Nei Jia Quan, 2nd edition: Internal Martial Arts (Paperback)

by Jess O'Brien (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this illuminating book, prominent masters offer an informed, inside view of the Chinese internal martial arts known collectively as “nei jia quan”–those practices that emphasize awareness of the spirit, mind, qi (breath, or energy flow), and the use of relaxed leverage rather than brute force. Drawing from enduring traditions practiced in China, America, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan, Nei Jia Quan features a wide range of perspectives on tai ji, xing yi, ba gua, and others. Each teacher gives a sense of the history of his or her art, its philosophical and spiritual underpinnings, and training techniques, offering students simple strategies for incorporating a variety of approaches into their own studies. Probing questions elicit thoughtful answers throughout, giving the book the feeling of a personal conversation with the master. Authoritative biographies and photographs both recent and historical provide additional insight into teachings of instructors such as Gabriel Chin, Tim Cartmell, Paul Gale, Fong Ha, Luo De Xiu, Allen Pittman, William Lewis, Tony Yang, Zhao Da Yuan, Bruce Frantzis, and others. This revised, completely updated edition profiles four new teachers, with new photographs and artwork included.

About the Author
The editor, Jess O’Brien, is a freelance martial arts researcher and editor in Oakland, California. The martial arts masters being profiled in the book are each well-known, respected, and sought-after teachers in their field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books; 2 edition (October 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583941991
• ISBN-13: 978-1583941997
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #661,347 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, January 14, 2008

By	D. Schippers (MI, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book and the insights it can offer are nothing short of exceptional. Originally, I thought I would only read a portion of the people interviewed. Instead, I've gone through the whole volume. In having studied taijiquan for nearly five years and baguazhang for almost two, this book provided me with a lot information that isn't always available. Additionally, there is a lot of misunderstanding and ignorance surrounding qi, its effectis and how to effectively train it. This book provides enough information for the astute reader and novice practioneer to be able to piece a workable view together and more importantly, a training regime to enhance and provide for it.

I have spent a lot of money on books and videos for martial arts. This book has hands down been the best investment of my money out of all of them in regards to internal arts.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great primer!!, December 11, 2007

By	G. Bruce (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a superb book for the practitioner of CMA. It gives you an insight to the philosophy and motivation of some truly gifted teachers. It provides guidance on understanding your own approach to the Arts, while encouraging you to look further into the classical texts.
For those of us that are, at best part-time in pursuing our learning, this book introduces a range of people who ,in large part, are full time instructors. Their dedication to preserving the skills passed to them is worthy of recognition alone, aside from their obvious technical abilities. For this I salute them!!
All books have flaws. This is not an exception. The selection of Sifus' for inclusion is obviously driven by geography and economics.The vast majority are based in the US, although of Chinese origin. Maybe the subtitle should reflect that. It also provides an opportunity to expand the book into a series by connecting with the Masters in China, Taiwan and elsewhere, who would be worthy additions in a second and third volume. Then we would have a true classic!! - can we hope?