The Chinese Straight Sword, or Jian, is perhaps the weapon that represents Chinese swordsmanship the most. Rarely seen nowadays in Chinese martial arts is the practice of a 2-handed Long Straight Sword. In this book, I've translated the Straight Sword chapter in 武備志 (Wu Bei Zhi), a 400 years old Chinese military manual, as well as offer my own interpretation. I hope my work will help you in practicing this art, as well as preserve and promote it for further generations to appreciate. Jack Chen

Originally published in Chinese in 1930, The Major Methods of Wudang Sword has become a contemporary classic in the field of traditional Chinese martial arts. Written by Huang Yuan Xiou, the disciple of Li Jing-Lin—China’s most celebrated sword practitioner—this edition now introduces English readers to the fascinating world of traditional Chinese swordplay. Immensely popular in China, Wudang sword contains within its techniques the essence of the internal martial arts of Taiji Quan, Xingyi Quan, and Bagua Zhang. Unlike other books of its time, The Major Methods of Wudang Sword explores the practical application of its techniques rather than simply introducing a solo form. This helps readers and students of any style and background discover new insights and gain new approaches to personal practice. The book also emphasizes the internal aspects of swordfighting, including mental and meditative techniques. Translated by Dr. Lu Mei-hui and with expert commentary by Master Chang Wu Na—two contemporary disciples of Wudang sword— and featuring dozens of black and white photos from the original Chinese edition, The Major Methods of Wudang Sword unlocks the secrets of Wudang swordplay for both novice and advanced practitioners.

Warring factions of blue jays and cardinals call on Swordbird, the heroic bird of peace, to rescue them from the evil machinations of Turnatt, the tyrant hawk lord who plans to enslave them.

The dao, a single-edged sword with a curved blade, is one of the most popular weapons in traditional Chinese martial arts. The art of Taiji Dao is a set of skills for using the dao, derived from the popular martial art Taijiquan. One of the most important aspects of Taijiquan practice is weapons training, eagerly pursued by students who have become adept in the basic skills of the art. The Complete Taiji Dao introduces the principles and practice of Taiji Dao and provides illustrated discussions of the history of Chinese swords. The book covers the history and features of the dao; the Taiji principles from which Taiji Dao practice derives; the basic skills and techniques of the art; detailed descriptions and photographs of the traditional Taiji Dao form; and Taiji Dao fighting principles and training methods. Broad in scope and detailed in its presentation of the principles and practice of Taiji Dao, The Complete Taiji Dao represents a significant contribution to the field of traditional Chinese weapons practice.

Millions of people worldwide practice t’ai chi, the most popular form of which was codified beginning in the 1960s by Cheng Man Ch’ing. In this scholarly yet practical book, Professor Cheng shows precisely how the postures and moves of t’ai chi work, with examples from anatomy and physics, both internally as energetic principles and externally on opponents. He clarifies the spheres, triangles, and centripetal and centrifugal forces within physical exchanges such as push-hands. Contrasting Western and Chinese techniques of healing, he also explores the relationships of organs to one another in pathology and the necessary dynamics of treatment. Professor Cheng explains how the practitioner may serve as his or her own doctor and, likewise, as the physician or trainer of an attacker. The martial arts, he says, are not a special case of unusual power, simply an aspect of adapting natural and cosmic law to circumstance. This edition of the classic text contains 13 major essays; oral secrets from Cheng’s teacher Yang Cheng’fu; a Q&A with commentary on martial arts classics; the author’s application and functions of each of the 37 postures of the short form, with the original photographs of him as a young man; two prefaces; and much more.

Monkey kung fu is one of the most signature styles with its unique acting movements, dynamic gymnastic techniques, and unorthodox striking, kicking, and sweeping techniques. From high flying leaping to ground techniques, monkey kung fu is always impressive as it requires top athleticism and coordination to perform the physically demanding movements. The monkey form in the Choy Li Fut system of Kung Fu is full of unique acting, acrobatics, and applicable combinations which makes it a perfect study for any martial arts enthusiast.This book provides each movement with a full description, step-by-step instruction complete with illustrations, and common mistakes to help provide a well-rounded approach to learning the fascinating style of monkey kung fu. A must-have for the serious Choy Li Fut practitioner, Monkey Movement is also an essential reference guide for martial arts tricking and other kung fu athletes looking to improve their athleticism through movement training.

Most Westerners are familiar with Taiji Quan (often spelled T'ai Chi Ch'uan), the graceful, dancelike exercise movements practiced by the Chinese to promote health and longevity. However, many do not realize that Taiji is also a martial art, and that it includes practice with weapons, including the ancient sword called jian. As with Taiji Quan, the practice ofTaiji Jian is based on Chinese yin-yang, five-elements, and Daoist philosophical concepts, and combines meditation, martial, and healing arts. The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship is the first complete English-language introduction to Taiji Jian. It describes the history of jian swordsmanship, its fundamental principles, and its essential form of thirty-two postures, including a thorough discussion of both internal and external components. Written by a master who has practiced the sword form for twenty-five years, it will allow interested Westerners to study and practice this rewarding path to physical and mental well-being.

Aikido & Chinese Martial Arts V1 is a Japan Publications publication.