Though it is completely uneven, Kung Fu is often divided into two sections: Long Fist and Short Fist. In actuality Short Fist, authentic Kung Fu is all ways, only represents about 10% of the whole field. Long Fist, on the other hand, is a huge division. It is said to be based on five styles: Hong (Shaolin), Pao, Hua, Cha and Hua (Glorious). Yet there are many more including Mi Zong, Mei Hua, PiQua, Lan Shou, Fan Zi, Tong Bei, and many more. Here are some respresentative styles from this big family.
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on pictures to see bigger versions
NEW! KZ005 Zhang Wenguag's Chaquan and Tan Tui Spring Kick Drills
by Zhang Wenguang, translated, and with additional material by Andrea Falk
363 Pages, softbound, English language
Well-Illustrated with hundreds of original drawings $32.95
Andrea Falk always meant to translate into English two famous books from her teacher, Zhang Wenguang: the first on the famous Cha Style, one of the great styles to emerge from northern China; the other on the fundamental 10 Road Tan Tui Spring Kick Drills. The 10 Roads of Chaquan, plus the Foundational Tan Tui, are gifts to Kung Fu practitioners around the world from the Muslim styles of Chinese Martial Arts.
This, happily, is that book. She has added her own prefaces and, as is typical of Falk's special attention to language detail, a comprehensive glossary of techniques as appendix.
Similar to other Long Arm styles such as Hong and Shaolin, Cha is so elegant it has been adopted as one backbone for Contemporary Wushu, although its traditional forms remain. Some say it is Shaolin plus a few inches derived from its extended bow stances. Cha routines range from 30 to 60 movements each.
This book includes all of the original illustrations for all 10 sets of the Cha system, including Tan Tui. There is a section for Basics and Applications, and an incisive editor's preface where Falk fills in some of the history, qualities and details of the Cha System.
Highly recommended.
KM023 Meihuaquan: The Link Between Man and Heaven
by Enrico Storti, Luca Bizzi, and Giuliano Furlini
250 Pages, softbound, English language
Well-Illustrated with photographs and illustrations $34.95
The style of Meihuaquan, or Plum Blossom Boxing, exists in traditional Chinese Kung Fu as myth as well as in actual practice. Part of the reason for this is the depth of its philosophy and principles. Certainly, more people have heard of it than actually perform it.
Previously, two books dominated this field; one was a small Chinese-language volume showing illustrations of players performing on short poles. There was not much more. (It is common when one mentions MeiHuaQuan to have the other person respond “Oh, the one with guys standing on poles.”) The other one, Five GangZhi Mei Hua Style Kung Fu (see below) concentrated almost exclusively on the poles.
But now, Look! This new book, Meihuaquan: The Link Between Man and Heaven (The Martial Way of the Plum Blossom) is the first comprehensive book in English which covers poles and routines, but also delves into some of the lesser known aspects of this interesting style. This much thorough presentation visits topic after topic, even with reference to the Plum itself as well as
I Ching;
Lineage and historical background;
The triad of heaven, earth and mankind;
The 5 Elements;
The 4 Doors, and
The 8 Directions.
It also admirably deals with the more arcane aspects of Meihuaquan, such as
The Sacred Dances,
7 Star,
9 Palaces,
64 Mounds, and
The Big Dipper.
There are many esoteric ‘tastes’ and structures within this art. In Beijing, for instance, the 5 Shapes include these postures:
Big
Flowing
Twisted
Small
Defeat
The book is clearly a work of great devotion by its three authors: well-photographed and -illustrated, this text will surely enlighten those who do not practice Plum Blossom style, but for those who do, it will also deepen their knowledge and the core of Kung Fu from the inside out.
Highly recommended.
See Table of Contents to get the whole picture!
NEW! KL018 Life is too Short for Bad Kung Fu
by Adam Hsu
332 Pages, softbound, English language
Illustrated with photographs, including Sifu Hsu demonstrating Goose Feather Saber
Regular price: $38.95, Plum Price $34.95
Over its 5000 year history, Kung Fu as an art has met adversity.
For instance, 250 years ago it exited the battlefield due to the introduction of “hot” weapons, and in doing so, it retreated from its core purpose. Its shift into civilian life meant that historically brilliant strategies scaled for war morphed into self-defense techniques for individuals; the renowned stamina of soldiers, which required daily regimens for strength training, transformed into individual concerns of health and longevity. Its examination became the work of scholars instead of generals.
