Product Description
Includes: "Under the Pagoda!" ; "The Sons of the Tiger" ; "Black Belt Jones!"; "Angela Mao - A New"; "Sweep your Way to Victory"; "The Dragon has Entered!" Part 2; Master of Kung Fu, stars in "Web of Bleeding Vipers!"; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Aussie MA
Mastering Wing Chun Kung Fu by Samuel Kwok is a book for all. After 26 years of Martial Art training - primarily BJJ, Kyokushin and Thai Boxing, I found this book refreshing and informative. The format of the book and layout of the material made it an easy read for a non Wing Chun practitioner. I appreciated the historical moments leading to the 1st form series and then application. This led the book into the next 2 forms making me more interested in delving further into Ip Man Wing Chun, seeing how it could compliment my current style of martial art training. Well informed and knowledgable books such as this, makes the progression in martial arts a never ending story. Thankyou Samuel Kwok and thankyou Ip Man Wing Chun. I highly recommend this book to both Non Wing Chun martial artists and Wing Chun practitioners alike.

This book is not on the whole system!
I got this book because one of the other reviewers said that it had the complete Wing Chun System in there. The guy obviously doesn't have or hasn't even read through the book. It only has the 3 fist forms - Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Ji. It has nothing on the Dummy, Bot Jom Doa (8 Slash Knives) or the 6 1/2 point pole.

The book was short and to the point which is the way of Wing Chun. There was really nothing new in the book. I have met Ip Ching and was really excited to learn more about his family's official version of Wing Chun, but I'm sorry to say this book didn't match my expectations.

I found more details in the Wing Chun Compendium Vol. 1 & 2 than in this book. In Sifu Kwok's book, they had an interesting section on Fan Sao (Ch. 10) but that was short. Other insights were on Facing or Dui Ying, Fa Jing, Translation of the VTAA Code of Conduct, Ip Man's written history or Ving Tsun and Sifu Kwok's Personal Photo Album. They were all kind of short. After each form there are a few pages on applications of certain aspects of each form. There is also a short section on Chi Sao.

This book isn't expensive so it's a nice addition to any collection. But if you have the Wing Chun Compendium, it's not necessary to get this book.

To be a bit nit picky, there were some spelling mistakes and grammar mistakes. The writing style was also a bit of a chore to read. Instead of "Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma" the book says "Gee Kim Yeung Ma" It does that throughout the book! Big lack of detail.

I'm sure Sifu Kwok is a great teacher and his DVDs are probably better. This book was just a bit of a letdown.

Greatest Book on Kung Fu I've Read Yet
Wow.This book is wonderful, that's all I can say.If you have some experience with martial arts--specifically Chinese--and want to learn an authentic style a Gong Fu, this is the book you should get.There are also some harder-to-find dvd companions.If you can't find them here, just go to Master Kwok's website.

Foshan's newest treasure
Mastering Wing Chun is truly one of the best books, if not the best book. on the market concerning the Ip Family Wing Chun methods.This is the only book to be endorsed by BOTH of Ip Man's sons, Grandmasters Ip Chun and Ip Ching.It was honored by being placed into the Ip Man Museum in Foshan, China making this book an awesome feat in Wing Chun history.

Master Kwok and Master Massengill write superbly to detail what makes the Ip Family method unique.From the history of Wing Chun to the detail of the empty hand forms, this work leaves you feeling like you have been able to train with all three Grandmasters at once.There are many citations from all three members of the Ip Family that help one to understand exactly what they taught.If you are serious about your Wing Chun, you need to get this book!!!

The Bible of Wing Chun Kung Fu
After reading "Mastering Wing Chun" by Grandmaster Sam Kwok I was simply in awe and most impressed: I've been studying Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1981 (and started teaching private students in 1986), and been privileged to meet the foremost Wing Chun masters and Grandmasters alive, learn from them and practise Chi Sao with them. My library of Wing Chun and other martial arts books is quite extensive...this book and DVD series is an absolute MUST have, read and watch for any Wing Chun practitioner - whether at beginners or masters level - or anyone seriously interested in self-defense and martial arts. Sam Kwok's lifelong and total dedication to the original Ip Man Wing Chun Kung Fu, his absolute expertise, his fierce fighting spirit, and his amazing generosity and kindness shines throughout its pages...this book will be known as 'The Bible of Wing Chun Kung Fu'!
Arne Klingenberg, author of The-Happy-Side.com ... Read more

