David-Dorian Ross
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 1
Language
English
Description
Welcome to the guan, or tai chi studio. Start your journey on the path of mastery by discovering how taijiquan is a complex system that weaves together martial artistry, the pursuit of health and longevity, and the philosophy of harmony and balance. Then, practice several stances that you will use throughout the Yang-style 40-movement form, and learn your first tai chi principle.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 12
Language
English
Description
Watch Mr. Ross with the tai chi straight sword, moving in tai chi's circles and spirals that are natural to the body. Your body has five natural curves, or bows, that increase the power of your movements. Learn relaxed postures that emphasize these gentle curves, and maintain your awareness of the body bows as you learn box both ears and separate the left foot.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 4
Language
English
Description
Round out your study of karate's "empty hand" with an overview of a karate "kata." Find out how practicing the kata can help you perfect your techniques and strengthen your body and mind. Sensei Fukuda demonstrates the Shiho Zuki (punching in four directions), and Master Ross breaks down the techniques so you can participate.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 15
Language
English
Description
Known for its grappling, flipping, and throwing techniques, judo is best summed up by a Japanese phrase translating to "maximum efficiency, minimum effort." After a review of the history and introductory concepts of judo, Sensei Fukuda takes you through a series of exercises and drills. Master Ross returns to offer additional insight.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 10
Language
English
Description
Tai chi becomes easy when you let go of mental and physical resistance and tension. By sinking the shoulders and relaxing the elbows, you improve your flow. Incorporate pivots to adjust your steps and alignment, and discover when the hands move in different rhythms. Learn the move cloud hands.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 9
Language
English
Description
Begin a new qigong series called the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Next, explore the second pillar of tai chi practice: push hands, which involves gentle but challenging sparring with a partner. End with a movement called Single Whip.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 12
Language
English
Description
Continue your study of tai chi and health by looking at its documented benefits for treating obesity and Alzheimer's disease. Then reach the halfway point in your study of the 24-movement short form with a pose called High Pat on Horse.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 5
Language
English
Description
Branch out from the Yang style to see how other families of tai chi perform the movement called Single Whip. Mr. Ross also explains the fascinating history of the five families: Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao, and Sun. Close with Playing the Pipa in the short form.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 2
Language
English
Description
Step into what may seem like the quintessential Japanese martial art, with its emphasis on powerful physical techniques, from punches and chops to how to train your legs. Join U.S. Olymic team coach, Sensei Akira Fukuda in this introduction to karate and its history. Learn the fighting stance, the front kick, and a series of punches.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 7
Language
English
Description
Learn the qigong form 8 pieces of brocade, which is an excellent warm-up or adjunct to tai chi chuan. Review all of the moves you have learned so far, and get strategies for how to do the form in a small space. With these techniques, you can practice anywhere-which means you'll practice more often.
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 20
Language
English
Description
Learn the game of pushing hands with a partner, an essential pillar of tai chi chuan. This exercise will increase your sensitivity and understanding as well as your martial prowess. The secret: instead of focusing on how to defeat the opponent, a tai chi master focuses on recreating harmony.
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 9
Language
English
Description
Qi is the Chinese word for "energy of life," and qigong is the science of understanding the flow of Qi. Because the ability to manipulate Qi is at the heart of many Asian martial arts, this lesson takes a break from the physical systems of martial arts and explores the history and mental practice of qigong. Learn a variety of meditation techniques that complement your physical study.
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Strengthen Your Heart, Improve Your Circulation. Harvard Medical School says Tai Chi may be the best exercise for a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. In this program, Tai Chi Master-teacher David-Dorian Ross guides you through an easy follow-along healthy heart workout using the beautiful and gentle movements of Tai Chi.
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
Language
English
Description
Relax Your Back and Raise Your Spirit. Back pain is one of the most common problems in the world, often caused by working too hard, or sometimes by not getting enough exercise. Studies show by the age of 65 more than two thirds of the population have suffered from lower back pain at least once, and a great many suffer from it daily. Back pain can make almost everything else in life nearly impossible and can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and depression....
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 3
Language
English
Description
Reflect on karate's philosophy of "never strike first" and the implication that you must be able to anticipate and counter your opponent's move. After a survey of defense and counter-attack concepts, Sensei Fukuda teaches a class around the anticipatory skill levels of "Sen no Sen," "Go no Sen," and "Sen Sen no Sen."
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 11
Language
English
Description
Delve into clinical studies showing that tai chi excels as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for heart and lung disease, as well as being a valuable adjunct to cancer therapy. In the short form, repeat Single Whip.