher in your geographic area. If one on one individual study is not possible, a video is the best alternative. Video instruction can also be supplemented with seminar attendance for corrections in some cases. The last alternative would be a book. A book, however, is usually a collection of stills, which often do not cover the transitions between movements.
What should I consider in terms of choosing the right video for me?
You should have a clear idea of what results you are seeking from your practice. For example, if you are interested in maintaining general health, qigong might be more appropriate than taiji.
You must determine how much time that are you willing to devote to practicing. Various forms have different requirements.
You must also consider your current level of skill. Our titles fall into three categories: beginning, intermediate and advanced. If you indicate your perimeters via e-mail, we can suggest titles that will suit your individual needs.
Why are your titles more expensive than normal videos?
For several reasons:
Market: This is a niche market and sales are not of the volume of a main stream title. The cost for one tape is approximately what one month of study with a teacher would be meeting once or twice a week.
Production: Our cost is not just the cost of not duplicating, but also, producing the videos: talent fees paid to the masters, travel, hotels, equipment and location rentals, editing costs, mastering costs, narration, website, etc.
Piracy: For every one sold, by industry estimates due to piracy, there are 4 to 5 copies made.
Do you give any discounts?
Yes. 3 volumes $125, 4@$160, 5@$200, 6@$225. and 7 or more 25% off NTSC format tapes, if ordered by mail. We also will give discounts for PAL and SECAM format multiple orders, and the discount schedule is: 3 volumes $162, 4@$208, 5@$260, 6@$293 and 7 or more 25% off the retail price of $64.95 each. These amounts do not include shipping.
What do I do, if there is something wrong with my video?
The probability of this is about 1%. If there is a manufacturing defect, however, simply mail the defective tape back and it will be replaced immediately upon receipt. We will also extend a 20% discount on your next order for the inconvenience
Do you wholesale?
Yes. If you are a retail outlet, bookstore, or school you can distribute the series. There are minimum order requirements and a discount schedule is based on number of volumes ordered. Inquiries can be made via e-mail.
What is the difference between Tai Chi Chuan and Taijiquan?
None. They are different romanization methods of writing Chinese: Wade-Giles ( Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Hsing-I, Pa Qua Chang, etc) and Pinyin (Taijiquan, Qigong, Xing-Yi, Baqua Zhang, Etc.). Initially Wage-Giles was more used in the West, but recently Pinyin, which is used in teaching Mandarin, is increasing in use.
Why is practicing basics from a style of taiji that is different than my style valuable?
The essential principles of all taiji, such as "sinking qi to the lower dan tian," or "suspending the top of the head" are the same. These are the building blocks on which the learner establishes their tai chi foundations. Basics address these fundamentals in the form of drills. Regardless of style, the quality of your practice must contain the requirements of taiji, otherwise you will just be doing a light stretching exercise, and not take advantage of the great benefits taiji has to offer.
Why do you have more than one master doing similar styles of taiji, such as, the two Yang styles that you advertise?
Each master 's journey is unique to his own experience. Styles, their masters's methods, and lineage all flavor the final form that a master will teach to subsequent generations. Taiji is a dynamic discipline with five major schools that have evolved and grown as a result of various modifications developed to suit specifc needs.There is no ultimate taiji style or master. The essential requirements of taiji are present in all styles. Although our series deals with traditional styles, there are many variations even within the branches. In Master Ye Xiao Long's titles (vols. 22- 23) the martial essence of the Yang form is more evident. In Master Lu Gui Rong's titles (vols. 37- 40) the even speed and additional circular movements of the "Yang Family" style are emphasized. One is not better than the other, both are equally valuable for different reasons.
Are there different types of Chen style taijiquan or are they all the same?
There are two basic branches of tradiitional Chen Family taijiquan. Lao Jia ("old frame") and Xin Jia ("new frame"). Lao Jia comes from Chenjiagou (Chen family village) in Wen county in the Henan province.
The Xin Jia ("new frame") style of Chen family Taijiquan that was created by Chen Fa Ke, is based on the movements of the Lao Jia style ("old frame"). Xin Jia added actions such as winding the wrists and shoulders, folding the waist and chest, springing and leaping, and emphasising Chan Ssu Chin(silk reeling power). These changes make Xin Jia appear more dynamic and explosive than Lao Jia. It is said that in Lao Jia, the Chan Ssu Chin is internal, and not shown externally. In Xin Jia, it is obviously manifested. The Xin Jia and Lao Jia systems both contain two open hand solo routines called Yi lu ("first road") and Er lu ("second road") or Pao Chui (Cannon Fist). The Chen style open hand form instructional titles in this series are the Xin Jia ("new frame") branch of the system.