Mastering Taijiquan in the Modern Age: A Comprehensive Handbook of Philosophy, Principles, Methods, Practice, and Real-World Applications

Mastering Taijiquan in the Modern Age is a groundbreaking reexamination of how Taijiquan (Tai Chi) can be understood, practiced, and studied in the twenty-first century. Merging the insight of a fifty-year practitioner with the rigor of modern scientific thinking, this comprehensive first edition presents Taijiquan as a living discipline—one that can be observed, tested, refined, and applied far beyond its traditional boundaries.
Drawing on his background in economics, statistics, computing, and philosophical studies, Mingdong Xu demystifies the core elements of Taijiquan (traditionally known as Tai Chi) and rebuilds them into a clear, logical, and measurable framework. Traditional concepts such as Yi (intent), Jin (refined power), and Relaxation are explained through observable mechanisms, while new concepts—including Integration, Synchronization, Counter-Movement, and Holding-Power—provide a modern vocabulary for understanding how Taijiquan truly works.
These ideas are not presented as metaphysics, but as practical and testable mechanisms grounded in experience. Xu’s aim is to solve a long-standing challenge: unlike other disciplines, most practitioners cannot learn Taijiquan through a structured, logically grounded framework. This book addresses that gap by establishing Taijiquan as a modern discipline—well defined, internally consistent, and capable of being systematically studied, examined, and explored.
Inside this expanded first edition, you will discover:
• A clear historical and cultural perspective on Kung Fu, Taijiquan, and their philosophical foundations
• The distinct roles of Forms, Push-Hands, Standing, Yi, Jin, Relaxation, and other core mechanisms
• A modern reinterpretation of Taijiquan’s (Tai Chi's) principles through science, logic, and experiential observation
• An innovative training arc that guides practitioners from basic imitation to advanced application
• Detailed explanations of the mental processes behind movement and internal power
• Real-world applications of Taijiquan principles in health, rehabilitation, conflict management, and daily life
• A new pathway for researchers—the scientist-practitioner—to study Taijiquan through firsthand experimentation
• A comprehensive glossary that unifies traditional terms and newly defined concepts into one coherent system
Structured across eight parts and thirty-three chapters, and supported by one of the most detailed glossaries ever written on the subject, this book is designed for:
• Traditional practitioners seeking clarity and depth
• Martial artists aiming to understand internal power
• Researchers looking for a systematic approach
• Health professionals integrating movement, awareness, and biomechanics
• Lifelong learners exploring the unity of body, mind, and philosophy
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, Mastering Taijiquan in the Modern Age will reshape the way you think about movement, intention, and human potential. It is not merely a manual of techniques—it is an invitation to explore Taijiquan as an art, a science, and a timeless philosophy of life.
Join a new generation of Taijiquan explorers who seek clarity, evidence, and transformation. Begin your journey into Taijiquan—known globally as Tai Chi—not just as a Form, but as a living, evolving discipline.

Mingdong Xu has practiced and studied Taijiquan for more than fifty years. Trained professionally in economics, statistics, and computing, his work approaches Taijiquan through analytical thinking rooted in modeling, measurement, and systematic inquiry. He focuses on clarifying the principles underlying Taijiquan through direct observation, structured experimentation, and philosophical analysis. Drawing on long-term practice and interdisciplinary inquiry, he seeks to move beyond metaphysical interpretation and stylistic formalism, reframing Taijiquan as a coherent, testable discipline grounded in observable movement, intentional control, and embodied experience.

Xu's research emphasizes clear conceptual definitions, staged training methods, and self-testable practice, enabling practitioners and researchers to distinguish principles from appearances and mechanisms from outcomes. His writing integrates traditional Taijiquan thought with modern analytical perspectives, aiming to make the art accessible to contemporary practitioners and scientific researchers while preserving its philosophical depth. He publishes under the imprint House of Baqiao.