Product Description
Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu is a martial art with a history of more than a hundred year. In order to equip readers with a deeper understanding of the basic techniques of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, the author sets up an extraordinary learning short-cut. The instructions and diagrams of this book will contribute the practice of this art to a great extent. The following contents are included in this book: preparatory exercises, stances and foot work, hand techniques, palm-strike, kicking techniques, parrying, special exercises and applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fun read
Really interesting chapters.I enjoy the large amount of instructional pictures as well.Though it is hard to learn forms/moves from a book, they really try to lay it out as well as possible.Some of the techniques are a little silly and appear too "staged" to the point that I laughed a couple of times.Overall I really enjoy this book though and recommend it to anyone who would like to learn from the CLF master.

Choy Lay Fut:The Dynamic Art of Fighting
Product as promised with very quick shipping.Thank you, it was good doing business with you. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent guide to the wooden dummy form
Sifu Rawcliffe's book is an excellent study guide and reference for students of Wing Chun who are learning the wooden dummy form. The instructions and photos are very clear and Sifu Rawcliffe provides examples of self defense applications of all the techniques in the form. My only complaint is sometimes the photos for the movement being discussed are not on the same page as the text and I found myself constantly flipping back and forth between the page I was reading and the page with the appropriate photo. Otherwise, it is one of the best of the many books I have read on Wing Chun and I highly recommend it.

highly recommended to Wing Chun students
Shaun Sifu educates in a way that will most likely complement that which your own Sifu/Sigung teaches you when you are learning the Wooden Dummy form. This book is a must for the Wing Chun student's library.

Wing Chun in its true essence!
Superb book! Unlike the majority of Wing Chun books which focus on specific techniques, lineage, and "trapping tricks" or "secrets" this book concisely and in my opinion accurately cuts to the heart of Wing Chun-- what makes it alive, devastating and flexible as a martial art. Rawcliffe writes clearly and eloquently, not trying to build himself up or impress. 5 stars for the information, plus another 1 star for the brevity, and yet another 1 star for the enjoyable style in which it's written. Not often you find a well deserving 7 star book!

The best book of its kind I have read
With over 40 years experience as student and teacher, I have not seen a better presentation of technique and philosophy.I am not a Wing Chun practitioner but Mr. Rawcliffe's diagrams and explanations have given me an excellent insight to this style.

You will NOT learn Wing Chun from this book; you need a teacher for that.But if you are a Wing Chun student, I cannot think of a better reference volume to supplement your training.Other martial arts stylists can also gain valuable insights into there own brand of self-defense by a good reading of this book.Highly recommended and Mr. Rawcliffe is to be commended for setting a high standard for martial arts books.

Impressive
I am deeply impressed by the format and content of this book. It manages to cover all the key aspects of Ving Tsun Kuen in great depth and detail without promoting one 'family' style or approach.
As a Dit Dar doctor (bone healer), I am also very impressed by the depth of knowledge and understanding shown by the author and by thearticles he included by 3 of his students. It is rare to find a westerner who can appreciate and understand the complexity of Qi energy, let alone it's use within Gung Fu.

The publication of this book gives great reassurance that the teachings of Man Gung are at last being fully appreciated and passed on correctly abroad.
Rawcliffe Sifu is a credit to his teacher, himself and to his Wing Chun brothers. His obvious years of studies, research and dedication plus his openness and willingness to share his acquired knowledge, without the need for self promotion is indeed a rare commodity.
I am honoured to be able to review this book.

