Registered User
I was wondering what everyone would recommend if you could choose one book on kung fu. I'm more interested in shao-lin in particular, but am trying to find any book that gives a good overview of training and conditioning exercises, forms, history, philosophy, and applications of the art. Any recommendations?
Itinerant practitioner
there's so many. To ask which is best is like asking which style is best. lol.
Kung Fu is good for you.
Registered User
The Shaolin Encyclopedia.
Those that are the most sucessful are also the biggest failures. The difference between them and the rest of the failures is they keep getting up over and over again, until they finally succeed.
For the Women:
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=
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Loud City
Secrets from the Temple by Sin Kwang The'
He most honors my style who learns under it to destroy the teacher. -- Walt Whitman
Originally Posted by David Jamieson
GM of Hadaka Korosu
The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text: History, Philosophy, and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an
by Order of Shaolin Ch'an
Psalms 144:1
Praise be my Lord my Rock,
He trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle !
Registered User
Greetings,
No joking:
Taikiken by Kenichi Sawaii. There is a site that has the entire book on it. check it out before you spend money.
mickey
Registered User
I would definitely go for either "a sword polishers record" or "Lone sword against the cold cold sky" by Adam Hsu. Would have spared me a lot of time if I had read these books earlier…
Registered User
Northern Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu- Dr. Yang Jwing Ming
"Siezing oppurtunities causes them to multiply" Sun Tze
Glorified TCMAist
Bruce Tegner's Book of Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi
"My Gung-Fu may not be Your Gung-Fu.
Gwok-Si, Gwok-Faht"
"I will not be part of the generation
that killed Kung-Fu."
....step.
Registered User
Anything by Dr. Yang Jwing Ming is pretty much top notch.
Glorified TCMAist
agreed. Dr. Yang's books are more like college texts, rather than simple,"How to" books. His Northern Shaolin Long Fist has history, theory,several forms and applications. Definately a must have.
"My Gung-Fu may not be Your Gung-Fu.
Gwok-Si, Gwok-Faht"
"I will not be part of the generation
that killed Kung-Fu."
....step.
GM of Hadaka Korosu
Adam Hsu's stuff is also quite good.
Psalms 144:1
Praise be my Lord my Rock,
He trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle !
Jackie (not Chan)
This is mandatory for our beginners:
Kungfu Basics by Paul Eng
187 PP with 300+ photos/illustrations; softcover; $18, includes shipping in continental US
From basic kicks to training and tournament- everything you need to get started in kungfu.
Learn about:
The origins of kungfu - philosophy, history and different styles
What really happens in a kungfu class - invaluable tips on choosing the right school, getting ready for your first class,and basic training methods
The essential elements of the style - stances, footwork, kicks, and hand techniques, with tips on common mistakes and how to get the most power out of each move.
Drills and conditioning exercises - to complement your training
Effective ways to improve your technique - based on the traditional teaching advice of Chinese masters
Resources that can help you further develop your knowledge and understanding of kungfu
"The true meaning of a given movement in a form is not its application, but rather the unlimited potential of the mind to provide muscular and skeletal support for that movement." Gregory Fong
Registered User
Yes Kung Fu basics by Paul Eng.
i got a couple for some new starters at the club and it helpped them big time.
regards holymantis
Registered User
Best book is in a Sifu's teachings not written on paper. I agree Encyclopedia of Shaolin Martial Arts is a good read, however you must read Chinese. Pictures and diagrams are good but not all complete, there are things in the writings that the illustrations don't show. Again a good teacher is the best book, as long as they are legitimate
The most decisive actions in our life...are most often unconsidered actions
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