Tai Chi PENG Root Power Rising Paperback – March 4, 2014

I was a skeptic, which led me here. After years of martial arts and tai chi training, I had become disatissfied with the answers found...Too many vague and cryptic references, and teachers with outlandish claims that could not back it up. So, I went on journey that took me to random parks with sometimes crazy people, and to some of the most renowned schools with big-name masters in search of what the classics always referenced. And not just 1 simple class...But, in depth as far as I could be allowed, and I still do.The author happened to be #2 on my journey, agreeing to meet me (a complete stranger) in the park. After reading JUICE, and then pushing in-person; I was amazed by the skill he had, which had felt different from any previous experiences. BUT, I still did not want to believe, so I continued on the journey. Now, a few years later; I circle back around and find the methods described in this book, companion DVD, and within JUICE to be the BEST overall instruction for Taiji and internal energetics all of which have been felt first-hand. Not only that, but the author has had no problem showing up in-person, with anyone who is interested.This is NOT a martial arts-combat book, it is a method to help the user find, experience, and train these otherwise elusive energetics. It is for a personal training; or, attribute training that you can build into any practice. The language used is modern and relevant, making it an easy read. The DVD further illustrates exactly how to use these methods. He also references and translates the classics (being fluent in Chinese) to make the connection easy for the reader. Those custom translations alone, are worth the money. And for references, the author is indeed fluent in Chinese, a long-time, student of Ben Lo, an author and long time senior student in Systema, xing yi, a boxer, a yogi, I Chuan, and more.So, my advice to the prospective reader is: Read it. With the companion DVD as well. Then, really give the methods a shot and actually TRAIN it. You will be amazed by the results, IF you actually do the practice.Enjoy!

I've been hammering away at Tai Chi for nearly two decades now alongside some other serious martial arts training. I've seen the martial art side of the practice as well as the therapeutic side and everything in between. Scott's book (along with the companion DVD) is easily the clearest teaching on the subject when it gets down to the brass tacks of actually building and experiencing the internal energy of Tai Chi.I'll grant that his views of Tai Chi's ultimate goal seems to fly in the face of mainstream Tai Chi practice. From what I've seen, that tends ruffle a few feathers. The language he uses is certainly more blunt and direct than the ubiquitous vagaries that surround most Tai Chi practice. But that may well be the best reason to dig in here. Everything you've tried up until now hasn't really given you what you're looking for (or you wouldn't still be on the prowl for the secret). So it's time to take a fresh approach (not that there's anything really new here since he grounds his reasoning within the teachings of the Tai Chi Classics coupled with his own experiences). Instead of subtle hints and vague promises about where Tai Chi can take you, Scott's book gives you play-by-play descriptions of exactly how to build the energy and the kinds of experiences you'll have along the way.The real test of validity, however, is simply to try out his method to see if it works. That is precisely what I have been doing over the past few months. After working with these guidelines, I have both felt and recognized some of the various energies that before were only batted around in conversation as so much abstract theory. And I can personally feel how these energies continue to build for greater effects. No other teacher or master I have ever met or trained under (which is quite a few) has been able to so clearly lay out the most efficient and necessary steps for internal development in Tai Chi without getting bogged down by all the fun-but-unnecessary minutiae: terminology, philosophy, lineages, and history of the practice.Anyone sincerely seeking to build their internal energy need look no further. Of course, if you already feel you know everything about internal development and are looking for some kind of vindication, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking to load your head with all kinds of information ABOUT Tai Chi, this book isn't for you. It's a practical guide for the sincere and earnest seeker. And it requires your own effort to be able to experience the energies described.And once that happens... well... the results speak for themselves.