Kung Fu Books

Of all the books I own on this subject (more than I can list), this is the 'Best' one. There are many aspects of taiji and other martial arts that extend far beyond the mere physical motions of the form. There are two main sections to this book. The first section explains the principles of Chinese martial arts, Taiji single form, and two person practice. Chen Pan-ling explains in depth his Yang form (steps, etc) with words and pictures, as well as common mistakes, advanced steps, and ways to improve - in the latter section.
Chen Pan-ling was one of the most knowledgeable and practiced Taiji players of his time. With this book, he has made it possible for even beginners to understand Taiji philosophy and to further one's own development as both a Martial Artist and an influential member of world society.

A Must Have for anyone in this game.

There're lots of "New Age Tai Chi Crap"out there. This is one of the "rare" books that deals with what Tai Chi Chuan is: A MARTIAL ART!. Chen Pan Ling was one of the finest "old guard" MASTERS of the Internal Arts. He is the ONLY disciple of Yang Shao Hou (His brother Yang Cheng Fu changed the original form into an smooth EXERCISE taking away every martial aspect like Fa-jing and Dim Mak) who was skilled in the real Yang Lu Chan's Tai Chi. I'm fed up of coming accross with fake masters and "soft and sweet" Tai Chi materials. The real Tai Chi CHUAN (Fist) is a devastating martial art that requires hard practice. In the West, only Mr. Erle Montaigue (you like it or not) keeps the Internal and Martial Tai Chi way. If you want to have a book on REAL TAI CHI CHUAN this is THE ONE.

Chen pan Ling was one of a few students of Yang Shou Hou (the elder brother of Yang Cheng Fu)who taught the same fighting style of Taiji as the one created by his Grandfather,Yang Luchan.This makes the book a rare pictorial record of the "Old" Yang Style,or something very close to it as there are a few changes made to the form that reflect Chens varied martial arts experience,but all in all a good reference book for the serious Taiji practitioner.The only issue not addressed is the different "ways" to perform the form other than the standard basic slow way.

The book is written without any speculation. It just tells you "how to do" even for what regarding the deep internal feeling during the tai chi practice. Much more great are the flow charts of the several tai chi skills development. (first that , then that, then that......) .In the initial chapters it looks like a great "Tai Chi Classic" written in modern (and concise) language.
No one word more, no one word less.
The sequence, very well illustrated in the book (with photos, foot diagrams, applications), is Chen's own stile. The footwork shows a Bagua Chuan influence that makes much more interesting and exciting to study the form. In addition there are clear and deep explanations of the applications (movement by movement during all the form description) and the self feeling on executing each posture.
This is really an excellent book. Even though I can not say it is a book for beginners It contains alone almost everything you need to practice and further study Tai Chi Chuan.
I teach Tai Chi and I own a huge amount of Tai Chi books, anyway, if it could happen I got lost in a faraway desert island, that's the Tai Chi book I'd like to have with me.

...Chen Pan-ling was a practical martial artist who had a background in not only Tai Chi (Yang & Wu), but also Hsing Yi and Bagua. The book not only includes clear photos (clearer than in my original Chinese version of this book) and precise descriptions of the proper movements and applications, but also descriptions of how you should feel. This is Tai Chi at it's most practical, not a new-agey easy to learn sequence.

Chen was a pioneer in that he did away with a lot of the superstition and ritual associated with martial arts teachers at the time. His attempt at educated scientific study of this martial art is a welcome addition to the mibrary of the scholarly martial artist.

This was a great comic book, It shows you Yoh when he was 4, he was so cute! I say, if you like shaman king, buy it!

