Snake Style Tai Chi Chuan: The Hidden System Of The Yang Family

Bob Boyd claims that he learned the Yang family's insider's tai chi method, called Snake Style. I have no reason to doubt his account. This book is a presentation of that method, which boils down to several physical adjustments, all of which seem like they could be very beneficial. The problem is the explanations are not very clear and there are few drawings and fewer photos to aid the reader in grasping the adjustments. For example, Boyd writes that "Hollowing the chest to raise the back is the steam engine that drives the tai chi train." It's done by "drawing the hip joints upward, the lower abdomen...inward, the ribs and thoracic vertebrae upward and backward, and the sole of the foot upward while the ball and heel press downward (rooting.)" No drawings of incorrect versus correct posture are provided to help the reader understand what's required, which Boyd says is not a fixed posture but "a pumping action." No exercises are offered to help you understand how to do this.This is a somewhat lazy effort, in my view, lacking in clarity and drawings and photos that would have been most useful. It's worthwhile for the dedicated tai chi practitioner, but frustratingly unclear at times on points Boyd says are essential. It's also a bit overpriced but, as the first book I've seen to emphasize these various adjustments to how one normally performs the tai chi form, worth reading. Although it's clearly geared to the Yang style its principles could be applied to any style of tai chi.

I'm satisfied with the book and delivery service.Thanks to Bob Boyd.

This book is very informative and sheds light on many aspects of tai chi and its uses. It also sheds light on the world of Tai Chi.One thing this book does extremely well is actually showing you diagrams and formulas with research into the way the body connects to an internal structure. There are very few books on Tai Chi that do this a all.

It seems Mr. Boyd has indeed spent many years in the study of martial arts. He has a good writing style and an ability to clearly explain some very important tai ji concepts. Unfortunately, he has decided to break away from the main family teaching by embracing some newer principles he picked up in less than two years before his teacher passed away. This leaves him without a teacher to help him continue refining his skill, and just his own personal research to carry him into the future. Still, it's a good read and presents some interesting ideas to contemplate.

Thank you Mr Boyd for tweaking my T'ai chi. You have given me a lot to think about and apply.

"Hidden in plain Sight" - This statement as noted in Bob Boyd's book is an accurate portayalof why this secret system was never seen- in opening notations - Master Ip in his own writing states the existance of this style that he taught Bob as his disciple....having studied the public style "tiger style"for over 15 years myself - it was not until allowed to be taught this ancient yang style "snake style"did I finally really begin to understand what an "internal style" truely is - as Bob Boydnotes in this book - all the words in the orginal public instructions are the same - for the firsttime however the true meaning and application are explained and illustrated which makes ALL the difference!!...well written and carefully detailed - every martial artist will find value in this guide....it is a proud legacy to one of the worlds Great Martial artist....Master IP....who gave Bob Boyd permission to give to the world this "Holy Grail of Tai chi"I trained with Master Ip and can attest to the accuracy of Master Boyd's presentions in these teachings.Enjoy!

Great service...enjoy the book

Do not waste your time with hidden secrets, The book really teaches nothing and is not worth the paper it is printed on. If you want a better tai chi book check out YMAA here on Amazon. I bought this book and feel ripped off

Really recommend this book to all Yang Style Practitioners whether you have many or only a few years under your belt. I studied with Yang Sau Chungs disciple Chu King Hung in the 80's, and his students in the 90's. I teach Yang Style in the UK, although I have practiced Wu and Chen Style with disciples.The portion on the correct use of the spine will be of great benefit, or as I was taught 'bending the bow' {the spine-gather, store and release} to shoot the tiger'. The author obviously knows what he's talking about unlike some who write about tai chi.

un historique assez élaboré...explication des principes très claire, bien expliquée,reste à exécuter correctementBob Boyd sait de quoi il parle !!!

A great book for a any serious student. Practice and read, then re-read and practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice…

a interesting book of yang family tai chi chuan

An easy read from robert Boyd but my advice is - don't. After I read the book I did a workshop on his snake style which he claims is the secret tai chi form of the Yang family. You should google that and see what various Yangs think about it!I have practised Yang style under a senior master for ten years and this is vertical Pilates. (Nothing wrong with Pilates at all but it is not tai chi and, indeed has different goals.)The form is 'internalised' by telling you to move your 'core' around. You need to know quite a bit of anatomy too as Robert Boyd tells you which muscles you should be using to make the moves. Although chi is mentioned he seems to be quite disparaging of the the idea of chi projection. At the workshop I did, apart from the instructor who is very experienced and has actually trained under my master, I could not feel any energy in the studio.Everybody is looking for the 'secret' that will reveal 'true' tai chi. This is not it. It is not a book for beginners anyway but my advice to paractitioners at all levels is - don't.