Cheung
Tai Po, NT, Hong Kong (SAR) ... Read more

Product Description
says "Afraid of A Little Heat?" on back cover. ... Read more

Product Description
What's the Kung Fu Kitties: The Adventure Begins all about? The Kung Fu Kitties: The Adventure Begins tells the story of a fresh-off-the-street kitty as she learns about power of decisions, positive self-talk, standing up for yourself, supporting others, the power of family, making friends, and introduces readers to the world of martial arts without a focus on styles. Plus it gives some very practical self-defense and exercise information for kids and families. The Kung Fu Kitties: the Adventure Begins is for anyone that loves a good story, anyone that has an interest in the martial arts, anyone that is looking to gain insight into taking more control of her or his life, and anyone that loves cats. It's based on the true life events of cats rescued off the street and how they've learned to live together. This is a great story for young readers, parents and children interested in learning a non-confrontational way to look at life, disagreements, conflict, and challenge. It's the first in a series of five books; each deals with a different major theme: understanding yourself and the power of decisions, understanding "enemies," dealing with teenagers and anger issues, dealing with bureaucracy, and understanding family and tradition without being trapped by the past. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent book for all ages!
The Kung Fu Kitties is an excellent book for both children and parents alike. It explains how to treat others with respect and self-control, and react the same way in different situations. Also, the reader finds him/herself learning about the martial arts. There are explanations of certain exercises, which makes it wonderful for fitness and teaching children to be more active and disciplined.

I particularly enjoyed how, at the end of each chapter, there were questions to see if the reader was actually paying attention. This was helpful to me (since I tend to skim.) I found I retained more information that way and children will enjoy getting the answers to the questions right.

All in all, I think that The Kung Fu Kitties: The Adventure Begins is a fantastic book that will draw in readers of all ages. Who can resist two adorable kitties learning Kung Fu taught by an amazing teacher? In my opinion, this is a must read!! ... Read more

Product Description
An instruction manual covering applied tactics of the 18 methods, and Arhat attack/defense methods practised by two persons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

NEGATIVE FIVE *****s
Could I have read what may be the world's worst book?
I practiced Praying Mantis Kung Fu and thought this would give me a few insights... scatalogical would be a compliment... was the author writing in metaphore or just in Klingon?

I can't say much about this book because I didn't understand a single page!

A Decent Book, Basic Information
In this little green volume, Un presents some of the basics of Praying Mantis Kung Fu, including a decent section on the history of the style through his lineage.The form Bong Po is demonstrated, and the major complain I have with the book is that Author Un wears a dark uniform against a dark background, which makes some of the first pictures in this form difficult to understand for a beginner or anyone who is trying to learn this form solely from this book.There is also a section at the rear of the book showing applications from the Bong Po set.Altogether it is not a bad book for its size.

vague.
Breaking a little ground but steps into too many things without finishing them.Also, too short of a book for the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu is the most popular of all Kung Fu styles and this book with 268 pages is filled with all kinds of self defence techniques history and knowledge of this art that has fast become the most popular of all Kung styles as it is the roots of many of the Okinawan styles of karate as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A book to be read and read again...and again...
An impressive work opening the doors to a rare system of the Chinese fighting arts. In this book you will learn about the history of the Fukienese White Crane style and specifically about one of its rarest branches wich is Fei He Chuan (Flying Crane Fist). You will also find (among other things) detailed pictures of the complete basic form and many self-defense applications and training tips. But the main treasure in this book is in the clear explanation of the main fighting principles and fundamental concepts and theories in applied martial arts. No matter what art you practice, this is one of those book you will find yourself going back to over and over again.

Don't judge a book by its cover.
I was given this book by a friend over the summer holidays.couldn't put it down.Finally an excellent text on esotric Hakka arts.Shifu Bernard application and explanations show excellent depth of knowledge in his understanding of this beautiful Fukien Art.His exploration into the history of chinese martial arts appears to be well thought out and researched not just a re-issue of the first 5 chapters of his last 4 books.There is cosmetic issues but that can be forgiven when self-published.Its what is inside counts.This book has now been passed on to others in the chinese martail arts community.They feel its an excellent look at the dying arts.

