From the traditions, history, and evolution of kung fu to the subtleties of advanced Wing Chun techniques and tactics, Mastering Kung Fu has everything you need to develop your skill and take your training to the next level.
Wing Chun Kung Fu has a long history but it has only been taught openly since the 1950s when Grandmaster Yip Man revealed the secrets fo the art and began to teach large numbers of students in Hong Kong. Characterized by economical movements, simple and direct short-range simultaneous attack and defence hand techniques, as well as powerful low kicks, Wing Chun Kung Fu is now one of the most popular of the Chinese martial arts.One of the advanced training tools of the Wing Chun system is the Muk Yan Jong, more commonly known as the Wooden Dummy. Shaun Rawcliffe provides a comprehensive consideration of the Wooden Dummy techniques and uses practical applications as examples of how they may be used.Covers the full 116-movement Wooden Dummy form as taught by Grandmaster Yip Man to his eldest son, Ip Chun, who then taught the author. Provides detailed explanations of the shape, structure and movements of the Dummy form, plus an example of each of the applications. Presents in-depth explanations of the principles and concepts behind the Wooden Dummy form and the supporting drills. Examines the scientific and anatomical explanations of the basic principles underlying Wooden Dummy training. A fascinating and invaluable book which comprehensively covers one of the advanced training tools of the Wing Chun system, Muk Yan Jong or the Wooden Dummy. Aimed at all those who practice Wing Chun Kung Fu, especially those who wish to learn more advanced techniques, together with martial artists in general. Well illustrated with over 400 colour photographs and useful drawings. Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe is one of the highest qualified and certified Wing Chun instructors in the world.
"Sword Imperatives is a beautifully written book with captivating stories, clearly described movements, photos, and illustrations." The Chinese double edged sword is known in martial arts traditions as the king of blades. It is regarded by both scholars and martial artists as the most distinguished of all weapons. Sword ownership in ancient China represented power, prestige and rank. Sword Imperatives is the authoritative reference book dedicated to the proper and effective use of the double edged sword. Whether you practice sword for health or for martial arts, you will find this book the foremost guide to mastery in sword skills. With practice, you will be able to move the sword in perfect balance and harmony like an agile phoenix twisting and turning effortlessly with grace and power. This book includes: * Brief philosophy and history of sword development * 29 essential sword movements and drills * Green Dragon Kung Fu Sword routine * 32 Posture Tai Chi Sword routine
Developed by Wang Lang over 300 years ago, Praying Mantis Kung Fu is the only martial art based on the fighting skills of an insect. This fascinating system utilizes swift, methodical movements for defense and offense, and is well respected as an art that helps practitioners develop great strength and perseverance. The Complete Guide to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu provides an in-depth look at the history and practice of this remarkable martial art. Author Stuart Alve Olson, a student of T. T. Liang, draws on the lineages of Masters Feng Huan-I and Wang Han-Fon, but includes detailed description of all major schools, styles, and lineages. The first half of the book focuses on tactics and theory; the second half contains step-by-step descriptions of the fundamental Praying Mantis stances, exercises, footwork, and kicks, clearly illustrated by more than 200 photographs. What sets this book apart from other works on Praying Mantis is its philosophical depth; author Olson gives a clear account of the development of the art and the Taoist principles from which it arose. This book provides the basis for not only mastering the martial art of Praying Mantis Kung Fu but also mastering oneself—the true goal of all martial arts.
In recent years, the grappling arts have proven to be the most effective form of combat in mixed martial arts (MMA) and no-holds-barred (NHB) competitions. Above all others, the Gracie brand of Brazilian jujitsu has become recognized as the preeminent fighting style in unarmed combat. Now Renzo Gracie—instructor; competitor; and champion of numerous grappling, MMA, and NHB events—reveals the inner workings of the art in his latest book, Mastering Jujitsu. From the origins of the art to personal techniques, you will experience the impact the Gracies have had on jujitsu and learn the strategies they have developed to dominate their opponents. Gracie shares the subtleties of the techniques necessary for mastering the art, and he clearly demonstrates the flow of movement with more than 250 high-quality photos. Not only will Mastering Jujitsu help you progress from isolated skill development techniques to a full set of tactics and fight plans, but it will also introduce you to the concept of combat phases and teach you to attack from any phase. You will learn how to react to your opponent in any situation. Whether you’re caught in a bottom position or attacking from the top, Gracie reveals the key strategies designed to give you the upper hand. The depth and breadth of topics covered in Mastering Jujitsu will aid even the most experienced black belts in their understanding and execution of Brazilian jujitsu. With detailed coverage on advanced principles, you will get all the tactics, strategies, techniques, and drills you need for close combat fighting. Contents Chapter 1. Classical Jujitsu: Theory and History Chapter 2. Modern Jujitsu: New Concepts, New Directions Chapter 3. Underlying Theory and Strategy of Modern Jujitsu Chapter 4. Free-Movement Phase Chapter 5. Clinch Phase Chapter 6. Ground Fighting Chapter 7. Winning From the Bottom Position Chapter 8. Winning From the Top Position Chapter 9. Training and Competition Chapter 10. Jujitsu for Self-Defense
Ancient Chinese monks discovered that by incorporating into their martial arts the fighting movements of these animals, they could create a system as harmful to the enemy as it was healthful to the practitioner.
Today as in the ancient time special exercises aimed at acquiring "Internal Mastery"(GONG FU) are one of the most important elements of Shaolin monks training. Those exercises is the core of the Shaolin martial training, they are the key to the true summit of mastery. An old proverb says: "If you exercise only the technique (style) but ignore special training you will be a nobody till your old days." "Special training" implies particular exercises for developing both WAI ZHUANG - "the External Power" and NEI ZHUANG - "the Internal Power." Those exercises (training procedures) are collected under a common title - LIAN GONG, literally "Exercising to Acquire Mastery."