This book unravels the mystery behind Chinese martial arts, or wushu, an exotic branch of traditional Chinese culture. It traces how the rough and ready brawls of Chinese cavemen matured into the polished gongfu of Shaolin and Wudang warriors. But the art of gongfu is more than just martial abilities -- it is also about a philosophy and chivalry code. This volume sheds light on the legend of Bruce Lee, the Yue Maiden Sword and tells you more: * Do the Acupoint Tapping, Light Skills (qinggong), and "straying down demonic paths" that we see in period drama really exist? * What are the various boxing and weapon arts, and the various schools and styles? * Are E'mei Sect, Huashan Sect, Kunlun Sect, Kongtong Sect and Natural Sect documented in Chinese history? This is an easy and entertaining read, and a must-buy for budding martial-art fans. Be dazzled by the power and grace of Chinese martial arts, which stands tall in a class of its own!

Inside Kungfu: Chinese Martial Arts Encyclopedia is intended to serve as a general reference tool for anyone interested in the martial arts, its history, or even China's history. The book takes a look "Inside" Chinese Martial Arts only, with a chart devoted to Chinese, Japanese and Korean pronunciation; A section about China's Martial History; A section about the Shaolin Temple History; Information about the Beijing Opera; Information on several martial arts from A to Z totaling around 363 styles; Information on over 110 weapons used throughout China's history, and much, much more. Including dynamic pictures and illustrations by myself and even a little information about yours truly. It is my love, respect and admiration for the martial arts that has inspired me to write this book in hopes that, you, the reader, enjoys learning the facts and history as much as I did; and maybe, inspire you to take a wonderful journey in the martial arts training of your choice if you have not already done so.

Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.

The only American heir to W. C. Chen, Phillip Starr continues the master’s teachings in this useful guide that also profiles the exciting early years when martial arts were still new in America. Through this entertaining collection of personal anecdotes involving Master Chen, the author, and his classmates, readers learn a particular aspect of the traditional martial arts. Included are explanations of the importance and meaning of courtesy and the custom of bowing, the significance of training with weapons and how it impacts bare-handed skills, and the value of traditional forms and how they relate to actual combat.

Since ancient times, some observant people have made the revered Book of Change (Yijing) their lifelong study. Change is the fundamental principle found in every aspect of our lives. Change is the Way of the universe. Confucian and Daoist texts are filled with anecdotal and philosophic discourse related to this theme. There is little wonder why we find the concept of change in the diverse Chinese martial traditions. This anthology presents articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts that are related to the theme of change. This does not mean that the authors are writing solely about philosophic ideas such as yin-yang, taiji, five phases (wuxing), or the eight hexagrams (bagua). From the content of these articles you will see how the views, needs, purposes and understandings of Chinese martial arts have changed over the centuries. By expounding on these themes, each author demonstrates how the actual practice of martial arts has changed in tandem with these fluctuating views. Supported by in depth research, interviews, and field experience, the nine articles included here offer us a view of Chinese martial arts from many angles. Of course effectiveness is one of the criteria for skills that are valued as being truely martial. To improve the effectiveness, some leading practitioners gained insights from nature, particularly from the animal kingdom. Also, in both ancient and modern times, Chinese practitioners borrowed from other styles. The concept of “mixed martial arts” is nothing new.There have been spinoffs to the warrior arts. Even centuries ago the martial arts were utilized in entertaining “flowery’ performances, as in Peking opera. The variety of martial movements were certainly conducive for good health so there is a long tradition of incorporating these in exercises practices solely for health and longevity. In the early twentieth century, martial arts became a political tool for boosting the spirit of country, vitalizing the “sick man of Asia.” Perhaps the most notable change in Chinese martial arts can be seen in the modern sportification of it. Motivated by rank, trophies, and money, the combative elements have been forsaken in favor of competition and show. Orignally practical, techniques have been transformed into pure acrobatics. This special anthology provides an encompassing overview of the development and variety of Chinese martial arts. You will come to appreciate the ancient roots and the forces that have influenced how and why these arts are practiced today.

In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practised for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts.

The seminal work on the evolution, aesthetics and politics of modern martial arts fiction from one of China's leading scholars.

China can easily boast of its great martial traditions, which many would say is the richest in the world. There are a variety of styles from the north to the south that encompass an extensive repertoire of open-hand and weapon techniques. The ten chapters in this anthology illustrated this wide spectrum. Mark Wiley’s interview with Hou Faxiang presents a fundamental healing modality famous in China — qigong, the nourishing and practical use of internal energy. Its theory and practice is entwined in many martial art styles.In chapters two and three, Robert W. Smith, introduces us to two Shaolin style masters whom he met during his stay in Taiwan. Since Han Qingtang was the top notch expert in joint-locking techniques, Smith managed to photograph seven of Han’s fundamental techniques. General Gao Fangxian was likewise a practical martial artist with an overwhelming presence, even when smiling. In a technical section he shows the might of Northern Shaolin.Southern Hung Gar is the topic for the next two chapters. Allan Ondash focuses on special kicking methods usually done simultaneously with hand usage, making the kicks difficult for a defender to notice being executed. His chapter is followed by Mark Jensen’s interview with Kwok Wing Lam detailing Iron Palm history and training. Yang Jwingming is known worldwide for his knowledge and personal skills in Chinese martial arts, primarily Long Fist and taijiquan. I conducted a lengthly two-part interview that provides information about Master Yang’s early years in Taiwan through his martial arts career in the United States. Stephen Berwick is well-known as one of the first Americans to become a highly respected practitioner and scholar of Chen Style Taijiquan. The interview conducted by Richard Florence shows the roadwork Berwick took to make his dreams come true—to be part of the longstanding Chen Family art. The ninth chapter by Dr. Donald Cheung presents the unique “cow herding stick” as taught by Xiao Mingkui, a Praying Mantis and Chen Taiji practitioner. The final chapter by Jake Burroughs looks at how the head is used in various striking techniques as found in many styles. We hope you will enjoy the material in this anthology, the personal stories of dedicated masters, and the rare photographs of their history and techniques.

Chinese martial arts have a long, meaningful history and deep cultural roots. They blend the physical components of combat with strategy, philosophy and tradition, distinguishing them from Western sports. A History of Chinese Martial Arts is the most authoritative study ever written on this topic, featuring contributions from leading Chinese scholars and practitioners. The book provides a comprehensive overview of all types of Chinese martial arts, from the Pre-Qin Period (before 222 BC) right up to the present day in the People’s Republic of China, with each chapter covering a different period in Chinese history. Including numerous illustrations of artefacts, weaponry and historical drawings and documents, this book offers unparalleled insight into the origins, development and contemporary significance of martial arts in China. This is a fascinating read for researchers and students working in sports history, Chinese sport and Chinese Studies.

Kung Fu has evolved from a traditional means of defence to become a system of attacking and defending oneself, with or without weapons, exercising the body and maintaining good physical and mental health. As such, these practices have found an international following. Yet what has remained a largely unexplored area is the scientific principles behind these martial arts. This book not only covers the brief history of Chinese martial arts, but also brings together the wisdom of a Kung Fu grand master with a scientist and teacher to explain the scientific reasons why Kung Fu is the powerful practice that it is. Using the principles of physics, biomechanics and biology, with a number of drawings showing some basic postures of Kung Fu, the authors present a deep understanding of how the styles, the specific movements and methods of attack and defence operate.