Average...
This book wasn't the best I've read, for certainly sure. Maybe that's because it wasn't anything like I expected what with all the rave I'd heard.
To begin with, the cover is not positioned properly, so the writing is upside down when you put it on your bookshelf. Oops.
Next, I was expecting to learn something new from this, but it's basically a rehash of martial arts that you can find in many other books, so to say that I'm now ready to claim some sort of knowledge of White Crane would be over-extending my credibility. I much prefered the book written by Dr. Yang. I got a lot more out of it.
But I don't want to bash it too much. It is a nice book, and he does show the "basics" that he's offering. If that is what you're looking for, you'll like it. ... Read more

Product Description
A well-known martial arts expert describes the philosophy behind Kung Fu, discussing the ancient wisdom of the Chinese masters, the principles of Shaolin thought, and the inner meaning of martial arts. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

THE ESSENCE


I've seen a lot of negative reviews for this book and I think the reason for that is that readers were expecting exactly what Mr. Carradine said he would NOT give: a step by step "how to" Kung Fu book! The title of the book is The SPIRIT of Shaolin and that IS exactly what he presents, a finger pointing to the moon. It's not his fault that so many people mistake the finger for the moon! It's a wonderful book that gives us the ESSENCE of what it's all about and inspires us to seek out our own path. Read, assimilate, then seek.

Not a good read
This book didn't provide the insight I was looking for.It read like someone trying to force a spiritual insight they only had a vague awareness of.Sorry, I did love the show but not this book.

Grasshopper review
This is a must read for any David Carradine fan as well as any Martial Artist that is seeking to inhance his own path.
I got much from this book and would that many will read and benefit from his words as I did.
"The Count"

Drift with the wind, float with the clouds
David Carradine was an actor in the original "Kung Fu" television series of the early 1970s. Although Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to mainstream American living rooms as Kato in "The Green Hornet," this program had a deeper martial arts theme, and the show was very popular. Mr. Carradine was asked by his martial arts master, Sifu (Master) Kam Yuen, to write a book that would present the teachings and principles of Kung Fu. The book is divided into three parts: Stories, Ancient Wisdom, and Lessons. I will devote more commentary to the last two sections. This work was published in 1991. At the time, Mr. Carradine had studied Kung Fu and related martial arts for 18 years.

Book One: Stories

Ironically, Mr. Carradine, who never had any martial arts training prior to the television series, beat out Bruce Lee for the part of "Kwai Chang Caine." Sifu Yuen was hired as the Kung Fu consultant, and Mr. Carradine remarked, "We concentrated on what I did well, and stayed away from the stuff that looked awkward on me." Mr. Carradine did not begin to study Kung Fu rigorously until the third season of the program.

Due to FCC censorship laws, "Kung Fu" could only film four minutes of actual fight scenes per episode. The show followed the journeys of a Chinese immigrant in the American West during the late 18th century. "We just kept beating our old drum, by coupling excellent production values with historical accuracy, kung fu fighting, and Chinese wisdom. We documented redneck prejudice and gave an authentic chronicle of the difficulties of the Chinese people in America." After the series ended in 1975, Mr. Carradine appeared in a few movies. He also produced two video tapes with Sifu Kam Yeun. One on Kung Fu, and the other on Tai Chi.

Book Two: Ancient Wisdom

Roots of Kung Fu

The Chinese martial art of Kung Fu traces its roots to the 6th century A.D. A Hindu monk, Bodhidharma, was traveling through Northern China. One of his visits took him to a Shaolin (which means "Young Forest") Buddhist monastery. At this locale, he developed 18 forms called "ahrat" movements that would provide the basis for modern day Kung Fu. Actually, Kenpo was also developed at Shaolin monasteries in Northern China. Kung Fu means "To know what to do." As Mr. Carradine states, "(Kung Fu) continues to teach the body and mind throughout life, and further establishes and strengthens the communication link between the two."

Chinese Teachings

Chinese philosophy traces its roots to two distinct sources: Taoism and Confucianism. Taoism was created by Lao Tzu, a teacher whose name means "Old Master." He published his thoughts in the "Tao Te Ching," which remains a classic in Oriental literature. The word "Tao" means "The Way." The book title means "Changes in the Way." Confucius, who is also known as K'ung Fu-tzu, lived sometime between the 5th and 6th Centuries B.C. He developed a social and familial code of conduct. His philosophies were presented in the Wu Ching, along with the Ssu Shu.

