Reviews

"Scott Rodell’s book, Taiji Notebook for Martial Artists, is a shining beacon for any reader wanting to know about True Taiji. In a time when Taiji “instruction” is available on almost every street corner, and many “versions” of Taiji are little more than feel-good relaxation movements, Scott’s book brings to life the depth and nobility of this ancient martial art.

Its major principles are elucidated clearly and with grace, including many teaching stories along the way. What makes this book unique is its insistence that the relaxation and “meditative” aspects of Taiji can ONLY be fully attained through assiduous study and realization of its martial aspects. “ Anyone can be relaxed and calm practicing in a field of flowers. Who needs Taijiquan then? Life is full of flowers…we need our art for the thunderstorms more than the sunny days.” In that connection, each chapter brings to life an element of the art in the context of its classical practice methods. The chapter on Listening to Energy, Understanding Energy, Neutralizing Energy, and Issuing Energy is the clearest explanation I have ever read of this often misunderstood subject. For anyone wanting to learn what Taijiquan is really all about, Scott Rodell’s book is a must-read."

Paul Gallagher
Author of Drawing Silk

"Taiji Notebook for Martial Artists" by Scott M. Rodell is a highly readable and informative account of realizations and understandings, internal and martial, acquired over a long period of committed study. Rodell elloquently addresses and explains many of the subtleties and sticking points that he has experienced in practice and that other practitioners frequently encounter in their training. The gems found in this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for any t'ai chi chuan practitioner who wishes to question and delve further into the depths of their discipline."

Seth Davis
Director, Natural Path T'ai Chi -Highland Park, NJ

While some have the opportunity to learn at the foot of the master, rarely does one have the opportunity to get into his mind. Scott Rodell generously allows the reader to share in his experience of over 30 years of taijiquan. Written with a true love of the art, this insightful book will motivate the non-practitioner to begin studying taijiquan, inspire the novice, and give experienced practitioners pause for reflection. There is no book quite like it.

Bede Bidlack
Director of Still Mountain T'ai Chi Center
Author of contributions to Beliver's Notes and Daoist Body Cultivation

"Scott Rodell has captured both the spirit and the essence of our teachers words in these essays. Over the years we have had several teachers in common although not at the same time. While reading the Taiji Notebook I could almost hear their voices again.

Unlike so many modern 'feel good' picture books on taiji this work gives insight into the wealth of deeper meaning that can be found only through consistent correct training over time."

Rob Zilin, a 32 year practitioner of Yangjia Taijiquan
Deer Mountain Tai Chi Academy

See a taped interview of Rodell which appeared on Estonia's popular “Fork” weekly television show in 2000.