Even so, Kung Fu thrived, experiencing intermittent periods of sophisticated growth and attention. Teachers taught—great, and otherwise; students trained—both frivolously and seriously; styles developed; Kung Fu’s myths and legends expanded. Expertise travelled outside of China—mostly through the hands of laborers and cooks who scattered to every country—but also to those foreigners who visited and took up with teachers practicing in their own dusty courtyards. People without previous experience picked up weapons—once battlefield tested, now used for training and entertainment—to carry Kung Fu forward. Information was both shared and withheld. Knowledge was gained, and also lost.
Today, Kung Fu suffers another existential challenge—this one potentially fatal. The combination of new wealth and advanced technology threatens to supplant the traditional power that comes from touching hands. Simply said, as daily existence grows easier, the ability to focus and sustain authentic practice becomes harder.
In this book, world-renowned martial arts teacher and writer Adam Hsu, proclaims his expert reckonings on the state of Kung Fu. For over six decades, he has acted as one of Kung Fu’s greatest proponents and contributors, as well as one of its greatest critics. In “Life Is Too Short For Bad Kung Fu”—his first English text in more than 10 years—Hsu Sifu employs aphorisms, boldly and honestly evaluating Wushu's perilous path toward its questionable future. He focuses on current-day training, teaching and practice, offering harsh criticism as well as genuine solutions. He never swerves from the foundational, millennial idea of basics as Kung Fu’s true power. He is not shy about reiterating their importance, nor about the ways they are disappearing from the traditional curriculum. Like a doctor watching a patient slip away, he is neither calm nor sentimental in his many attempts to keep Kung Fu alive.
There are those whose excitement will lead them to sit down and read this book cover to cover. To our mind, it is better appreciated in small and measured draughts—there is so much to consider—both inspirations and warnings—and the aphorism format is perfect for separating each idea into thoughtful portions.
KCS007 Yue Family SanShou 18 Forms
By Jin Chengmao, Zhong Haiming, Hong Zhitian, Zhang Dawei
Translated by Joseph Crandall $25.00, 73 pages, softbound, oversized.
Black & White photos
Here is a new translation by Joseph Crandall, a major contributor among our Chinese-to-English selection. As always, Crandall has picked a particularly worthy classic to make available: this is certainly the only book on Yue Family Kung Fu in English.
Yue Fist is a great example of a style that has evolved organically: basics, loops, marches. But because one cannot stop evolution, each has continued to develop, so even the basics carry a sophistication not common in other styles. Yue Family San Shou is connected at its roots with ancient fighting technique; this is one of the reasons it displays a certain roughness in its diverse attacks and defenses.
Before going on, one note: in the case of Yue Fist, the word “form” simply refers to 5-8 move links which, when strung together, become the precursor of routines, roads, or Tao Lu. The Yue style itself was derived from a sub-system utilizing Long Arm boxing. A typical example found in this book might be the following:
The sequence begins with a movement based on “fire,” named Open the Flower.
Once the action is performed on one side it can be imported to the other side.
At this point the two sides—right and left—can be repeated as a “march” alternating the two sides, lead changing with every step.
The next step shows the fighting application, walking through the technique, catching the fine details.
Finally, key points–for single practice or partner work—are pointed out to enhance the player’s practice.
Every country in the world knows and understands the basics of striking, grappling and defending. But certain ancient families, such as the traditional styles of Yue, Chuo Jiao and FanziQuan, have particularly benefitted from the recording and classifying of these basics—an almost anthropological approach. Seen in this manner, the Yue movements are a living workbook from a seminal style.
KM021 Mizong Jia (book & DVD)
Shaolin Mizong Kung Fu Style
By Grandmaster Lu Junhai
Translated by Dr. Chris Hsu $37.95, 86 pages, softbound, oversized. DVD 53+ minutes
Color photos, English written breakdowns
Here is a one of a kind publication of the rare Mizong Lost Track style. This is one of the few books on Mizong published in the English language. It is handsome with a black cover, oversized pages and a clear, well-done text. The routine is demonstrated using large, color photos and a fire bright background, with accompanying instructional text. The historical and personal introductions are good—I would have liked to hear more about the elusive Mizong style, but that may come with further volumes—and there is an entire section on the principles of the style. On the accompanying DVD (almost an hour long) Lu Sifu breaks down and teaches the entire Jia style. Something unusual and welcome these days, the DVD spends over 30 minutes on applications matching the movements of the form.
