For
any serious student of Taijiquan, Rick Barrett’s
name should be familiar. He’s a senior
student of Grandmaster William C. C. Chen and
also studies Chen Style Taijiquan and Xingyiquan
with Master Yang, Fukui. As a push hands competitor,
Rick dominated his weight division in the late
1990’s, becoming middleweight national
champion and US Kuoshu Champion in the unlimited
division. Since retiring from active competition,
he is well known for his workshops around the
country, and has already written a couple of
articles for Inside Kung Fu. But this is his
first book, and it’s worth the wait.
Written specifically for the Western practitioner, the
book blends modern science and philosophy with traditional wisdom drawn from
classic literature. But it also goes several steps further, revealing and exploring
effortless power revelations that may be uniquely Barrett’s own … little
things like whole-body energetic connection, energetic coherence, and instant
meditation, among other things. Daunting? Not really. Not with Barrett’s
decades of teaching and accessible writing showing you the way.
Ric
Meyers is a contributing editor/columnist
for Inside Kung-Fu
People are Saying Nice Things About
Taijiquan: Through the Western Gate
by Rick Barrett
I read and studied
Rick Barrett's Taijiquan: Through the Western
Gate" with
great curiosity and enthusiasm. I believe that Rick's book represents the cutting-edge
of the Western contribution to the ancient art and science of taiji. He is embarking
upon uncharted territory and his insights are taking taiji to the next level
of discovery and sophistication. This gift certainly has the potential to benefit
taiji practitioners in the East and the West as they begin to combine an ancient
art form with cutting-edge developments in energy and consciousness research.
I am eagerly awaiting Rick's next contribution to the field."
John E. Young, Ph.D.
Professor of Management (Retired)
University of New Mexico
Science at Play
Barrett's intriguing,
guiding insight is that there is a wall built
between
the underpinnings
of
Western thought and Asian promise. After decades
researching & teaching,
listening & learning, treating & competing with/through/for Taijiquan,
Barrett has found the Gate through the Wall. His painstaking, joy-filled journey
- hands feeling for a breach in the wall - has resulted in this profound work
which finally illuminates the point of connection which has, however heralded
remained in shadow.
An indispensable guidebook for every martial artist, this groundbreaking work
captures the joy of discovery, the depth of meaning and the wonder of Qi. Readers
will return time and again to its pages for guidance, insight, and review. Destined
to be passed among students and down from teacher to student in training halls
and lecture halls for years to come, this instant-classic deconstructs the prior
`understandings' that have come both from imperfect translations and the inherent
imperfection of words.
Stephen Watson (Connecticut)
I have been studying Martial arts for 5
years and energy work has always been a part of
this.
This book has helped
to reinforce some of the concepts already
taught by my instuctors and it also helped clarify some of these ideas. In
my opinon the greatest strength of this book
is the clear simple language used.Mr
Barrett's exercises where so simple to do and explain to others that I used
them in my own class to help teach our younger
students.I also really enjoyed the
fact that Mr Barrett has found a way through to science to help support what
energy practitioners have known for decades that Chi is real and can be used.Through
this book I think he dispells some of the myth surrounding Chi and the meridians.
BUY THIS BOOK.!!
Chrs Benjamin
Finally, a book that eases the Western Mind into
Eastern thought! Bravo !
As a 20 + year practitioner of T'aijiquan
and Internal related arts, I grew so tired from
all
the carbon
copy "TAI CHI" books filled with fortune
cookie philosophy and too many bad photos of bad tai chi, that I gave up on reading
literature on the subject altogether, but no more...Mr. Barrett takes the reader
on an enlightened path, allowing the Western trained mind to wrap the psyche,
intellect and energy around an art that is growing worldwide in leaps and bounds.
Sadly though, there are so few qualifed and insightful teachers that many miss
the mark of this arts potential.
Sifu Barrett, a long time Taiji Champion, judge, referee and masterful teacher,
is like an oasis in a vast desert of mediocre teachers and phony self procalimed
Masters.
Witty, intelligent with easy to follow experiments to test his information, this
book allows us to feel the very substance of Taijiquan.
Read it and you will know exactly what I mean, novice or long time enthusiasts
will gain insight.
Thank you Rick !
Sifu Ray Abeyta/Texas School of Taiji and Healing
How can the insubstantial possibly overcome the
substantial?
This book does a
great job of clearly explaining many of the
principles
of tai chi
and manages
to avoid the mystical without losing the mystery. The author's explanation of "tensegrity" alone
is worth the price of admission. I've been seriously studying this eastern art
for over 35 years, and this book is a real contribution to the field.
Steven Asherman
Finally!
I have many Tai Chi and Qigong books in my personal
library. Many are put in boxes never to be seen
again. I have a handful that I keep to refer back
to.
This book fits in my hand nicely.
A great book written extremely well. There have been other attempts at bridging
the inner workings of Tai Chi and Qigong
between the two cultures. This book is the Golden Gate.
I recommend it to all practioners beginner to master.
I found myself saying "WOW" just a few hundred times.
Great job Mr. Barrett.
Joe Petrosi
Hudson Valley T'ai Chi
For
anyone interested in how to make the most
of themselves, the book is invaluable.
The
price is $16.95. Order one now by clicking
here.
