The Tao of Gung Fu: A Study in the Way of Chinese Martial Art (Bruce Lee Library) (Paperback)

by Bruce Lee (Author), John Little (Author) "The center of the Far Eastern martial arts has been the Chinese art of gung fu, whose principles and techniques pervaded and influenced the different..." (more)
Key Phrases: chi sao, sil lum tao, imaginary centerline, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Professor Yip (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This is the book that Bruce Lee had intended to publish as an in-depth follow up to his Chinese Gung Fu. Prior to his death, he had written the majority of the text, which explores such topics as yin-yang as it applies to martial arts, Eastern and Western fitness methodologies, and martial arts and self-defense techniques. The manuscript was completed by martial arts expert John Little in cooperation with the Bruce Lee estate. 100+ photos.

About the Author
John Little is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on Bruce Lee, his training methods, and philosophies. Little is the only person who has ever been authorized to review the entirety of Lee’s personal notes, sketches, and reading annotations. Little’s articles have appeared in every martial arts and health and fitness magazine in North America including Muscle and Fitness. He is the author of The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee, and co-author of Power Factor Training, The Golfer’s Two-Minute Workout, and Static Contraction Training for Bodybuilders. A native of Canada, John is an expert in the fields of martial arts, bodybuilding, and physical conditioning.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 1st edition (November 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804831106
• ISBN-13: 978-0804831109
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,871 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 The JKD Primer, July 3, 2001

By	M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

What can you say about a book written by Bruce Lee. This one is great. It was the basis for the 'Tao of JKD'. Here he is talking about what he really knows, the way of Chinese martial Arts.

This book covers the technical gung fu as well as the philosophy as seen through Mr. Lee's eyes. One of the all time greatest Martial Artist. The diagrams are in his own hand, with his own thoughts. So read his words himself, and get the info direct!

You will not want to put this book down. And will read it, over and over again.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy to understand guide to martial art philosophy., February 19, 1998

By	Kenneth R. Gullette Jr. "kennyg" (Moline, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bruce Lee's philosophy shines in this book. Mr. Little has done the world of philosophy a big favor by compiling Bruce Lee's thoughts in this volume. A great martial artist makes philosophy key to every movement in his or her art, and Bruce Lee is able to clearly lay the foundation for understanding kung-fu principles. This is a must for any martial arts library!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A philosophical look at a physical art., April 30, 2005

By	L. Davis "Student" (Indiana USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bruce Lee was an amazing person, able to blend the physical beauty of the body with the philosophical beauty of the mind and create the true essence of martial art. In the Tao of Gung Fu, Bruce Lee devotes individual attention to philosophical and physical aspects of his form. His main attention is on Wing Chung, the style of Gung Fu that he himself studied under a Chinese master. Bruce devotes most of the first part of the book to basics and philosophical principles of Gung Fu, including the redirecting of the opponents energy to use it against him.
I would recommend this book to most practitioners, and those that are considering getting into martial arts. The second half of the book covers some basic techniques, stances, stretches, exercises, and practices, while the last twenty or thirty pages include personal quotes, answered questions, and biographies of some of the old masters.
This book is good for beginners because it gives them an insight into the art and some of the things it will take to be successful. It also allows them to understand some of the basic philosophies of the martial arts.
Those with practice will enjoy this book because it goes into some of the more interesting aspects of the art and is written eloquently by one of the greatest martial artists in history.
This should be added to most martial art libraries. I've practiced multiple styles for nearly ten years and find that this book is an invaluable resource to study and train with.