Don't get me wrong. If you follow this from the beginning, it will teach you much about traditional Chinese qigong exercise. It is however, often sophomoric in its implementation of Taoist principles and often modifies basic techniques to be more palatable to both the instructor and the uneducated apprentice. Ken has a basic understanding of qigong but lacks depth and clarity in its function. If this system was true to it's Taoist principles, it would cost much less.

This is a good reference guide for someone starting out who maybe does not have the time to train under the guidance of someone who really knows what they are doing. It is a framework at best, but an effective one which will reward the diligent practitioner with increased health - but there are more comprehensive qigong systems out there for less money; even free if you use the internet.

It is a great benefit to everyone that Ken Cohen has created this great reference work containing many details of every aspect of Qi Gong theory and practice. Most other works are either patchy and incomplete, or in Chinese. Since Mr. Cohen speaks Chinese, and has taught and practiced Qi Gong for most of his life, he is ideally suited to providing this material. It's particularly helpful that he has also presented so much of the material as DVD instruction videos.
However, in many ways, this is a work for the Qi Gong teacher, or at least for committed students of many years. While the material can certainly be used by beginners, it requires more time, effort and money than those who only have a casual curiosity are willing to invest in something they have not experienced.
Each aspect of the learning process is dealt with in great detail, such that the student is never going to say "I'm still not sure what I am supposed to do at this point" (which is a comment I've read about many other qigong and yoga products). But the flip side is that the student needs to commit to investing a large amount of time to this course. For example, many exercises have 10 minutes of introductory explanation of the proper state of mind, prior to 10 minutes of explaining the exercise itself - for something that is going to comprise one or two minutes of your daily practice.
So, for the more casual beginner, which is probably going to be most people, there is a more simple and less costly solution. Get the inexpensive and excellent DVD set "Qigong Beginning Practice" by the Garripolis, which is probably the best instruction video for casual beginners, and then get Ken Cohen's paperback book "The Way of Qigong" which contains all his excellent knowledge and explanations of the theory and significance of Qigong. The cost of both together is less than a third of the cost of this course.

Without a doubt, Mr. Cohen has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the expositon of Eastern philosophy within Western culture. The walls are slowly crumbling and giving way to the world of self-development and personal evolution. There are two things I would have liked to have experienced from this program. The first would be a less affective tone from the narration. In its place, I would have preferred a more vibrant, inspiring, less-coddling tone. There is too much breathiness in the narration that distracts from the presentation of the basics and has the potential of turning away readers with a more energetic vibration in their hearts. Perhaps a discussion of the more aerobic forms of Qi Gong, such as Nei Gong or Nei Jia, would have been appropriate, but the tone would have contradicted the energizing power behind these forms. Let us not forget that first, and foremost, Qi Gong was a martial art practiced by the warrior classes. It eventually evolved as a spiritual monastic practice, but the monks themselves were warriors by default. Under the despotic rule of unenlightened emperors and warlords, China's priests had a need to develop a martial defense system. As a Qi Gong and Tai Chi instructor, I find that it is a constant struggle to explain to students that Qi Gong and Tai Chi are not practices that are limited to senior citizens. Once I demonstrate Nei Gong, and/or Tai Chi fighting form, students do begin to understand what these ancient practices have to offer. The troubling thing is that most people walk about with a misguided representation of Qi Gong before they are illuminated otherwise. The second experience I would have enjoyed would have been a more global discussion of Qi Gong history and its evolution. Mr. Cohen presents his style without mentioning that there are thousands of different forms of Qi Gong in existence today. To his credit, Mr. Cohen does recognize this fact elsewhere, but not within the scope of this program. That's fine, not a problem, but the consumer can easily walk away thinking that there is only one style of Qi Gong...Cohen Qi Gong. The reader should also note that some of the exercises are incomplete and only offer an introductory sampling of the tip of the iceberg that is Qi Gong. It is understandable that there is a general, economical need to appeal to a wide audience, but the narration and title should explicitly state that all chapters are simply introductory. Nevertheless, there is much merit and reward to be garnished from Mr. Cohen's work. Practice his way and the reader will definitely see an improvement in health, strength and vitality over time. Although not a seminal opus, this product is the culmination of a highly important, and sorely needed, educational service. I encourage all teachers, readers, students and practitioners to allow this introductory work to be a guide towards a deeper practice.

I bought this thinking that it was a workout DVD set. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't, but as I watched the DVDs, listened to the CDs, and read the enclosed booklet, I was pleasantly surprised. This was actually so much more. The instruction is more detailed than you will ever get on an exercise DVD. It answers a lot of the questions that have been turning over in my mind. I didn't know it ahead of time, but it was just what I needed.

This set is the best compilation of beginner exercises and meditations I have seen yet. He combines instruction with information to help you learn as you practice. Definitely worth the buy.