Yin-Yang Concept

The symbol of all Chinese and Eastern religions is the T'ai c'hi t'u, which we know as Yin-Yang. This image, which depicts two fish, one black with a white eye, and the other white with a black eye, describes the passive (Yin: female) and active (Yang: male) energies of the universe that are in perpetual motion. This theory is also found in acupuncture. Some illnesses have Yang elements, while others have Yin components. For example, muscular problems are usually the result of too much Yang. Mr. Carradine provided an excellent explanation of Yin-Yang. "In the darkness is the light. In strength is the softness. In the question is the answer. It is all one thing... Choose the positive to begin with and most of the rest will follow. Choose courage instead of fear. Choose success instead of failure. Choose harmony not conflict. Choose love not hate. Choose life instead of death."

Chi

This is the vital energy or force that flows throughout our bodies. Chi can be developed by deep breathing techniques, coordinated flowing movements found in Kung Fu, along with stance training.

Book Three: The Lessons

Healing

Mr. Carradine views Kung Fu as a way of life. He also discusses the healing nature of this Art. "The use of special massages and pressures, herbs and tinctures, corrective and healing movements and stances, and certain mystical disciplines, having to do with meditation and divination (predicting the future), all of which can be tailored to benefit specific viscera (upper torso region), organs, maladies and conditions, are part of any Master's general knowledge." As we can see, the Kung Fu instructor is much more than a martial arts teacher.

Nutrition

Fresh and/or raw fruits and vegetables are relics of our hunter-gatherer past. Our distant ancestors did not eat much red meat. A diet that minimizes animal products has been shown to reduce the threat of modern day health concerns such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.

Stance Training

Mr. Carradine discusses several important stances found in Kung Fu. The horse stance is a fundamental concept that all Shaolin students would study for at least six months. This is complemented by the forward, reverse forward, heel, toe or cat, and the crane stances. They are better illustrated with pictures rather than words. "The dynamic method is to strike a stance momentarily, and change smoothly to the next, altering the position of the arms as well... Drift with the wind, float like the clouds."

Become Who You Want To Be

Chien: The teacher. "Reaching to Heaven. Creative, strong, the leader."
Kun: The healer. "The Earth power: devoted, receptive, soothing, selfless."
Chen: The warrior. "The arousing thunder. Always moving. Sudden and quick. Ambitious."
Kan: The artisan. "As soft, as vital and as powerful as water: the artist."
Ken: The sage: "Standing perfectly still, strongly based like a mountain, the wind in his ears, the sun in his eyes, wisdom comes to him and stays."
Sun: The musician. "Gentle, penetrating, the entire sweet and terrible story of Creation can be heard whispering and roaring in the wind, rustling in the leaves."
Li: The poet. "Clinging to thoughts and words, giving light to the darkness, shining like the sun, crackling with fire."
Tui: The fool. "Filled with the joy of life, pure pleasure, spreading himself across pain and sorrow like a lake of gladness, the clown reigns supreme."

Which one of these describes you?

Thank you for the opportunity to review this very intriguing book.

This book has something that many martial art books do not
It has authentic convictions that are expressed out of personal experience regarding many spiritual, motivational and practical matters. The content veers away from trying to express what is most commonly accepted through traditional teachings and instead offers an honest insight into the personal take on the full spectrum of the martial arts as a very human way of life.
I give David Carradine credit for placing personal truth with a greater priority than acceptance from others in his writings. I am a little critical myself of some of the comments made regarding some other styles and have found what I would guess to be some inaccuracies. Maybe even a couple of differences of opinion on some material. But what is here is like listening to someone who is real, like a friend who is sharing what he is made of. There is a lot of perspective here that is surprisingly uncommon yet enlightening and precious.

The book is basically divided into three sub-groupings.

Book One-The Stories: A biographical history of the author's experience in the martial arts.

Book Two-The Ancient Wisdom: A history and overview of Shaolin ways and David's take on what shined through to him.

Book Three-The Lessons: A practical breakdown of wisdom and advice on a variety of levels.

Like Bruce Lee has said... "All knowledge is ultimately self knowledge" and with this book a deeper knowledge of one's self can certainly be had as well as a deeper knowledge of David Carradine. ... Read more

Product Description
A violent man will die a violent death. This will be the essence of the teaching.

The aim of meditation is to achieve peace of mind and a quiet spirit.
Meditation excerise is a way of life for many people in China and throughout the East. Kung Fu is also practiced by many people and in most of the small villages in China the entire population still gathers in the main square every morning to practice the tai chi forms together for health of body and peace of spirit.
This book has been prepared for those of you who wish to practice kung fu and tai chi and who are interested in meditation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Kung Fu meditations review
Aaah, this book sucks. I'm sorry but it has no postures, no exercises, it is merely homoginized b.s. The reason I gave it 3 stars is that the majority of it is a paraphrased reproduction of the Tao Te Ching. Hardly "meditation" in the sense it is presented here. Can you imagine sitting to meditate and reciting long paragraphs word for word? The "proverbial" wisdom section strikes me as 4 uninspired minutes behind a typewriter. Fortune cookies offer greater depth and winning lotto numbers! This is a lightweight waste of time. The ultra-low price makes sorry shelter for the author and the material.

My favorite book
I am surprised at the negative reviews of this book. The selection of proverbs and sayings is very careful and well chosen. The book is very thin and handy. I bring it on vacations with me, and keep it nearby when I am at home. It may not be a comprehensive look at Chinese philosophical thought but it is meant to be taken a bit at a time, and carefully considered. I have had this book for more than five years now and have not tired of it. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Daoism or Confucianism.

Waste of paper
You will find better wisdom in a fortune cookie. This book is a waste of paper. Most of the pages contain one little saying that is only about 20-40 words. I am not joking. On one page it just says "What is the Tao? The Tao is." So if you want to pretend to be all full of wisdom and never talk like a normal person get this book. If you want to learn some practical wisdom you should instead talk to a old person that has some real wisdom on life.

Simple introduction to meditation.
This is a very small and easy to read book. A good introducton to meditation. The book is mainly a small collection of chinese sayings and philosophy. You can read it cover to cover within an hour; but to study the words of wisdom will take a lifetime.

Makes a nice gift or leisure reading
Basic and brief contemplative thoughts with some nice ink drawings.A coffee-table-type book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Choy Li Fut Kung Fu
This book isn't bad. In fact, many of the comments posted here hold true, but I would like to address a few things here. First of all, I have studied this Martial Art before and continue to do so when time permits. So I might be biased.

So here goes, the forms presented in the book are Entry Level Forms designed to give the exponent a good foundation. I don't particularly like the Front Thrust Kick though, but an exercise that works the mobility to do it is "Dancing Crane." (Dancing Crane is an exercise with your arms straight out away from your sides and you move sideways from side to side. When you are limber enough, it would be like Tai Chi's "Creep Down like Snake" on either side) In this way, the kick becomes easier to perform.

The more you read the book, the more you realize that the author's are kind of subtle. I learn more every time I look at it. It's odd that way.

Only the Weapons Chapter is ridiculous. I can find pictures of weapons anywhere. And moreover, no Chinese System would be complete without a Staff Form, Sword Form and Empty Hand Form. So it goes without saying that Choy Li Fut and many other arts have such forms in their style. In other words, if you have seen a Staff before, it's still a Staff the second time you see it. A menacing picture of Doc-Fai Wong isn't going to make it more of a Staff than it already is.

Other than that, read between the lines and study Choy Li Fut, you will be amazed at the subtleties in this book.

The real problem with Choy Li Fut is that it is most definitely an External Style. Once you're near 50, there's going to be some things that are hard to perform. If you think you're going to do a Turning Butterfly Kick at 50, think again and email me the pictures of your injuries!

The mark of the real master is that they will know how to get around this, for if they don't, then they will limit themselves within the confines of their own style. I noticed most Choy Li Fut schools teach Tai Chi Chuan as a companion art. It definitely makes sense, but Bagua is superior to Tai Chi Chuan in my opinion and like Choy Li Fut is more suited to operations against multiple opponents.

I think most people would love to see Doc-Fai Wong write a book on Choy Li Fut's Internal Side, complete with one of its few internal forms. The public wants it. Likely candidates would be Taming the Tiger, 18 Lohan, or Kwan Yin.

Choy Li Fut Kung Fu by Doc Fai Wong
This book gives a great overview of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu! It talks about the lineage and history which I find fascinating. The book also covers ALL the basics which is the true art of Choy Li Fut. As a practitioner I use this as a reference guide on a frequent basis. The book is very elusive and I find a little bit more hidden in these pages each time I pick it up.Laid out before you are the true secrets of the art.To most they don't know what they are reading so they simply glaze over the words.Those are the ones who truly miss out.

A must have for Plum Blossom practicioners.
As previously mentioned this book is not intended to teach you a whole system. It does not follow the Chan Family lineage as well. However, if you do follow Choy Li Fut it does show you all of the basic movements. Obviously it can not compare to receiving actual training and hands-on instruction, but it is a great reference and an excellent guide. Authentic martial arts are passed down from generations with hands on training and with written manuals and scripts. This book is a manual/script! I agree that the photos aren't the best, but look at when this was originally published. It has obviously sold plenty of copies to still be in print.

Lots of photos, little substance
This is one of the few books I've been able to find on CLF, and found it incredably lacking.If it weren't for two forms presented inside the book, it would be little more than a pamphlet.The reader gets an introduction into Choy Li Fut, but not enough to really learn anything.Liniage is presented, weapons used are named, and you get to see a couple of poorly-shot photos of finnished techniques.I don't really recomend that anyone get this book, unless you want to learn CLF's first two forms and have no teacher.

Lacks detail and explanation
This is an OK book on choy li fut gung fu by the grandmaster of this style. Yes, its impossible to become a gung fu master without a teacher, training and effort. However I expected far more from this book than what it delivers. Its so so on basics and concepts but lacks critical details on how to do footwork, punches and kicks as well as no form or technique instruction on the huge arsenal of choy li fut weapons such as the plum blosson spear and kwan do. For a better gung fu book, check out Bruce Lee's books on JKD as well as the Hung Gar Kung Fu books by Bucksam Kong. The photos in this Choy Li Fut book are difficult at best to follow. I just hope that grandmaster Doc Fai-Wong rewrites and updates this book to make it worthy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

a Classic Wing Chun Text
A classic text covering the complete Sil Lim Tao level training of the Yip Man Wing Chun school. This first book in the series (there are 3 volumes in all) lays the foundation needed to fully digest the material covered in the remaining 2 volumes. A must-have for the serious Wing Chun media collector. The drills and exercises presented alone make this increasingly difficult to find series well worth the asking price. Old school Yip Man Hong Kong lineage Wing Chun.
Note: The second volume in the series (Chum Kil) is almost impossible to find. This should be taken into account if you are attempting to collect the entire set.

Best book series out there.
I reccomend the entire set. Chao gives details not found in any other book or video series. The 1 inch punch training info alone is worth the price of the set.

Learning any Wing Chun.....
...from a book requires excellent photography so that the subtleties of hand and arm positions can be captured.This otherwise fair book suffers from very dark photographic reproduction that renders it largely unusable.

Learning Under an Actual Instructor is the Only Way to Learn
It's an old book written in the early 1970s. However, Wing Chun has branched into various linages: Wing Tsun, Ving Tsun, etc. each with it's own philosophical approach and methodology. The objective of this book is to teach Wing Chun.

I'm a student of Leung Ting Wing Tsun and train directly under an instructor. Wing Tsun involves an understanding of the redirection of force, of being soft and using forward pressure to feel and respond to varying degrees of force and pressure and redirect it away from you, being free from your own force, using the force of the opponent against him, etc. are key fundamental core concepts and principles of Leung Ting Wing Tsun and can only be learned by training with an instructor and honed by practicing with a partner or partners.

You can not learn how to feel force and redirect force, when and how to attack, etc. by reading a book or watching a video. Wing Tsun is hands on learning and mastering. Don't be fooled into believing you can learn a martial art by purchasing a book, video or correspondence program. Marines, Army, Special Forces, including Police units from all over the world don't learn martial arts by reading a book or watching a DVD. They learn from actual instructors and practice with other students.

No book or video can teach you Wing Tsun. If you're training under an actual Wing Tsun instructor, a Wing Tsun a book or video would be used as a supplmentary guide to understanding theory, history, sequence, movements and terminology. Basically, a supplement to what you learn in class. However, it is not a substitute to actually learning the system. You want to learn Wing Tsun? Find a teacher. go to www.wtdefence.com.

Good book to add a regimin to ones existing wing chun study
K.T. Chao claims a to have been a student at the yip man school and a colleage with bruce lee.All of his books have a lot of routine.Perhaps a trademark of the yip man school. Lots of repetition. Simple.Lots of pictures.Not a lot of hype.Good old fashioned modifyed wing chun. ... Read more

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Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy follows the story of a young robot who was created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. This novel is based on the new animated film, includes 8 pages of full-color images from the movie, and is written by New York Times bestselling author Tracey West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Another fine book from Fraguas
I enjoyed the author's previous book of interviews on karate masters, so I thought I'd try this one too. It's excellent also and covers many of the famous kung-fu and tai chi masters. There are 21 interviews in all, and no doubt you'll find some of your favorite masters and personalities here. My favorites included people like the inimitable Jackie Chan, Eric Lee (famous for his Chinese weapons, and who knows 34 different types), Doc Fai Wong (of Choy Li Fut), Bucksam Kong (of Hung Gar), Yang Jwing Ming (Eagle Claw and Chin Na), and others. Many of these masters were in their 50s, 60s, or 70s when interviewed, and it was interesting to hear their views on the evolution of their arts during their lifetime and how their understanding of their arts had changed or deepened with age. Tai Chi is well represented along with the kung fu, and even some Ba Gua and Hsing I gets discussed too, which are much rarer, both here and in China. There are a few I would have liked to see that were absent, such as Tak Wah Eng (from Tiger Claw), Kwong Wing Lam (of Northern Long Fist and Hung Gar) and a couple of Americans like Robert W. Smith and Bruce Kumar Frantzis, but overall, this is a fine collection of interviews with many of the great Chinese martial arts masters of our time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

simplistic and poorly illustrated
I agree with the other 1 star reviewer in that this book very poorly illustrates proper technique and is very, very basic. Fortunately, I read it at the book store and therefore did not waste any money.

When I found the book on Amazon while searching for other Wing Chun books, I was very surprised to see such good reviews for it. Of course, it could just be the author or friends of the author ;)

Especially watch out for anybody who tries to tell you you can learn the martial arts from a book - you can not. You can learn about it, but without qualified instruction, you can't learn how to do it.

Please, buy another book
I don't know why I keep on buying this kind of manual and after having read this book I've got a good reason to stop. 70 pages of chatting that 'any master' can do. The picturesdon't show what the written should want to explain. They don'thave a dynamical sequence and it's difficult to realize the words' author. 1 star is enough.

I likedit
A good book inseries. Same open mindedness of the others.
Well written easy to read and understand. I will probably buy more of his works.

The essence of martial science...
Smith follows up volume one in this Wing Chun trilogy with another fineeffort, this time detailing the techniques and tactics of the style.Thematerial in this book can be used creatively as a guide to the applicationsof the forms described in volume one.This edition also contains anintroduction to Chi Sau exercises, a vital component to Wing Chun training. What I like most about Smith is his open-minded perspective; in this book,he sights some of the strengths and weaknesses of the style, and he's notafraid to suggest solutions for oversights such as fighting outsidetrapping range and the lack of power strikes (readers might also consider aWing Chun practitioner's vulnerability to a skilled wrestler's attack, anissue not addressed here).Another excellent analysis of this practicaland highly efficient martial art.

A MUST buy for the begining Wing Chun practioner
If your interested in finding out what all the hype is about, or just wanting some interesting techniques to try out, buy this book. it covers dar mak, chin na, and many combination hand and feet techniques. A verygood compliment to a wing chun student's martial arts library ... Read more

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How Many More Must Die?Harlem, the early sixties, the summer gets hotter every second as K'ing fights desperately to unsnarl a blood-soaked reign of terror. The scheming Kak, in a depraved attempt to gain the inner favor of underworld demon Zedak, is seduced into a series of cult murders by his mysterious Amazonian sorceress, Queshaka. Ghetto gangsters fall into the web of violence, which K'ing must unravel, putting mind and martial arts against the Red Circle's most hideous caper yet! ... Read more