“Mizong Jia ia a boxing routine that is representative of the Yanqing Mizong Quan system. It includes techniques from Shaolin, Xing Yi, Ba Gua, and Taiji and combines both internal and external schools of Chinese Martial arts.
Lu Junhai is not alone in his esteem of Mizong Quan. The famous writer and modernist Jiang Rong Qiao felt that Mizong was a superior style, suggesting that it be included among those other styles called “internal.”
This new book/DVD package does not only teach a simple Mizong routine, it offers instruction on the very important jia or “structure” set, a slow, controlled form that runs the gamut of the major stances in a given style. Jia forms actively introduce beginners to the flavor of a style right at the first.
Mizong Quan, also known as Lost Track Fist, comes from Cang County, which many call the “birthplace of Kung Fu.” This rather poor section of China was forced to provide for itself by supplying bodyguards. Lost Track, Baji, Pigua and other style all have some roots in Cang county. Lu Jun Hai’s father—Lu ZhenDuo (1903-1981), a student of Yang KunShan in Cang County—was a deeply trained expert not only of Mizong but also the famous QingPing straight sword.
As befits a style known as Lost Track, the history of Mizong is difficult to follow. Even the style name has meandered through many titles. But certain characteristics remain the same, even in different branches of the style. The movements are fluid and particularly graceful. The changes of direction inherent in the style are baffling, yet not forced. Mizong not only teaches many hand forms and weapons; it is a style with a full harvest of self-defense and fighting applications.
KE018 Essence of Lien Bu Chuan
Continuous Steps Form Regular price $29.95, Plum price $27.95 English, 143 pages, drawings
At last, a book on the Continuous Stepping Fist.
This first form of the Northern Shaolin system is also called “The Dragon Fist.” The more common name is Lien Bu Chuan (or Lien Bu Quan in pinyin) which means Linked or Continuous (Lien) Stepping (Bu) Boxing or Fist (Chuan).
This form has enjoyed a large recognition among Chinese martial artists. It lives up to its name by very clearly coordinating steps with hand actions. Though the kicking is minimal, the stepping and stance work is strongly emphasized.
In this book, all illustrations are done with a loose, sketchy rendering that shows lots of repeats at the top of the page. The names of all movements are given with variations on the basic form. There is also a very clever system of notation, direction and description that may deepen the technique of learning the form.
Lien Bu is a good “walking form,” much like another famous basics form, 24 Beats. It is one of the easiest ways to get the foundational learning so important to the acquisition of the style. This presentation has a ton of detailed information which initially, for beginners, might be a little too much. The best way to approach it would be to learn the basic footwork directions along with the simplest hand movements. Then go back and absorb the detailed notes.
I was taught at least two versions of the Lien Bu—one from Northern Shaolin (very close to the book version,) and one from Tai Mantis. Though there were variations, the structure of Lien Bu pretty much remains intact whatever the version.
Probably the only criticism I have ever heard or entertained about this form—having taught LBQ for over twenty-five years—is that, being a basics form, there few movements—such as a single punch, a simple snap kick or a solitary block—that are what you would call basics. I believe this comes from the attempt to coordinate different hands and legs on every step. The real and important “basic” thing about Lien Bu Quan is the marriage of stepping and striking with timing. That is why it has become the fundamental set for the Northern Shaolin system.
(Book & DVD): Book/DVD#22022 Tong Bei Quan
36 Essential Moves
Written, demonstrated and performed by Jack Yan,
64 page booklet,
good photos, clear instruction; Comes with a 60+ minute DVD $29.95
With instructions in English and a good breakdown of this well-constructed beginner's form, we have to call this DVD the first thorough English presentation of Tong Bei Boxing. Well-written and clear (Jack Yan having a Master's Degree in English and 22 years of English language instructional experience) this DVD gives a solid presentation not only of a Tong Bei form but also basic drills and the all-important Tong Bei warm ups (you will never feel your shoulders more relaxed).