I love Shaman King and everything but this book was just one long fight, even though the fight was really kool and everything it got boring after a while so if you like loooooonnnnngggg battles then this is a good book

Ok, here in the latino paradise I live in, there are no comics or books or nothing of Shaman King, only T.V series. Are there T.V series os SK in the states? Anyways, the names are somewhat different too, what you all call Asakura Yoh is "Io Asakura", his spirit that's with him, which in spanish is called "espiritu acompa?ante", is named "amidamaru". Then what's his face, no idea what his english name is, the dude with the the one-spike on his head, his name is "Len Tao", spirit? "Baz-n". Blue haired guy, "Horo Horo" (dont know what name his spirit holds but she keeps saying: cucurucu!), the gay guy, "Ryu". 'Lizer", the green haired guy, fairy's name is "Morfin". "Ana", "Io"'s girlfriend. "Manta", "Io"'s best friend, the little guy. And the cheetah kid, the one that tells jokes, "Chocolo" is his name, and he wants to bring: "la brisa de la risa". 'Jun Tao", "Len"'s siter. "Horo Horo"'s sister? no idea. And anyways, there weren't anymore series after Io finished with Hao (twin brother). So! not really sure what the other characters are! except for "Los soldados X", the group Lizer joined ages ago, with the leader princess character, "La Doncella"!

I am the frickn biggest fan of shaman king i have read every single shonen jump until i forgot about the 2nd volume when i read this i thought that it was awsome pretty long fight but interesting this volume has yoh,len.bai long,and a couple of more people but it is awsome it also tells you about bai longs kung fu master shalin (joto one).

If you haven't experienced the power of Shaman King yet, this second volume may or may not be a good place to start, but for all you action-buffs out there, Volume Two is right up your ally.

Starting after Yoh's fight with Ren, the reader is treated to a flashback to when Yoh was a young child and how he becomes obbsessed with his goal to becoming the Shaman King. We also get two new characters added to the already likeable cast: Anna, Yoh's strict and bossy fiancee and Jun, Ren's older sister who controls the corpse of famed action star Lee Bailong. Again, we are treated to another impressive battle with lots of hard punches, kicks and ghostly matches.

While this volume is basicly one big action-packed fight, a lesson is taught and learned (a common theme, no?). Still, one cannot admire and praise the art, story and characters that has put Shaman King on the map. More of the main character's personalities are revealed and Manta truly outshines Yoh in this department. While in the first volume he is shown as a wet blanket, he proves that this wet blanket has a strong backbone and will do anything for his friends! He proves this by risking his own safety while requiring a replacement sord for Yoh by getting into a fight with Ryu. Hey, what are friends for?

For anyone who became a fan through the anime, give the manga a go and see what you have been missing. For those who are already a fan of the manga, sit back and relax and take in all the action of this volume!

This book really doesn't look all that special on the outside, but it is a true gem on the inside! Set to the tune of Little Bunny Foo Foo it tells the story of a little karate chopping bunny intent on destroying the bamboo forrest with his kicks and chops. There is a nice subtle moral lesson here about respecting others and respecting the environment, but it's not heavy handed. The drawings are wonderful - simple and elegant asian-inspired b&w images that really capture the action of the story. My 4 year old LOVED it and as soon as the story was over she was hopping around the house singing the song and doing her own little karate chops. I'm really eagerly awaiting this author/illustrator's next book!

Smart, relevant, well constructed, and beautifully versed, LITTLE BUNNY KING FU is an instant classic. It's glorious black and white illustrations are a big plus as well. The book is sure to set many young minds to thinking on a good path, reaching them by entertaining unforcefully. Reagan Johnson is a talent to watch for.

Giggle inducing story. Captivating artwork - ink drawings . Really clever book. This will make an excellent gift.

Regan Johnson is an incredible author and artist. Little Bunny Kung Fu is a must have for your child or grandchild's library. I look forward to many more fine books by her. This book is pure delight for any age!

Little Bunny Kung Fu is a rhyming children's picturebook with an underlying theme about respect for others and the environment. Little Bunny Kung Fu loves to practice martial arts among the bamboo, cutting stalks in half with his attacks and his throwing stars. But what are the creatures who eat, live in, or hide in the bamboo to do in the wake of Little Bunny Kung Fu's destruction? One by one they ask the bunny not to harm their bamboo; he disregards them all, until at last a visit from the Great Dragon sets Little Bunny Kung Fu straight. The black-and-white artwork, drawn with a Chinese theme - the Great Dragon is clearly an Asian dragon, and Little Bunny Kung Fu wears a traditional Chinese shirt - brims with enthusiasm in this delightful tale.

My 7-year-old son and I recently began our adventure of learning kung fu. This book was a great source of information for the both of us. It provides enough story line to keep younger children interested and links to further study for those who are older or thirsty for more. Shaolin temple, kung fu, chi, map and timelines are just a few treasures covered in this little gem.

This is a very enjoyable introduction to the legends of the shaolin temple, where the martial arts may have been honed by buddhist monks centuries ago. I can verify that it caught the imagination of a novice eight year old, and sparked his interest in both gong fu and Buddhism.

Enhanced with an accompanying 3D animation DVD, "Shaolin: Legends Of Zen And King Fu" is a unique picturebook written and illustrated by Liow Kah Joon. Shaolin is a 1,500-year-9ld Zen Buddhist temple in China famous for monks who are expert in the kung fu martial arts. This remarkable and entertaining children's book reveals the wonder, compassion and skill that is the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu through traditional Shaolin stories of a courageous young boy who seeks to master those ancient skills, as well as the philosophy and wisdom that underlies them. Young readers will learn about Zen, Kung Fu, the training and weaponry involved, the 'Shaolin Five Annimals", the story of thirteen Shaolin monks, a brief Shaolin timeline, and so much more. "Shaolin" is enthusiastically recommended addition to school and community library collections - and a 'must' for children with an interest in learning about the marital arts in general, and Shaolin Kung Fu in particular!

The author has done a wonderful job of presenting a brief history of Shaolin - the temple and the monks. He also offers a simple and easy to understand overview of the training techniques used by Shaolin Martial Arts practitioners. While the illustrations will appeal to children young and old, the message will probably be best received by young people 8 and above. It is a welcome addition to our martial arts schools library.

This is a very well written book with beautiful pictures......I truly enjoy reading it!
Kah Joon had made Zen and Shaolin Kung Fung easy to understand and interesting for children and adults alike.
I truly appreciate Kah Joon's detail to attention, even the papers are made of the highest quality. The 3D animation DVD is a such a great addition!
Read it and you will know what I am talking about :)

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!

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.

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 the articles 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)

I have been studying Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) in Hong Kong for over 30 years and this is the first book in English that has managed to explain the essence of Ving Tsun. My Si-Fu, even my Si-Kung, Ip Man, would have been proud that Ving Tsun is being taught and explained so well around the world. This book embodies the teachings of my Si-Fu and his Ving Tsun To Dai (Kung Fu brothers), probably due to Rawcliffe Sifu's studies in Hong Kong and incompasses the simple complexity that is Ving Tsun Kuen. Understanding the structure to Ving Tsun is key to understanding how Ving Tsun works so effectively and efficiently and a book like this was long over due. Including the Ving Tsun Kuen Kuit elevates the book even further by embracing the philosophy of all that is Ving Tsun.
Leo T K Wong. Hong Kong 2003.

At last a book on Wing Chun rather than a book about the person behind the book. Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe has managed to do what so many others have failed to do, write a clear and concise book about the system of Wing Chun. So many other books seem to be promotional literature about the authors who happen to do Wing Chun. I found this book went in to great depth about the basics of the Wing Chun system and therefore will remain a great source of reference for students at all levels. It thankfully avoids the usual " this is how I do it" approach and refreshingly addresses the "this is what is behind whoever does it" approach.
Excellent, I shall be recommending this to all my students.

This is an excellent book on a rare form of Wing Chun. Very meticulous in the instructions given. In my opinion, this may even be superior to Ip Man's version of Wing Chun. Having practised martial arts for the past 18 years, I fell in love with this style of Wing Chun.

Ritchie does a tremendous job providing the historical background of the Wing Chun style. In addition, his pictures bring clarity and demonstrate the applications of this system well. This should be on every students bookshelf.

I got the more from this book than any other wing chun book, (and I've got them all).

The structure is well laid out. Intorductory information is well presented. The actual technical sections could have done with better and larger photography. The use of 'motion-lines' like those in Wushu books from China would also have been useful.

The dominant line of Wing Chun in the world today is the Yip Man line from Hong Kong. This book is a good introduction to another line. It is no more or less in depth than many books of this nature, but printed materials can only convey so much. An accompanying video would have been great. How about that for the next book. Could certainly have done with a page-numbered index for quick reference

I think the book thoroughly deserves a 5 stars rating and the contents justify the tilte. An all round better and more mature effort than the authur's last book. It sets out to introduce the history and foundation and it accomplishes that without getting too complex.

Sorry for my english (I'm french). I'm practicing martial arts since about 15 years now (fist/foot boxing + tai chi) and discovered wing chun about 1 year ago. I read lot of books on wing chun (I think "most" of them) because I'm leaving in the countryside and can't get easily class of wing chun (a pity). Anyhow, I manage to train daily .
Rene Ritchie - & Ngo Lui Kay sifu - book is BY FAR the finest I bought. It covers 12 simple attack/defensive mvts + the 1st form. EACH mvt of the 1st form is shown with splendid & reallistic explanations + fighting applications that allow you to really possess the form and to train even if you are no more a beginner. Each applications is VERY cleverly choosen to light a new concept of the mvt of the form.
Thank you so much M.Ritchie for this book. I'm waiting for the next books YOU MUST WROTE : the ones on 2nd/3rd form and wooden dummy :)

I have read the entire series so far, still haven't read Eagle but will get that soon! Each book has just pulled me right through from beginning to end, very enjoyable. Honor, survival and the martial arts - all good stuff.

This is an awsome book the first one is tiger that one is realy good to. once you read the first book youl be modevated to read the whole seriese. It's about monks at temple and fighting the auther jeff stone writes and creates beutifly, he detailes the fighting so well it's like your there waching it. READ THE WHOLE SERIESE IT'S GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three companions head down the Yellow River to the underworld of a dangerous city, unaware that their youngest brother is being used as bait in a trap, in this exciting Kung Fu drama which adds to a series with the fourth out of five projected books. Hok has long hidden her identity, but when her old life causes complications in her new world, Hok finds herself allying with other young monks who must use their kung fu skills to survive. Kids who love martial arts will relish this adventure.

An awesome book with the Crane (Hok). It has double the action of Snake, and there are many unexpected turns in the story. I can't wait for Dragon.

My 10 year old has read each book in this series with relish and has now gone back to re-read them all. It has sparked his interest in reading after a lull, and he sped through them in no time. Now we just need to wait for thhe next one...

This was a cool comical book. Fun to read with pictures to figure out the story. Interesting to read but this book reads from back to front and right to left. Was awkward at first but it did not take long to get use to. The character Chinmi is a playful and mischievous boy with a sense of humor. Accompanied by his monkey companion, he wants to fight and have fun. Discovered by an old drunk who becomes his mentor who teaches and hones his fighting skills.

i really love the Ironfist Chinmi series. My favourite is probably Victory for the spirit, but this is good too. I recommend it to anyone who is into manga and fighting. It is really, really very good and i enjoyed it tons.

i read this in my library and it was fab. the story is about a boy who is destinened to be great at kung fu and is funny and friendly throughout. i later goes on to fight new opponent and gain more friends and enimies! i wish i could read ' the crooked cross' though my library doesn't have it.

The smooth flowing art and exquisite writing style used in Ironfist #1, make it a must read for all manga and anime fans. I can't wait to read Ironfist #2. I'm sure it will be just as good!

I have the Japanese version, all 35 of them. Plus I also have the Shin(new)-Tekkin Chinmi, which is the Japanese title, volumns 1-4 and not to forget the Shin-Tekkin Chinmi-Gaiden (the other Tekkin Chinmi)-all three sets. And I love them! Maybe I'll buy them all over again. =)

Moi Fah: The Plumb Flower Fist is one of the easiest books on forms to understand. The form itself is clearly photographed, and the author does a great job of explaining what's going on. Applications of techniques are spread throughout the form. Also of value are the warm-ups at the beggining of the book, as well as the explainations of body movements in the back. This is a good book to learn this particular form, and gave me my first exposer to Chinese long boxing. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because of it's limited scope.

A very good demonstration of the Moi Fah form. Unlike some of the books that came out of Hong Kong in the early 1980's, Kwon Wing Lam includes the applications of the techniques. Also includes Chinese and English table for the techniques of the set, and well written sections on the history of Northern Shaolin (or Sil Lum) and kung fu in general.

Si Fu Kwon is a brilliant practitioner of Shaolin (Sil Lum)Kung Fu. He has impeccable form and his instruction is clear and precise.This book is a very good introduction to the latter forms of the core sets of Bak Sil Lum. I find the book good to learn from because I use it in tandem with My own Si Fu's teachings. I only wish Si Fu Kwon would write the rest of the sets into book form!

This book is limited in its scope, and i think that's the best thing about it. It teaches number seven of the ten basic Shao Lin forms, and little else. It's a great place to start for beginners, or even better for students of Kung Fu who have not been taught short forms in all directions yet. I too wish the author would complete the entire system in a similar fashion, for we could all learn Sil lum kung fu with a minimum of kwoon time. Can't recommend it enough...

This book was written a while ago by Sifu Wing Lam (Wing Lam Enterprises). It contains background information, warmups, stances, hand positions and all as basic information, and then the book describes the form with accompanying photographs of Sifu Lam demonstrating the movements. Learning forms from books is difficult/impossible, you can purchase the Video from Wing Lam Enterprises (Shaolin #7 Moi Fah), you should have abosolutely no trouble at all learning this form. Even though it is #7, this is usually the 1st or 2nd form taught in shaolin kung fu. The number (1 through 10) are not the number in which the forms are Taught. For what it is, I gave this book 5 stars. Get the video too.

". . . medieval sources do not allude to specific Shaolin fighting methods, Indeed they neither mention how Shaolin monks fought, nor which weapons they employed in battle. Attributing their descendant's martial arts to Tang Shaolin monks would be anachronistic." (The Shaolin Monastery. M. Shahar, pg. 52)

This is a serious, academically critical, look at Shaolin Monastery, and a
good critic of what is being practiced at Shaolin today.

Rik Zak
[...]

This is a deep and throughly researched book detailing the true aspects of Shaolin history and it's strange but interesting link between religion and martial arts.
Everything you needed to know about ancient Shaolin that can be found in ancient records is detailed here.
Other books do not come close and even lie.

A much more readable book than the previous review suggests, desoite its thoroughness, and a welcome antedote to the self-serving mythology that passes for history in most book about Shaolin. Meir's discussion of the roots of some of the most familiar Shaolin-based styles of will be especially absorbing for fans of kung fu movies.

I came to this work as both an academic and a practitioner of a Shaolin style of pushing hands. The evolution of the Shaolin arts from staff fighting to unarmed styles is explored in great detail from a variety of sources (many of which are primary and have been translated here for the first time).

This is one of the first books I've read that makes a scholarly attempt at explaining how the Buddhist monks of Shaolin successfully negotiated the cognitive dissonance caused by commitment to Buddhist principles of non-violence on one hand and mastery of martial arts on the other.

The book also succeeds in recognising and clarifying the role of Daoist thought and cultivation practices (namely the Dao Yin) in the development of Shaolin Gung Fu.

Some of the conclusions (especially in relation to the unarmed styles) lend some support to Nathan Johnson's (2000) thesis 'Barefoot Zen'. After long and careful study of the forms of Shaolin Gung Fu and Karate Kata, Johnson contended that these arts were never intended for fighting (whereas Shahar would likely contend that fighting was not their sole purpose, p.180 and p.200).

Meir is the foremost expert outside of China (and possibly even within China) on the history of the Shaolin Temple. An academic book by an amazing scholar, and a must read for anyone serious about learning the in-depth history of Shaolin, and martial arts, as he traces the history back 1500+ years. Scholarly, well written, peer reviewed, with loads of annotations...

A great book if you're seeking insight of the origins of Kung Fu If you are not seriously interested in martial arts, and their Shaolin China roots, this book is probably not for you.