Customer Reviews

Sil Lum Kung Fu: The Chinese Art of Self Defense

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This volume by Leo T. Fong illustrates material taught by long-time San Francisco instructor Sifu T.Y. Wong. (Wong Tim-Yuen) Techniques used in the form are illustrated singly and then the form Lin Wan Kuen (called Continuous and returning fist here) is shown. Interestingly, there are a few minor tweaks that distinguish Leo Fong's presentation from that of Wong himself. Many techniques illustrated in Wong's book as palm strikes are replaced by Mr. Fong as "Biu Jee", shown as a finger jab. Also, a small number of techniques shown in Ding Ji Ma in Wong's book look like they're done in classic horse stance. Otherwise the photography is way clearer and easier to follow than Wong Tim Yuen's original book. (In defence of Sifu Wong-he has two forms illustrated in his original book and many principles not discussed here are brought out) The self defense, or selected fighting technique part follows the form. This is a typical layout of the early Ohara books. A (usually beginner) form is shown and a very limited (if interesting) set of applications are given to illustrate the principles. By the 1980's some books like Yang Jwing-Ming's books began to be published that illustrated larger amounts of material and tried to at least give an basic idea of applications for all the moves the in the forms presented. A standout from the early 1970s era was Bucksam Kong's Hung Ga book, which had especially large pictures and a very extensive two man form presented.

Even so, this book has merit and when I was interested in seeing what T.Y. Wong's Kung Fu was like, I bought a copy again. (I had one back in the 70s when I had no clue what I was seeing!) This book gives a glimpse into Southern style Shaolin outside the realm of the now more often seen Hung Ga or Choy Lei Fut! If you like Southern Shaolin, you should see if you can get one of the few copies out there!