In addition, this DVD comes with a 64 page detailed text. Instructor Yan shows the key movements of Five Element Tong Bei, relatively rare outside China, which in this case have the characteristics of Throw, Thread, Arm, Slap and Drill.Offsetting the very circular moves similar to PiGua—which it may have absorbed— Tong Bei also specializes in fast, straight and snappy piercing strikes.
See Jack Yan's OTHER instructional book and DVD packages on the Whip Stick and the Wudang Eight Immortals Sword. Order all three for a 10% discount (taken in cart).
More from blog:
Jack Yan, martial artist, teacher and musician, is a disciple of the world-famous Chen Zheng Lei and also an obvious expert in TBQ, demonstrates a key 36 move form derived from the classical art. Tong Bei has the distinction of being the “back up style” of many practitioners with front styles like Tai Chi or Bagua. Master teachers like Wang Pei Sheng (Wu style Tai Chi), Luo Jin Hua (Jiang style Bagua Zhang) and many other famous instructors share a background in TBQ. A secret style for a number of centuries, Tong Bei encourages loose arms, whipping and snapping strikes, and soft but explosive power.
KP030 PaChi TangLang Chuan
by Su Yu Chang Retail $36.95,PLUM price $25.95, 300+ pages,
One of the fun things about this job is that I get to "open the candy box" on books and DVDs I know are public for the first time. Of all the books we have been waiting for BaJi (PaChi) material is definitely in the top rung especially of people asking about whatever information they could get their hands on. Sometimes the first efforts are a little on the weak side, but here we have Su Yu Chang who has been practicing this fabulous art for most of his life. Not only that but his amalgamation of systems also cover PiGua and Praying Mantis styles, also his specialties.
In addition, there are stories, essays, and background pieces on the instructors he had had and the heritage they transported into the last century. Some are fascinating such as the information given on Li Shu Wen, definitely not a nice man. Grandmaster Liu Yun Chiao is remembered along with Su's top teachers and disciples.
The technical portions of the book show training sequences, marching practice, usage and more on all three systems that make up what is known as PaChi TangLang style. As a Chinese medical doctor and Qigong expert, he fleshes many of the practices out with his philosophy of energy and Chinese philosophical tenets. This is not like the repeated standards of most martial books. Su's view of what is happening in energetics is peppered with his own theories and speculations, some of them challenging some intriguing.
I won't even try to "sell" Baji to you. If you have never heard of it, just wait, you will. Through a trick of fate I was probably one of the first people to learn Baji in the Western Hemisphere. I literally did not know what I had but kept practicing it for a decade or so. Then I saw it performed by Liu Yun Chiao's students and was absolutely captivated by the signature blend of raw power, elegant movement and powerful spirit. Baji looks mystifyingly simple, for about ten seconds, then you begin to feel the quivering of the stage and the vibrations rising from the floor. Even the Qian Long Emperor considered this the most powerful art in his realm.
There's so much here I hardly have space to talk about PiKua, a great style in its own right. Then there is Su Yu Chang's involvement with Praying Mantis. This book explains entire styles that even mantis practitioners have hardly ever heard of. I was at a class with Su years ago and he said one of the great descriptions of the mantis, "It is so unusual that if you have to kill someone they will thanks you and say it was worth it to see this technique." How's that for intriguing?
Si Ba Chui,Book and VCD SC251 $16.95, 45 pages plus VCD, Simplified Chinese/English
Si Ba Chui comes from Hong Quan. It emphasizes attacking with neat, swift and nimble palms. The book does show some Hong basics with some uncommon postures. If you want to see what long fist boxing should look like, here's an example. Yet another impressive performance from a Hong Quan practitioner, Dang Jiang Zhan, a Gold Medal winner in Chinese Traditional Martial Arts. This is a set that will require some skill. In classic long fist style, it demonstrates a mastery of opposites: beautiful, long line attacks mixed with off-angle almost awkward-seeming poses; loose whipping arm swings and sudden solid straight strikes; clear military timing with difficult syncopated actions. Hong Quan is loose and powerful. It is a true Northern style mixing sophisticated technique with a folksy sense of beauty.
