Tai Chi is a wonderful art to learn, but for many beginners the different styles and classes to choose between are confusing and unclear. Many books promote one style or school over another, one teacher or learning method above another. Most beginners however, simply want straightforward answers to simple questions. 'This is Tai Chi: 50 Essential Questions and Answers' sets out to give all beginners just that.  'This is Tai Chi' is divided into nine distinct subjects including: The Basics, History, Tai Chi as a Martial Art, Health benefits, Energy sources, Form Practice, Styles, and applications. Each subject is comprised of a series of "Essential"questions for the beginner: What is Tai Chi? What do the words mean? What are the origins of the art? Why are there different styles and what does this mean for me? Is Tai Chi a martial art or health practice? Will I have to wear a uniform? How best can I learn the Form? How long does it take to learn? And many more... This easily readable book, full of anecdotes, facts and humour, answers all the questions you will have about this ancient art, and is all you need to help you decide if Tai Chi is right for you. With over 20 years experience of teaching Tai Chi (Including monthly classes for absolute beginners), Paul Read writes in a simple yet insightful way that will help you understand the basic principles of this noble art and how to apply them to your daily life. This is Tai Chi: 50 Essential Questions and Answers is the ultimate introduction and guide to starting a class of Tai Chi. If you are looking for an overview of Tai Chi before starting a class, then make sure you read this book first.   50 Questions and Answers forms part of the Tai Chi Trilogy  -  and looks specifically at the basic questions we all have as learners of Tai Chi. Although it is the second book in the trilogy, it is a good starting point to gain a general overview and picture of where we are heading and why with this ancient art. Sometimes we all need to go back to the basics to remind ourselves why we do the things we do.  - The Manual of Bean Curd Boxing  is the 1st book in the  Tai Chi Trilogy and is aimed at everyone who has a curiosity about how Tai Chi and Taoism can be applied to our everyday lives. The fundamental aim is to show how by learning to leave things be (to step back, observe and await the ideal moment) we can live a life more fuller and more spontaneous. Bean Curd Boxing shows a new way for the 21st Century Warrior. - The Final book:  Ways of Learning  - is aimed at the more practised student and learner of the martial arts. It is the culmination of the 3 books and focuses on how, as learners and teachers of these noble arts, we can take that next step to turning our art into something revolutionary in our lives. If you we to look afresh at this world, then we do not need anyone to tell us what to think, but rather show us how to think: Ways of Learning. 50 Essential Questions and Answers Before starting a Tai Chi class it is always advisable to ask questions: What is Tai Chi? How long does it take to learn? What benefits can I expect from my practice? Why are there different styles and names? Will I be learning a system of self-defence or a system of meditation?All these questions are important and all need answering.After listening to the essential questions that beginners have consistently asked over the years, Paul Read has compiled the 50 best answers in this concise and informative book for beginners of Tai Chi. By exploring the basics of this fascinating art in a Questions and Answer fashion, readers can easily dip into the sections that are most approriate in order to discover, not only what Tai Chi really is, but its value and place in this hectic and fast paced century. Born in London, England but now living and working as a teacher, translator and writer in the Granada area of Andalusia in southern Spain. As a life-long martial artist, I have worn many hats during my working life, but have focused over the last two decades on the noble art of Tai Chi -finding that although knowledge has been relatively easy to come by-wisdom remains as elusive as ever. My books deal with the universal ideas behind Tai Chi - good health and a positive attitude to life - and how to take these simple notions and translate them into the 21st Century.