2Breaking down the very essence of the ancient Chinese health practices for taijiquan, this book discusses techniques that teach movement from the center of the body and the ability of issuing the "jing" or explosive force. Also included is an exploration of the theory and practices of taijiquan as a contact sport, particularly its interactive training regimen used to perfect timing and responses that control the opponent's balance with as little force as necessary. This is the first volume of the Warriors of Stillness trilogy.