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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good info on Kung Fu, April 7, 2004
This book was originally published in 1977 as a way to introduce Westerners to the complex history and traditions of Kung Fu. This book covers the history of the Chinese martial arts quite well, given the space they had to work with. The history goes all the way back to the bronze age, and is followed throught the centuries. Bodhidharma, the legendary figure who brought the movements of Kung Fu and the philosophy of Chan (Zen) to the Shaolin temple is given an entire chapter. The Taoist influence over the Chinese arts is mentioned, specifically when talking about the internal styles of T'ai Chi, Pa Kua, and H'sing Yi. The emphasis is on T'ai Chi. Several external styles of Kung Fu are featured as well: Northern Shaolin, Dragon, Wing Chun, White Crane, Praying Mantis, Monkey, Hung Gar, and Choy Lee Fut. Each style is given a one or two page description that includes history, techniques, fight strategy, and overall philosophy. There is also a chapter on Chin Na, but those familiar with other Chin Na works will find that the techniques covered here, while effective for self-defense, don't even come close to showing the complexities of the "seizing and controlling" art. There is also a chapter on how to perform amazing feats, with much of the text taken from an ancient Chinese book. I believe that this chapter has some value, though I can't verify the various Kungs that emphasise Chi power. The last bits of the book are on Kung Fu films, the Westernization of Kung Fu, and some neat little proverbs. Overall, this book is very good for introducing people to the Chinese martial arts, whith a very broad range of subjects covered. There are some weaknesses, though, notably that the text seems a little dated, and the photos are in awful condition. Still, the self-defense moves are fairly practical, and the insight into the history of Kung Fu and the different styles makes this book worth buying.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good introduction for all levels., August 19, 1999
By A Customer
A good guide to the history and philopsophy of kung fu, but it doesn't really get a grip of the essence of the art. Descriptions of a few more styles could have been added, as well as a section on common fighting principles. The (large) part on chin na techniques is very useful, as are the descriptions of the several feats (I don't think many of them would prove harmful, if trained, on the contrary(the "leaping kung" for example could be extremely good for leg muscle development, and I doubt that one should have to contact a physician before training the "red sand palm", which is done by rubbing a handful of sand in hope that one may someday be able to do it without the hands), but I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone to try something as "head kung"(banging the head daily against a hard wall!!)). I must admit that it somehow felt throughout the whole book that the same things were repeated over and over again on almost each page, something that made it (for me)a little(just a little) bit boring. Nevertheless, I don't regret buying it.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
An Overview, May 26, 2002
David Chow was the technical advisor during the first season of the old "Kung Fu" television series. Many of the people who saw those shows commented on how much the techniques resembled judo. This book will show you why. Chow's background was in the grappling arts, and it is that orientation which he brought to both the show and this book. The first part of it deals with the history and theories of some of the more famous kung fu styles. The technique section contains some fairly effective responses to grabbing attacks. The poetry section could have been left out. This book is O.K., but nothing to write home about.
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