The exercises in this book focus on Qi development and, as the title states, relaxing and recharging your mind, body and spirit, through the practice of Taijiquan type moves and exercises.  As the baby boomer generation ages, along with all the other generations, the demand for health enhancing routines is going to sky rocket.  

Although this DVD does not cover the martial applications of the Taijiquan movements, practicing the routines/workouts presented on this DVD will certainly help in negating the effects of the less than healthy lifestyle many of us find ourselves living.   One unquestionable reality is that if a person has their health, then all the other goals in their life become more attainable.    Without your health, all of the riches of the world have a much reduced value.

For a DVD that focuses more on Taijiquan martial applications, I would refer one to Ramel Rones' and David Silver's "Tai Chi Energy Patterns".    In that DVD he thoroughly analyzes the four core movements of the Yang Style of Taijiquan, Ward Off, Roll Back, Press and Push.   However, there is a brief referencing of martial arts, when at the end of Sunset Taiji DVD, Ramel can be seen practicing the Sunset Taiji form in a more martial manner.

Ramel allegedly created this Sunset Taiji DVD in response to student's/viewer's claims that they were too stressed at the end of the day to do the form.  One of the ironies in life is that when people are stressed out, they tend to think that they suddenly don't have the time or energy to practice such beneficial practices as Taijiquan.   Yet at this critical time in their lives, practicing Taijiquan is one of the best things they could do to regain balance and health in their lives.  

Ramel Rones is a wonderful teacher whose calmness, wisdom and obvious grasp of the material is evident when watching him on this DVD.   He truly seems to live in harmony with the principles that he teaches.   He appears to be someone who "walks the talk".   I don't know Ramel, but I imagine he would be a very energizing person to interact with.

The first section of this DVD is a long series of "cool down" exercises that work with breathing, stretching, shaking, pulsing, visualizing, energy work and many other beneficial practices.   Ironically, many of the moves taught are reminiscent of the "warm up" exercises I learned when I first began my studies of Taijiquan.  

The Sunset Taiji form is then presented, beginning with good coverage of the basics, such as stances and how to move forwards or backwards.    The form is not very long in comparison to the long list of cooling down exercises that are presented in the beginning.   The postures in the form are done on the left and right sides.   Many people can only do certain Taijiquan postures to one side, because in the form they learned the posture is only practiced on one side, for example the posture press, or crane spreads wings.

The DVD offers a choice of 20, 40 or 60 minute workout routines for either standing or sitting.    The workout routines borrow movements from the cooling down exercises as well as the Sunset Taiji form.  

Some of the movements in the workouts are performed in a manner that diminish the martial application and focus more on Qi development.   As this is the focus of the DVD, all is well.   If you are looking to learn how to fight or defend yourself using Taijiquan, look elsewhere.    If you are looking for a nice series of cool down exercises and Taijiquan movements that will enhance your Qi flow, this is an excellent choice. 

Copyright 2007 Patrick H. Dickson • All Rights Reserved