Universal Form

This video performed an illegal operation and wrangled my spandex: while the video box stated "program content 2000," the copyright during the end credits clearly read 1996. Fortunately, this tape is actually a nicely paced, holistic approach to an exercise form which teaches an integrated blend of poses that can either energize or relax the viewer. Inspirational speaker and instructor Lawrence Tan (a pony-tailed Shaolin Kung Fu Master who's been teaching for over 30 years) reminds us that "the mind is a drunken monkey," encouraging viewers to mentally sober up and recognize the need to align and re-focus their energies. Tan takes the audience through the three principles of his "tri-harmony" program, presenting routines for breathing (forceful or soft), movement (dynamic or relaxed), and concentration (intense or calm), which, depending on the results the viewer is striving for, can each be performed differently: a high impact workout, or a relaxed meditative stress-reducer, it's up to the viewer. Recommended for those who don't already have the initial version of this program, Tan's 3-volume set Three Minutes to Power and Peace. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)