DVD review in the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain Magazine by Tracey Bednell, mother of 2!!

'As I know very little about Tai Chi and Qigong I did not know what to expect of Tai and the Chi Machine. Initially I actually heard the DVD rather than saw it as I was in another room whilst my daughters aged 6 and 3 were watching it. My initial thoughts were that it sounded like another computer generated cartoon designed to attract our children and influence them with some subliminal message. However, on this occasion the message proved to be a very positive one and the mesmerising effect of the synthesized voice of Chi combined with the striking visual impact of the Tai character was a huge winner with my girls and also with me.

Both of my children really enjoyed the DVD, particularly the older one (6) who really embraced all the movements. Whilst watching the DVD she becomes very engrossed and takes it very seriously trying to replicate the movements and sounds. After only a short period of time she was able to show me a 'Golden Cockerel Standing on One Leg' and 'Playing With a Dragon in the Clouds' amongst other moves, and recite the elements of earth, metal, wood, fire and water.

I think the success of the DVD is its relatively simple production; there is not too much going on just the talking mask of Chi and the actions of Tai plus school children doing the actions; the children shown are having fun and not taking it too seriously; there are clear explanations and lots of rewards given i.e. the children are praised after each movement is shown. Also the length of the DVD is just right for young children at 15 minutes.

I personally think Tai and the Chi machine would be suitable for any school or organisation working with primary school children, or if like me you're a parent wishing to calm and focus their over active youngsters'.

Tracey Bednell.