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In the following section, I will present the information that one should know before beginning the practice of T'ai Chi. I will begin by describing the reasons why one should study T'ai Chi and illustrating the many benefits of its regular practice. Next I will briefly describe the history of T'ai Chi and why I chose to present the "Simplified T'ai Chi Form" in this book. Lastly, before beginning description of the form, I will describe how to best make use of this book as an aid in studying T'ai Chi.

Why T'ai Chi?

Perhaps you have begun this book because you have heard something about T'ai Chi and believe that reading this manual and practicing its exercises will help you become more healthful, flexible, and freer in movement and mind. Congratulations! You have made the right choice!

The graceful and lithesome movements of T'ai Chi recently have attracted worldwide attention, not only by the sports and recreation community but also by the medical profession and business persons. This is because T'ai Chi is both medicinal and practical in its effects. Whether you are seeking an exercise regimen, a path to better health, or simply a way to relax and find your "center," T'ai Chi fits the need. The movements of T'ai Chi are forms of kung fu, but the T'ai Chi forms are very different from the more combative forms of kung fu in their execution. Whereas kung fu techniques are usually swift and sometimes sharply defined, the T'ai Chi movements are part of a routine that when well executed may appear almost dreamlike in its flowing smoothness.