Can I learn Taiji or Qigong just from books or videos?
There are many excellent books on Qigong. You can learn how to do a non-moving form of Qigong from a book. Although you can learn some motion-oriented Qigong practices from books, it is best to study a video or DVD. If you already know Taiji or Qigong, then it is much easier to pick up a new Taiji or Qigong form from a video/DVD because you understand the basics of energy cultivation. Still, some subtleties of particular forms will elude you, and they really require some sessions with a master. It’s the old 80-20 rule: You can get eighty percent of the form from the video/DVD, but the rest you really need to get from the master/teacher. However, the 80-20 rule doesn’t hold as well for someone with no experience. Also, only remarkable individuals or those who have had lots of previous Taiji experience will be able to truly master a Tai Chi form from a video. Don’t let any cautions stop you: You can always learn enough from a video or DVD (show me some Qigong DVDs) to benefit your health
