In this book, Glenn leads us through the Opening and Closing Exercise in the first few chapters covering the technical aspects of alignments, timing and direction of relaxation and the part intent plays. He goes on to show and explain in great detail how Opening and Closing provides the constant relaxation that is required to power Tai Chi.
In the following chapters Glenn covers the Five Loosening Exercises of Tai Chi which includes the five directions: - forward, back, left, right and central equilibrium. With exacting detail, Glenn breaks down the alignments, postures and subtleties of these amazing exercises. He shows how the previous Opening and Closing Exercise is applied to power the Five Loosening Exercises. At the end of every chapter he reveals common mistakes and how to remedy them.
In the last chapter Glenn blends the Opening and Closing, Five Loosening Exercises and the Tai Chi Form into one seamless process, allowing the reader to unite various theories and Tai Chi forms under one underlying principle.
Glenn gives us such a rare insight into the elusive internal aspect of Tai Chi. Above all he gives us the means to enter and train the internal layer. Then using this as a process of refinement until long held tensions that block or bind the body release, giving a sense of spaciousness thereby allowing the body to internally come alive. The internal moves the external. Or, as Glenn puts it so well; "you create and maintain a never ending source of relaxation".
He guides us step by step in exacting detail on what errors to look for, or what traps we may fall into. Glenn explains with precision and gives attention to the smallest detail, building the foundation for real progress. In the long term, it may just save you years of practicing mistakes.