Cao Dai Kung-Fu: Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam [Paperback]

Haha Lung (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Loompanics Unlimited (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559502312
• ISBN-13: 978-1559502313
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Cao Dai" Primary "Kung-Fu" +++, June 22, 2010

By 

Kevin Kiersky "oceaneagle" (Olympia, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cao Dai Kung-Fu: Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam (Paperback)

The author of this work, Haha Lung, has written a number of books on various sef-defense topics -- most of which seem interesting and useful. Upon investigation -- it seems Haha Lung may be a cover-name -- and half of Haha Lung's work may be from the creativity of this semi-hidden author. What may matter most to some folks is the self-defense as presented by a particular work -- beyond apparent "true authors" or "real tradition". Now this reviewer prefers ALL of the above -- when possible. It SEEMS to my best impression that some kind of "Kung-Fu" IS being presented [there is even an interesting "history" explained]. BUT beyond that -- the actual "Kung-Fu" is seen to be LIKE a Primary synthesis of many types of effective "Vietnam Kung-Fu". That could be very good for those who need or want a streamlined version of "Kung-Fu" -- fluid, clear, sharp and COMPACT. To my impression -- much modern [POST-1950] "Kung-Fu" strays from such streamlined self-defense -- but NOT the "Kung-Fu" in "Cao Dai Kung-Fu" -- which looks to be VERY direct self-defense using counter-rotation of primary "Kung-Fu" stances, footwork, kicks, blows, pokes, grips, locks, trips, sweeps and throws. The "Illuminati Star" as illustrated on page 59 seems to show a certain blatant sense-of-humor of the author -- as well as the GRAPHICALLY GRIM method-illustrations -- BUT with REALLY SILLY "ninja-versus-police" figures +++

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Aspects of Martial Arts Here!, February 16, 2004

By 

"high-c" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cao Dai Kung-Fu: Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam (Paperback)

This book is more than simply a martial arts manual that shows the moves, the positions and the strikes. It is also a history of martial arts--sort of a thumbnail sketch of what there is around the world--and how it developed in Vietnam. The author goes into the political climate that created conditions in which Cao Dai would come to exist in the first place and how it has evolved. Plus the excellent illustrations, done by the author and they are easy to understand. There's no substitute for a live teacher, but if you already have some background or if there is no dojo around, this isn't bad. And I don't know what you mean about it being hard to come by. Loompanics 8003802230 has plenty of stock--or go to their site.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic instructional, November 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Cao Dai Kung-Fu: Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam (Paperback)

Perhaps the finest English language instructional on Vietnamese martial arts ever published. The book has detailed (yet easy to follow) text along with numerous illustrated diagrams. Published in a limited printing, this book has already become quite a scarce martial arts collectible.