Kung Fu and Tai Chi: Chinese Karate and Classical Exercises [Paperback]

Bruce Tegner (Author), Alice McGrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1986

Dramatic kung fu forms, illustrated step-by-step directions. The Great Circle of tai chi. Excellent solo practice for fitness and recreation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Mr. Tegner offers his customary informed commentary...recommended for physical fitness collections. --Charles Curran, Library Journal

About the Author

Bruce Tegner was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1929. In the U.S. Armed Forces Mr. Tegner trained instructors to teach unarmed combat; he taught military police tactics; he coached sport judo teams. Later, he trained actors and devised and choreographed fight scenes for movies and television.
Bruce Tegner books range from basic, practical self-defense to exotic forms of fighting for experts and enthusiasts. Editions of Tegner's books have been published in six different languages.
His colleague, Alice McGrath, has developed many special courses and teaching methods. These methods have been adopted by physical education departments, martial arts schools, and police academies throughout the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Thor Publishing Company; 2 Rev Sub edition (June 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087407035X
• ISBN-13: 978-0874070354
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #898,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is what it is: Kung Fu excercises for fitness and pleasure, February 2, 2007

By 

Jedi Learner "jobiwan2" (Texas, Planet Earth) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kung Fu and Tai Chi: Chinese Karate and Classical Exercises (Paperback)

Hello. I am not a practicing martial artist in the sense that I attend professional classes. I grew up with Bruce Tegner books, practiced with them and then joined a professional Tae Kwon Do school because his books kindled an appreciation for the martial arts in me. I found Tegner's books complimented the real life classes in many ways. Even after I stopped taking classes years ago I fondly remembered his books. In my middle age years I found this gem on Kung Fu and Tai Chi. It is like having a teacher guiding me along the way while I learn and practice. I enjoy the movements and forms very much. Tegner is very clear and understandable. You can practice a martial art for many reasons and not have to also believe in one particular school's philosophy or religious background (and many such books assume you will accept their philosophy to practice their martial art). Tegner is very clear on safety and what martial arts can and cannot do regarding health and self defense. I recommend this book for anyone would like to gradually learn something about some of the moves and techniques of Kung Fu (and Tai Chi)as a form of personal exercise. That is Tegner's stated aim and this book performs this well. If a person expects to become another Jet Li or Bruce Lee from this book they will be disappointed but if they are looking for a fun and clear introduction to this martial art form then it really is worth the asking price. After all these years I still find books by Bruce Tegner to be well thought out and devoid of religious/philosophy hype that surrounds so many martial arts books. Kung Fu and Tai Chi is highly recommended because it lets the reader make up their own mind given Tegner's adequate information.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An old school classic!, September 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kung Fu and Tai Chi: Chinese Karate and Classical Exercises (Paperback)

Originally published in 1968 this little gem of a book has stood the test of time. Teaches kung fu and tai chi in a clear concise manner without all the hype. Great basics and lots of cool forms. After all these years this book is still my favorite. Don't miss this one!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A fair introduction to the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi., July 27, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kung Fu and Tai Chi: Chinese Karate and Classical Exercises (Paperback)

I have been involved in mostly Japanese martial arts; however, I have also studied Tai Chi long enough to receive an instructor rank from my teacher. Though Bruce Tegner has been criticized by many traditional martial artists; nevertheless, he should be given credit for introducing the public to a non-mystical approach to the martial arts. This book provides a fair introduction to one system of Kung Fu as well as a standard Tai Chi form. No, this is not a great book to learn Kung Fu or Tai Chi, but it could serve as a supplement text in combination with training under a Kung Fu or Tai Chi master. One of the things I like about this and other Tegner books is the way he approaches the topic. He criticizes the mystical approach for a more rational and scientific explanation. This is especially true in the Chinese formal martial arts. When I was studying Tai Chi, I had heard many silly unscientific stories about so called martial art masters who could knock you down without touching you. In conclusion, this is a fair book that is entertaining and informative.

Rating: 3 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System).