Customer Reviews

Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Arts Guide

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

...as in "inaccurate and of limited effectiveness". Though intended as an introduction to the subject, this book is so superficial and shoddily-written that it misleads more than it educates the reader. Although a table of Chinese characters is included, a non-Chinese reader will be confused and misinformed by the non-standard transliterations of terms used by the author. There are some weapons, such as dart-launching devices, which are found in kung fu movies and old fables. In several cases (such as seen under the entry for "halberd", the same name is applied to arms whose configurations are distinctly different, and which in old military texts such as the WUJING ZONGYAO and WUBEIZHI are described with different names. The author also seems unaware that a weapon he calls the "Guandao" is never called that in classic military books; the proper term is "Yinyuedao" (reclining moon knife). The classification of sabers (the author calls them "dau") is hopelessly inadequate. It does not cover the principal blade shapes nor does it address handle length. The author's implying that they are "wide bladed" is ludricous since this ignores the fact that most types of sabers used during the late Imperial period (the liuyedao, yanmaodao, piandao, zhanmadao, miaodao, and others) had relatively narrow blades which tapered to a point. [A far better introduction to Chinese sabers can be found in Philip Tom's "Some Notable Sabers of the Qing Dynasty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art", Metropolitan Museum JOURNAL., Vol. 36. For edged weapons of a much earlier period, try Yang Hong's WEAPONS IN ANCIENT CHINA, NY/Beijing: Science Press 1992]. These are just a few examples which hopefully will persuade potential buyers to pass on this turkey and keep their wallets in their pockets.

"Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Artist's Guide," by Jwing-Ming Yang, is a survey of a large number of weapons. The book is full of drawings and informative text. Spears, sabers, tridents, shields, and other types of offensive and defensive devices are covered.

In addition to discussing more familiar types of weapons, the book depicts such bizarre looking devices as the Wolf Brush, the Iron Claw and the Flying Claw. There are also weapons with such evocative names as the Heaven-Earth Sun-Moon Saber and the Zi Wu Mandarin Duck Axe. Particularly interesting is the coverage of non-weapons that evolved into weapons, such as cymbals or chopsticks. The book is clearly written, logically organized, and visually appealing.

Over the past five thousand years the Chinese have development a vast array of hand weapons. Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Artist's Guide is an easy, "user friendly" reference guide enabling the student to locate any weapon within seconds. Illustrated throughout with 130 depictions, Ancient Chinese Weapons is broken down into four main classifications: Long Weapons, Short Weapons; Soft Weapons, Projectile/Thrown Weapons. Also included with weaponry descriptions are techniques and fighting strategy, a history and evolution of the weapons, translations of Chinese terminology. Ancient Chinese Weapons will prove an invaluable, informative reference for students of the martial arts, Chinese studies, and Asian military histories.

Though popular with Martial Artists unfamiliar with Chinese History, this book is so full or errors that it should not be kept in print. The entire work seems to be based on little more than the folklore surrounding Chinese martial arts. The author did not consult primary Chinese langauge sources (even though he is Chinese) and has no bibliography AT ALL. For accuarte information concerning Chinese Arms and Swordsmanship see the Chinese Swords and Swordsmanship Forum at: www.swordforum.com

This book seems to be based on Hong Kong movies. full of historic inaccuracies. It only goes to show, being an expert in martial arts does not make sure one is an expert in history of arms and armor. Only people not familiar with this field of study can think it is any good. Speak to any expert in this field and they will tell you to skip this book.

This book is essential for every martial artist or anyone interested in ancient weapons. True, this book does not supply the reader with any technique, but it covers the history and development of every weapon I can think of . It is written clearly, with large illustrations. What more, It gives you the English and Chinese name of the weapon, as well as the Chinese character. Dr. Yang certainly knows what he's talking about. All around, an excellent, comprehensible reference on ancient chinese weapons.

This book is a comprehensive catalog of Chinese weapons, with historical reference about its origins. Don't expect an explanation about weapon techniques, like those in others books of Dr. Yang (taiji chin na, Tai Chi theory & Martial Power). After you read this book you know that almost every thing was used for fighting purposes. Is for you, only if you're fan of martial weapons, and want a basic introduction to: long weapons, short weapons, soft weapons, projectile and throwing weapons, shields and armor.

My first introduction to this subject was from an obscure text by Douglas H.Y. Hsieh entitled "Ancient Chinese Hidden Weapons" -- which was quite a disappointment, as I'd been expecting accurate detailed information about unusual Kung Fu weaponry and received basically a pamphlet full of glaring inaccuracies and untruths presented as fact. Fortunately, ANCIENT CHINESE WEAPONS by the respected Dr Yang, Jwing-Ming was much better.

ANCIENT CHINESE WEAPONS is an oversized softcover book, 140 pages in length, and is broken up into a variety of sections: Introduction, Long Weapons, Short Weapons, Soft Weapons, Projectile & Throwing Weapons, Shields & Armor, and Conclusion.

A few other reviewers have noted that Jwing-Ming may've made some errors in translation or interpretation of certain texts and failed to include an annotated bibliography. This does seem to be the case, but at least the author does include statements like: "X probably originated at the time of the Huang Di Dynasty", "this weapon might have been created during the Song Dynasty", "X was probably imported from Tibet", and often "The history and other details are unknown" -- all of which are far preferable to just inventing spurious "facts", as so many others have done.

The hundreds of pen & ink illustrations are highly detailed and very well done. Whenever possible, origins and usage of the weapons are detailed. There is a wealth of data here, especially as pertains to rare polearms and exotic flexible weapons.

Unfortunately, a small number of these legendary weapons appear to be mythological rather than historic. A few examples would be the "step crossbow" (fired by stepping on the stirrup of a horse saddle), the spring-fired "sleeve arrow", and the "flying claw" with flexible graping fingers. Other little-known weapons which were initially assumed to be fictional (i.e., "plum flower needles") are so well explained as to become feasible.

This was an enjoyable read, and a much needed contribution to the literature of Martial Arts weaponry.

I felt that this book was a good book. A good starter book. It covers a lot of ground in not a lot of pages. The pictures are black and white drawings whith the exception of one being a photograph. He only tells of the generic dimensions and use of a weapon. He does not go into great detail about how they were made which I found very dissapointing. Overall the book is an okay buy, one that one could add to their personal library. However not neccesary to own.

This book is filled with pictures of a huge variety of rather interesting ancient chinese weapons, from the decorative, and the practical, to the fictional. However, I do NOT recommend this book to someone looking for any information on them whatsoever. The authors knowledge of weapons, and his historical research, or lack thereof, crosses the borders of absurdity. He goes so far as to mention the weight of many bladed weapons as surpassing 75 to 95 pounds, and that is just the tip of the iceburg. (Perhaps the translator was at fault, but doubtful) Anyway, I bought this book to supplement my martial studies, and it was a waste of money. But, like I said, lots of pictures!