PiGua Boxing- SC535
by Wang Hua Feng $18.95 Simplified Chinese Characters;
75 pages, English/Chinese text, illustrations and accompanying VCD showing exercises also with minimal English/Chinese narration.
A solid and easily understood performance by a national champion. This longish PiGu set has all the salient characteristics of the style include wide slapping and huge whipping movements with the arms, turning kicks, some surprise poking strikes, major body twists and a good deal of elevation changes. Make sure you have warmed up your shoulders, Pigua can be right brutal is you do not keep everything loose but monitored. Take it from my own experience having overdone some Pigu actions to the point where I still feel the effects over a decade later. A truly beautiful form and, as many people known, has been paired with the very different but complimentary style: Baji Quan. specific app. They also have worked on our stand-alone DVD player.
Cha Quan Road #4- SC 240
by Yang Qi Cha $18.95 Simplified Chinese Characters;
72 pages, English/Chinese text, illustrations and accompanying VCD showing exercises also with minimal English/Chinese narration.
Cha Quan (also written Zha) is a beautiful style developed by Chinese Muslims. Its movements are long and graceful, but its attitude is fierce and practical. It has a large number of hand sets and weapons forms. There are said to be ten core sets to Cha which not every branch represents completely, but all of them agree that Cha Road #4 is highly representative of the style, relatively short and has good basics. It is widely dispersed in Hebei, Beijing, Henan, Shanxi, and others. It is said to be created by one Cha Shangyi, Hua Zongji and Wu DianZhang; all muslims. This presentation is long, limber and very clear.
Note: We have been successful in playing these VCDs using a few different programs—such as VLC and Quicktime—but no one specific app. They also have worked on our stand-alone DVD player.
KT056 Tan Tui: Gateway to Kung Fu
by Jason Tsou and Arthur Schonfeld $49.95, 200+ pages, DVD included
This package, book and DVD, on the subject matter of the famous Tan Tui Ten Road Spring Leg Form is subtitled “Gateway to Kung Fu.” This is meant to catch your attention. Throughout Kung Fu history no other form has single-handedly supported this claim to a greater degree than Tan Tui. In the world of Long Fist, Tan Tui has proved an excellent training form. It’s funny, the form is awkward to learn, relatively uninteresting to watch and not tremendously combat oriented; yet it proves itself invaluable. The reason for this is found in this text.
Not only is the information about Tan Tui interesting, the accompanying pages do what do few other martial instructional books do: they give a thorough rendition of many important principles guiding authentic Chinese martial practice. Understand, the information here is not only the combined knowledge and presentation by Tsou and Schonfeld, but includes observations by Adam Hsu, Tsou’s teacher, and Liu Yun Chiao, his grand teacher. In fact, the only problem in the book is that the information in the introduction is so rich and comes at you so fast it should be broken up into smaller sub-headings. Otherwise you might very well skip important concepts and not even notice them.
This package contains:
spiral-bound instructional booklet
DVD demonstrating the form, exercises, breathing and more
different methods to practice the same form,
combat applications that are not necessarily visible at first glance
general theories about Long Fist
qi and jin training
variations on the form
We at Plum have found that, over all, this mix—bulk of information on the written page and the DVD acting as the repeatable reference— is just about perfect.
A final word: The truth is that there is a lot of hazy instruction in the CMA field. A book like this is refreshing and of importance because it clearly elucidates broader Kung Fu principles. than just an instruction book. Many Sifus are concerned about the decreasing level of understanding in the art and what we need the most right now are clearly stated goals and concepts.
The Tan Tui is a very clear form that was created with these major ideas in mind. This approach to Long Fist training also has the benefit of saving you hours, weeks and months of aimless practice when you should be building a firm foundation for your Kung Fu career.
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#KG001 The Great Sage Monkey Kung Fu System
Edited by James I. Wong
Chinese (traditional) /English
64 pages,
This little book is probably the first thing in English every written on Ta Sheng Pi Gua Men or the Great Sage Split and Deflect Fighting. Even though it says "volume one" we don't recall any others forthcoming. Ta Sheng developed out of that great style Pi Gua. The text contains two form, the Plum Blossom Fist and the MiZong or Lost Track Fist. While the photos are not great by modern printing standards the demonstration of the set by a very limber Mr. Roland Shipman. There is also a front piece on the style by the rather scholarly James Wong. Summation? This is the most authentic representation of traditional Monkey Boxing among our English language books. Historical side note: This book is from Koinonia in Stockton, California one of the first independent martial arts publishers in the U.S. and headed by the dedicated practitioner Leo Fong. An early inspiration for publishers like yours truly.
