Simplified Chinese Characters Page Eight
Simplified |
Traditional Chinese |
Lion Books |
NOTE: Please be aware that we only have one or two copies of some of these. Many aren't even in print any more. Even if it is listed here it may already be out of stock (we'll try to keep it updated but they may go fast). |
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It is well known, by this point, that the Japanese sword was modeled on the Chinese Miao Dao. It is also known that Japanese martial artists and pirates became so adept at it use that they caused a whirlwind of troubles for Chinese military who had forgotten its technique, definitely a case of being bitten by your own dog. This form, though defnitely not for beginners, is played by a champion, Wang ZhiHai, who won his division in tradition forms. If you look closely beside the huge whirling and spinning movements there are multiple edge and grip changes, and some use of hand-on-blade work. Another expressive and interesting set with this weapon returning to popularity.
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The sword is said to take the most time to master in Kung Fu. Then of course there is the Paired or Double Sword. Add to that the very difficult to control long tassles and you have a formula for trouble. This 26 movement set gives a good introduction to the basics and requirements of this weapon. Double straight sword is often associated with women performers, because female practitioners generally demonstrate a greater control of symmetrical movement. In the case of the Long Tasseled Swords this idea of symmetry is expanded to include not only the two swords but the front and back of each sword which manifests in the control of the tassels. This weapon becomes the ultimate in graceful, controlled and fluid actions.
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Drunken Sword -
SC250 If you are interested in learing a drunken sword you could certainly do worse than this routne created by champion player Sun RongYi. This is a good representative because the basic structure of a decent sword set is in tact without having abandonned the basics. My advice for learning is to take it in three stages. Memorize the set without the rolls and ground work (these are, cleverly, always modular anyway so they can be removed without significantly altering the form). Then add the drunken "flavor." Then replace the ground work if wanted.
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Shi style Bagua Linked Legs & Guiding Fist -
SC830 Shi Ji Dong was the son in law of Dong Hai Chuan who taught him, as he indeed taught all his students, a customized format with special emphasis on the legs. This traditional practice from Li has passed down to Shi Nai Jian and Wang Cheng Shan. This book contains two rarely seen Bagua Fists: the Linked Leg set and the Guiding Fist. The Guiding Fist is composed of 64 movements. The Linked Legs, divided into eight sections, is composed of 118 movements not all of them kicks. A few styles, mostly derived from the Yin Fu branch, have Bagua leg sets. This is one of the longest. The book ends with a one page lineage chart. |
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Dragon Form Boxing -
SC825
Here is a text by a man who is becoming a major voice in the promulgation of tradition martial arts. Most of this drive seems to come from enthusiasm. Here he shows a nice form and practice comprised of traditional movements of the DRAGON. Wu claims the form passed from Zi ZI Xian to Song Shi Rong. The movements are expressive and fluent and those of the dragons should be.
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Tai Chi Ruler -
SC807 Yang Sheng Taiji Bang. Health Promoting Taiji Ruler. This book is devoted entirely to the Taiji Ruler. The exercises are shown that take you through all the most basic motions of the art. The regiment progresses logically from easier to more difficult with more body rotation and coordination required. Some of the actions are one handed and almost use the Ruler like a sword-substitute. Very clear photography. The Ruler is a relatively new technique (as far as the public is concerned) but there are already many versions. These are straight forward yet progressive. Though completely in Chinese the VCD accompanying this book is quite good. You won't have seen the Ruler done with more precision than this often. The exercises are varied with some requiring a good deal of skill. A good production overall. Click HERE for same book in Traditional Characters |
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