Customer Reviews

Mastering Wing Chun Kung Fu

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got this book because one of the other reviewers said that it had the complete Wing Chun System in there. The guy obviously doesn't have or hasn't even read through the book. It only has the 3 fist forms - Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Ji. It has nothing on the Dummy, Bot Jom Doa (8 Slash Knives) or the 6 1/2 point pole.

The book was short and to the point which is the way of Wing Chun. There was really nothing new in the book. I have met Ip Ching and was really excited to learn more about his family's official version of Wing Chun, but I'm sorry to say this book didn't match my expectations.

I found more details in the Wing Chun Compendium Vol. 1 & 2 than in this book. In Sifu Kwok's book, they had an interesting section on Fan Sao (Ch. 10) but that was short. Other insights were on Facing or Dui Ying, Fa Jing, Translation of the VTAA Code of Conduct, Ip Man's written history or Ving Tsun and Sifu Kwok's Personal Photo Album. They were all kind of short. After each form there are a few pages on applications of certain aspects of each form. There is also a short section on Chi Sao.

This book isn't expensive so it's a nice addition to any collection. But if you have the Wing Chun Compendium, it's not necessary to get this book.

To be a bit nit picky, there were some spelling mistakes and grammar mistakes. The writing style was also a bit of a chore to read. Instead of "Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma" the book says "Gee Kim Yeung Ma" It does that throughout the book! Big lack of detail.

I'm sure Sifu Kwok is a great teacher and his DVDs are probably better. This book was just a bit of a letdown.

As a student in martial arts this book is of great help in learning the Wing Chun system. It's a wonderful learning aid in, not only the forms and such, but also the history.

I think this book does an excellent job in describing and illustrating each movement.
Well worth the cost and is an asset to any style of martial arts!

First, I am not a Wing Chun practitioner; however, I have many years of experience in several other martial arts.

I found Kwok's book very informative and intresting. It is brief and to the point in the explanations. However, someone with no martial arts experience will probably find it difficult to follow. Also, it only describes the physical movements for the techniques. Wing Chun, like many Chinese Martial Arts, has an internal aspect to it as well that can only be learned from a qualified instructor. You may be able to learn the movements; but to "Master" the art you really need a good instructor.

My only complaint with the book is when Kwok compares Wing Chun to other martial arts. He states that there are aspects of Wing Chun (i.e. Sticking Hands, concept of economy of motion, etc..) that no other martial art teaches. This is flat wrong. I have studied Tai Chi for over 10 years. All of these concepts are taught in Tai Chi (and some other internal styles). Kwok also quotes Bruce Lee to demonstrate Wing Chun's superiority, "When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand." This is almost a direct quote for the Tai Chi Classics that has been around for centuries.

I would recommend this book as a reference for someone with experience in Wing Chun; but not a good source to learn the art of Wing Chun.

this book is excellent! though i do recomend purchasing the dvd's for a thorough at home course. some of the type o's can be misleading but not so much as to teach incorrect method. for example: after completing a technique with the left hand you will be shown to do it with the other hand but the text will say left hand again (here and there). other than that it is a fantastic book for learning the Ip Man Wing Chun system

This is one of my favorite Wing Chun books available (and there are a lot of them out there). Master Kwok touches on the history of Wing Chun, Ip Man, and the VTAA. This book also contains a detailed pictography of the Siu Lim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Gee forms along with their applications for self defense. The book also briefly discusses the Wooden Dummy and Chi Sao (not in great detail), along with some Kung Fu philosophy. The books Foreward is personally by Ip Ching. The book also contains a lot of very nice pictures, both historical and recent. This is a very easy read. I find myself grabbing this book over and over off the shelf to browse through, or as a quick reference. Definitely worth the money.

Mastering Wing Chun Kung Fu by Samuel Kwok is a book for all. After 26 years of Martial Art training - primarily BJJ, Kyokushin and Thai Boxing, I found this book refreshing and informative. The format of the book and layout of the material made it an easy read for a non Wing Chun practitioner. I appreciated the historical moments leading to the 1st form series and then application. This led the book into the next 2 forms making me more interested in delving further into Ip Man Wing Chun, seeing how it could compliment my current style of martial art training. Well informed and knowledgable books such as this, makes the progression in martial arts a never ending story. Thankyou Samuel Kwok and thankyou Ip Man Wing Chun. I highly recommend this book to both Non Wing Chun martial artists and Wing Chun practitioners alike.

Wow. This book is wonderful, that's all I can say. If you have some experience with martial arts--specifically Chinese--and want to learn an authentic style a Gong Fu, this is the book you should get. There are also some harder-to-find dvd companions. If you can't find them here, just go to Master Kwok's website.

Mastering Wing Chun is truly one of the best books, if not the best book. on the market concerning the Ip Family Wing Chun methods. This is the only book to be endorsed by BOTH of Ip Man's sons, Grandmasters Ip Chun and Ip Ching. It was honored by being placed into the Ip Man Museum in Foshan, China making this book an awesome feat in Wing Chun history.

Master Kwok and Master Massengill write superbly to detail what makes the Ip Family method unique. From the history of Wing Chun to the detail of the empty hand forms, this work leaves you feeling like you have been able to train with all three Grandmasters at once. There are many citations from all three members of the Ip Family that help one to understand exactly what they taught. If you are serious about your Wing Chun, you need to get this book!!!

After reading "Mastering Wing Chun" by Grandmaster Sam Kwok I was simply in awe and most impressed: I've been studying Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1981 (and started teaching private students in 1986), and been privileged to meet the foremost Wing Chun masters and Grandmasters alive, learn from them and practise Chi Sao with them. My library of Wing Chun and other martial arts books is quite extensive...this book and DVD series is an absolute MUST have, read and watch for any Wing Chun practitioner - whether at beginners or masters level - or anyone seriously interested in self-defense and martial arts. Sam Kwok's lifelong and total dedication to the original Ip Man Wing Chun Kung Fu, his absolute expertise, his fierce fighting spirit, and his amazing generosity and kindness shines throughout its pages...this book will be known as 'The Bible of Wing Chun Kung Fu'!
Arne Klingenberg, author of The-Happy-Side.com