Tai Chi Chuan Common Knowledge: The Definitive Textbook of Tai Chi Fundamentals


Price: $19.99
(as of Aug 05, 2025 06:09:13 UTC – Details)


Deepen your understanding of Tai Chi Chuan
Ideal for both newcomers and experienced Tai Chi practitioners, this groundbreaking book—based on years of research by Chinese experts—explores the science and principles of Tai Chi Chuan. Now available in English for the first time.
Beginners will find clear, straightforward explanations to support and enhance their in-person learning.
Advanced students will discover valuable insights and fresh perspectives in every chapter, deepening their understanding of Tai Chi.
Teachers will appreciate this comprehensive reference work, designed to inspire better questions and accelerate student progress.

From the Publisher

Kevin Else - Single WhipKevin Else - Single Whip

Kevin Else talks about this translation:

After years of studying Tai Chi with my teacher, Master Li PeiYun, we decided it would be beneficial to translate this 1978 Chinese textbook on Tai Chi into English. Unlike some of the older family texts on Tai Chi, this textbook was compiled by interviewing a range of Chinese experts and family members over a period of years. As a result, what is offered in the textbook are clear, no-nonsense explanations of the myriad details concealed within Tai Chi. Scientific research is used to explain the underlying body mechanics and why things work (and don’t work). Use this book as a supplement to the training from your teacher. Read a section and ask your teacher to provide their insights. I am certain you will learn faster and gain deeper insights by after reading through this text.

Translator: Kevin Else

Kevin Else is a dedicated practitioner and competitor in traditional Chinese martial arts. He began his training under Master Li Pei Yun in 1999, focusing on Tai Chi (Yang, Chen, Sun styles), Xingyiquan, and weapons forms such as staff, fan, jian and dao.

Over the decade he competed, Kevin won twenty-eight (28) gold medals in various competitions, both nationally and internationally. His competitive career highlights include winning the All-Around Internal Male Competitor title at both the 2010 USKSF competition and the US Wushu Union’s 2006 US National Chinese Martial Arts Championships. Internationally, he received eight (8) gold medals at the 2006 International Wushu/Tai Chi Competition in Hong Kong and eight (8) gold medals at the 2007 Zhejiang International Tournament in Hongzhou, China.

Starting martial arts later in life has shaped Kevin’s perspective: “It taught me efficiency and precision,” he notes. “It’s about understanding principles rather than just power or flexibility.” His journey proves that with dedication, significant achievements are possible at any age.

Other Suggested Reading

Kevin Else's Martial Arts LibraryKevin Else's Martial Arts Library

What else should you read?

I know it isn’t common for an author to suggest you buy other authors’ books. However, my interest is in helping others understand Chinese internal martial arts and helping everyone get better. All of these books have important information which can help your education and technique. I hope this photo of a portion of my Martial Arts library is helpful.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DSV1WRY3
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Standing Pole LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 1, 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8992301106
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.46 x 9 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #228,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #84 in Tai Chi & Qi Gong #277 in Martial Arts (Books) #1,231 in Mental & Spiritual Healing
Customer Reviews: 5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });