A Complete Guide to Kung Fu

A Complete Guide to Kung Fu

Author: Antonello Casarella

Publisher: Enslow Publishing, LLC

Published: 2017-07-15

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 0766085414

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Readers are introduced to the action-packed and fascinating world of kung fu. This book provides a history of the discipline as well as details on the different styles. Step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs help readers learn the positions and fundamental techniques. As the book progresses, the moves become more and more varied and complex. Formal exercises encourage students to practice what they have learned, keep track of personal progress, and improve their mastery of the discipline. The book also includes a glossary, a further reading section with books and websites, and an index.


Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals

Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals

Author: Brian Kennedy

Publisher: Blue Snake Books

Published: 2008-01-08

Total Pages: 345

ISBN-13: 1583941940

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Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.


The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu

The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu

Author: Wong Kiew Kit

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2022-07-19

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 1462923526

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The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu is the ultimate guide to Kung Fu, from theory to practical application. This unique martial arts book, by a renowned Grandmaster, is a complete and comprehensive introduction to Kung Fu and all other aspects of ancient Shaolin wisdom. You will learn the ancient art of the Shaolin monks from the famous Shaolin monastery. It will prove invaluable to everyone interested in martial arts, chi kung, and meditation, showing how Kung Fu and other Shaolin arts can bring you health, vitality, mental focus, and spiritual joy. Chapters include: What is Kung Fu?--Four Aspects of Kung Fu; The Importance of Force Training; Application for Combat and Daily Living; Kung Fu Philosophy for Deeper Understanding; The Benefits of Kung Fu The Historical Development of Chinese Martial Arts--Kung Fu in Prehistoric and Ancient Times; The Glorious Han and Tang; The Modern Period From Shaolin to Taijiquan--Shaolin Kung Fu; The Various Styles of Taijiquan; Soft and Hard, Internal and External A Comparative Study of Kung Fu--Contrasting Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu; Xingyi Kung Fu and Taoist Concepts; Tanglangquan or Praying Mantis Kung Fu; The Spread of Southern Kung Fu Defining Aims and Objectives--Setting Aims for Kung Fu Training; Personal Objectives; Course Objectives The Foundation of Shaolin Kung Fu--Inheritance from Past Masters; Various Shaolin Hand Forms; Basic Shaolin Patterns From Form to Combat Application--The Four Directions of Attack; The Principles of Effective Combat; Specific Techniques Against Kicks Combat Sequences and Set Practice--Relieving Injuries Sustained in Sparring; Composing Your Own Kung Fu Sets Shaolin Five Animals--Understanding Characteristics and Essence; The Five-Animal Set; The Names of the Five-Animal Patterns Five-Animal Combination Set--How to Improve Combat Efficiency; Spacing and Timing in Combat The Internal Force of Shaolin Kung Fu--The Relationship Between Technique and Force; The Compassionate Art of Qin-Na; The Internal Force of Tiger Claw Tactics and Strategies--Using Continuous Attack Effectively; A Tactic to Distract Your Opponent; Selecting Strategies to Suit Particular Situations Classical Kung Fu Weapons--Staffs; Whips, Knives and Other Weapons; Light and Heavy Weapons Understanding and Developing Chi--The Various Genres of Chi Kung; Lohan Embracing Buddha; Abdominal Breathing Shaolin Kung Fu and Zen--Culitvating Heart, Nourishing Nature; Bodhidharma and Taoism in Zen The Shaolin Way to Enlightenment--Attaining a Focused Mind; Meditation to Train Awareness; Shaolin Kung Fu for Spiritual Development


The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan

The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan

Author: Wong Kiew Kit

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2022-07-19

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 1462923534

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Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China, it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects on health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. This tai chi guide is packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home and covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. It is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include: Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial Art The Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi Chuan The Historical Development of the Various Styles Advice from the Great Masters Techniques and Skills of Pushing Hands Specific Techniques for Combat Situations Taoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi Chuan And much more


Ultimate Guide To Tai Chi

Ultimate Guide To Tai Chi

Author: John R. Little

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies

Published: 1999-11

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13:

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The gentlest of the Chinese martial arts, tai chi has become a path toward inner peace and stress management for practitioners all over the world. This book discusses the philosophy and benefits of tai chi. 300 photos.


Ancient Chinese Weapons

Ancient Chinese Weapons

Author: Jwing-Ming Yang

Publisher:

Published: 2023-08

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781594399756

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Martial artists that reach a certain level of proficiency with their barehanded fighting forms, may choose to expand their knowledge to include weapons techniques. Over the past 5,000 years, the Chinese have developed a vast array of weapons, built for a multitude of purposes. These weapons and their derivitaves are found in all martial art styles, including Kung Fu, karate, Taekwondo, and Indonesian styles. You may ask What weapon should I choose? What are their original or main purposes? What is the history of these weapons? What weapon is right for my body type or strength? Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Artists Guide is an easy reference guide designed to offer the answers. It is profusely illustrated, easy to navigate, and conveniently broken down into the four main classifications: Long Weapons, Short Weapons, Soft Weapons, and Projectile / Thrown Weapons. Contents include: Techniques and fighting strategy for many kinds of weapons The history and evolution of Chinese weapons Weapons classifications Over 130 illustrations Inside you will find ancient Chinese weapons of many types, from swords and spears, sharpened coins to flying claws! Even if you're not a martial artist, but have an interest in history and warfare, you'll find this guide an invaluable resource.


The 36 Strategies of the Martial Arts

The 36 Strategies of the Martial Arts

Author: Hiroshi Moriya

Publisher: Shambhala Publications

Published: 2013-05-14

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 0834828898

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In the spirit of The Art of War and The Book of Five Rings, this fascinating strategy guide is full of ancient Chinese wisdom that can be applied to all areas of modern life The 36 Strategies of the Martial Arts is a classical collection of Chinese maxims on understanding, engaging, and defeating your enemy. The origin of the collection is unknown; however, the text is a synthesis of various military maxims, political expressions, and even folk sayings—some of which are from sources that date back 1,500 years. Professor Hiroshi Moriya, a Tokyo-based authority on Chinese culture and philosophy, supplies clear and succinct explanations of each maxim and illustrates them with examples not only from Chinese literature and history but also from events in Europe and modern business affairs. This book will resonate with anyone interested in a classic approach to psyching out an opponent and emerging victorious—in martial arts, business, sports, or politics.


Wing Chun Kung-Fu

Wing Chun Kung-Fu

Author: Joseph Wayne Smith, Ph.D.

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2011-12-10

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 1462902758

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The essential guide to Wing Chun Kung-Fu--basic forms and principles, fighting and grappling, advanced techniques and weapons. Featuring over 300 black and white photos and step-by-step illustrations, Wing Chun Kung-Fu: A Complete Guide offers clear, straightforward, and authoritative instruction to the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun Kung-Fu. This Wing Chun book introduces and demonstrates the three empty-hand wing chun kung fu forms, the combative building blocks of the system, including sticky-hand and sticky-leg fighting, chin-na, and the theory of vital strikes to the weak points of human anatomy (dar mak). This Wing Chun guide also introduces the wooden dummy form, the six-and-a-half pole form, and the use of butterfly knives. In addition, this kung fu book provides detailed commentary on the theory behind each move so that you can develop an in-depth understanding of both the practical application of this fighting art and the meaning behind it. Other sections include specialized fighting and grappling techniques and instructions on using weapons. An additional section is devoted to conditioning, stretching, power training and weight training exercises that will be of particular benefit for serious students of Wing Chun and practitioners of any martial art.