Books

Books by Valerio Bellone

Study the art beyond the movements.

Books on Tai Chi Chuan, its classical texts, martial principles and the relationship between study and embodied practice. The international English-language catalogue is now beginning from a broader body of work already published in Italian.

1 title currently in English
7 books published in Italian
3 volumes Taijiquan Classics project
Since 2017 editorial research
Beginning Tai Chi Chuan: An Essential Guide by Valerio Bellone

Available in English

Beginning Tai Chi Chuan

An Essential Guide

A clear introduction for readers who want to understand what they are actually practicing — not simply imitate a sequence of movements.

For beginners A structured starting point without unnecessary complexity.
Principles first Structure, relaxation, sensitivity, continuity and intention.
The Classics Thirteen selected passages connected with practical understanding.
Essential terminology A glossary of key Chinese terms used throughout the book.

The work behind the English catalogue

One English edition. A much larger publishing project.

Beginning Tai Chi Chuan is the first work currently available to an international English-speaking readership, but it does not stand alone. It emerges from years of writing, teaching and editorial research, including seven books published in Italian and a three-volume project devoted to the classical literature and historical traditions of Taijiquan.

Originally published in Italian

The Taijiquan Classics Project

A three-volume investigation of foundational texts and historical traditions: from Wang Zongyue, Wu Yuxiang and Li Yiyu to the classical literature associated with the Chen and Yang families.

Volume I · Forthcoming

The three Taijiquan Classics of Wang, Wu and Li

Foundational writings examined through translation and commentary, with particular attention to intention, structure, sensitivity, transformation and trained force.

English edition planned
Volume II · Forthcoming

Traditional Manuals and Writings on Chen-Style Taijiquan

Historical Chen-family materials explored through traditional terminology, internal qualities, method, push-hands and martial practice.

English edition planned
Volume III · Forthcoming

Classics and Traditional Writings on Yang-Style Taijiquan

Early Yang-family writings, texts preserved through the Wu tradition, weapons manuals and documented historical transmission.

English edition planned

Selected Italian publications

Beyond the trilogy

The Italian catalogue also includes introductory, practical and reflective works developed around Tai Chi, longevity and personal cultivation.

01

Iniziare il Tai Chi Chuan: Guida Essenziale

The original Italian edition from which Beginning Tai Chi Chuan: An Essential Guide has been extensively revised and developed for an international readership.

02

Oltre il tempo

A practical guide to longevity built around four areas: nutrition, exercise, meditation and rest, bringing traditional perspectives into dialogue with modern research.

03

Apri dove sei

A collection of 108 reflections designed to be opened when facing a question, a decision or a moment that calls for a different perspective.

An international catalogue in progress

The English project has just begun.

Rather than releasing simple translations, selected works are being reconsidered and edited for English-speaking readers while preserving the relationship between textual study and practical experience.

一

Available now

Beginning Tai Chi Chuan: An Essential Guide is the first English-language title in the catalogue.

二

Classical texts

Selected works from the existing research on foundational, Chen and Yang classical traditions are intended to follow.

三

A growing library

As new English editions become available, this page will evolve from a single-title entry point into a complete international catalogue.

Looking for the Italian editions?

The complete Italian catalogue lives on Taiji Gate.

Italian readers can find the existing books, detailed presentation pages and related Tai Chi articles on the Taiji Gate website.

Visit Taiji Gate  ↗

Start here

New to the work?

Beginning Tai Chi Chuan is the natural starting point: accessible enough for someone approaching the art for the first time, but grounded in the same principles and textual tradition explored throughout the larger body of work.

Explore Beginning Tai Chi Chuan  →