David-Dorian Ross
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 16
Language
English
Description
Learn the last movement in the qigong series called the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Then go through the entire routine from the beginning, concentrating on how qigong and tai chi promote correct posture and a better back. Close with Snake Creeps through the Grass from the short form routine.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 20
Language
English
Description
Imagine what it would be like if you were never entrapped by stress again. Thanks to your study of tai chi and qigong, this blissful state is already in your grasp. For your next segment of the 24-movement routine, perform Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 20
Language
English
Description
Taking as her premise that fights are seldom won by a single technique, virtually undefeated champion Kathy Long focuses her final lesson on combinations that utilze the Muay Thai "clinch" - a move that allows you to take control of the action, and your opponent. After learning how to perform the clinch, you'll put it together in a series of combinations.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 18
Language
English
Description
One of the most devastating Asian fighting styles originated in Thailand. In addition to using fists and feet, Muay Thai uses elbows, forearms, knees, and shins as weapons, making it a favorite among MMA practitioners. Join world kickboxing champion Kathy Long to discover the basic stances, footwork, and punching techniques.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 8
Language
English
Description
Learn how to walk with mindfulness. Then study the first pillar of tai chi practice: forms, which are the choreographed dance-like movements that most people associate with tai chi. For the short form routine, practice Grasp the Bird's Tail on the right side.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 10
Language
English
Description
Experience the feeling of standing with proper alignment as you explore the third pillar of tai chi: standing meditation. Experiment with a qigong exercise called Standing Like a Tree. Then lose yourself in the next dream-like sequence of the 24 movements: Waving Hands Like Clouds.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 23
Language
English
Description
Imagine a martial art designed for responding to situations where there are no rules. While not always pretty or elegant, there is nevertheless a strength and grit to the Krav Maga system of fighting, making it popular among law enforcement. Dr. Tammy McKracken examines how to respond to common street attacks that don't adhere to the structured discipline of many martial arts.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 7
Language
English
Description
Like the karate kata, the tae kwon do forms - or "poomse" - are the key to practicing technique. After Master Ross introduces these patterns of attack and defense, Grandmaster Wheaton leads you through the first poomse, Chun-ji, which you can then try yourself.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 17
Language
English
Description
As students advance in tai chi, they move from empty hands forms to weapons play, which has the same elegant choreography but with sticks, swords, or spears. Try out this ancient martial art, seeing how even everyday objects can be used for practice. Then master a new movement in the short form: Rooster Stands on One Leg.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 1
Language
English
Description
David-Dorian Ross recounts the history of tai chi and qigong, which are closely related practices. Then he introduces the Yang family short form of 24 individual movements, which is the most widely performed tai chi routine. He closes with his top ten tips for your personal practice.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 13
Language
English
Description
Marvel at the amazing exploits of classic tai chi masters, including two legendary champions, Zhang San-Feng and Wang Tsung-Yueh, and a historical figure, Yang Lu-Chan, who invented the Yang style. Conclude with another segment of the short form: Stand Up and Kick with Heel.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 17
Language
English
Description
Jujitsu - "the pliable fighting art," originated in Japan as "jujutsu," and later modifed in Brazil as "jiujutsu" - relies less on speed, flexibility, and strength. Instead, practitioners need patience and understanding. By participating in a series of drills, learn to use your body like a pliable reed for fighting. Then, consider how to apply pliability to your daily life.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 7
Language
English
Description
Deepen your understanding of qi and its role in traditional Chinese medicine, which is radically different from Western medicine. Discover how qigong and tai chi are designed to manipulate qi energy. Close by performing the next movement in the short form: Grasp the Bird's Tail on the left side.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 6
Language
English
Description
Learn the final posture in the qigong series called the Frolic of the Five Animals. Then explore the ancient concept of qi, the life force that underlies the practice of qigong and tai chi. Finally, add Repulse the Monkey to your repertoire of the 24-movement short form.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 5
Language
English
Description
While many of the martial arts in this course are about speed, strength, and intensity, tai chi is known for the fundamental idea that "softness overcomes hardness." Here, Master Ross introduces you to the history and philosophy that underlies tai chi, as well as the importance and practice of "flow."
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 13
Language
English
Description
Round out your practice of kung fu with an introduction to praying mantis, a complementary style of kung fu that emphasizes bigger moves over longer distances. Sifu Joshua Grant takes you through this exceptionally graceful way to combine a variety of skills, as you literally cover a lot of ground.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 19
Language
English
Description
Continue your study of Muay Thai, which (unlike many other martial arts) includes knees and elbows as distinct weapons in the arsenal. Survey combinations and variations of jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, and other hand and foot techniques, and then examine the "why" of different combos.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 15
Language
English
Description
How can the slow dance of tai chi compete with running or weightlifting as a workout? The secret is that tai chi activates many muscles at the same time, burning calories at a high rate. For the short form routine, practice Stand Up and Kick on the other side.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 8
Language
English
Description
Focus, speed, power: perhaps nothing demonstrates the tae kwon do way as vividly as gearing up and sparring with a partner. In this interactive lesson, Grandmaster Wheaton leads you through a number of kicking drills as well as an introduction to one-step sparring techniques. Bring a partner if you have one, who can also help if you want to break a board.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 2
Language
English
Description
Start the first of the qigong exercises, called the Frolic of the Five Animals. You also begin a regular routine of simple tai chi drills. Then learn the first two movements in the 24-movement short form: Opening the Door and Parting the Wild Horse's Mane.