K#001 10
Routine Spring Leg
Shih Lu Tan Tui
Ma Zhen Bang
147 pages,
In case you haven't noticed, we like the Tan Tui (Spring Leg)
form. It is so traditional and authentic and sometimes grueling
that even in China it's starting to disappear. But there are
a lot of reasons to retain this respected form. First it's honest.
There's an old saying, "If your Tan Tui is good then your
Kung Fu is good". It's not for nothing that it was selected
as the cornerstone of the Ching Wu organization. Tan Tui is
pretty hard to fake. Not only is it the foundation set for Cha
Chuan (or Jiao Men as Muslim style can be called) but it is
universally recognized as the one set that almost any Long Fist
style can use as a foundational exercise. It opens the body,
stretches the meridians and teaches proper posture.
Of
all our Tan Tui books this one probably has the best form. The
stances are deep, the moves a little over-stretched but the
form is strong and definite. Really quite impressive lines in
the practitioner pictured. As an added bonus, all in English
and Chinese, en face.
#KC003 Chang Quan Long Arm Boxing
compiled by Victor Wu
English, 163 pages, softbound
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This is a very inexpensive and clearly
illustrated version of the basic compulsory routines of
Long Fist accepted by the People's Republic. The English
is clear and the illustrations are heavy, strong and very
direct. This shows three entire forms with progressive difficulty.
This was one of the first books to lucidly explain these
compulsories and , with changes in time and attitude, might
be heading toward collectibility.
#KF002 Five GangZhi Mei Hua Style Kung Fu (Plum Blossom Fist)
Wang Zhi-Zhong
209 pages, softbound
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Printed in Hong Kong this neat little book is EN FACE, that
is, both Chinese and English versions are represented. Not
only a nice set with clear illustrations but a good book
for those wanting to improve their martial translation skills.
"Ganzhi Meihuazhuang (Plum Blossom Pile Boxing) is
one of China's ancient boxing schools. It had its own unique
style and attack-defence art. According to senior wushu
masters, previously Meihuazhuang was practiced on stumps.
In line with routines, several hundred stumps, each for
one step, were planted on a rectangular ground. Stumps were
heightened as practitioners improved their skills."
Volume #1 240 pages,
#KY004/ KY005 Lost Track Kung Fu- YanQing or Mi
Zong
by
Chen Feng-Qi & Chen You-Liang About this style.
Here
is a series of books on LOST TRACK Kung Fu also variously known
as Mi Zong and Yan Qing. Each book contains three forms. Volume One
has
•Mi
Zong Quan
The Long Fist set here uses angled and wide swing actions more than
linear moves
•Mian Zhang Quan
This Long soft boxing uses "hooking legs" as its foundation
•Zhai Kou Zi (Partner set)
"Undoing the Button" is also called NaFaTao (holding way).
There are a lot of Chin Nah moves with special focus on catching
and breaking away
Volume
#2
324 pages,
Volume
2 contains
•Yan
Qing Jia Zi
Also called "Mother Boxing" this is a member of the NeiGong
(Internal work) branch
•Lian Shou Quan
Hand and arm motions are linked together to develop skillful angular
attacks
•Tao Huan San (Partner set)
This "chain of rings" is a more advanced two-person set
In
addition each book starts with good introductory information on
the history and origin of this famous system. Mi Zong was developed in Cang
County, the birthplace of such great arts as BaJi. It should be
honored and known as much as the Shaolin Temple for its contributions
to the world of martial arts. Suffice to say YanQing is a huge system
(over 100 sets) with much information in it. It has "married"
into many other clans and stills commands respect in the martial
world after centuries of existence. We consider the over all form
here pretty good - maybe slightly "contemporary" - but
strong and very clear. His teacher also demonstrates and participates
in the well-constructed two person forms.
Contrary
to what many see as one of the "animal styles" the
idea to Eagle Claw is not so much to imitate the actions of
the Eagle as the "strategy" and "spriit".
This is a small but very good book on the traditional style
by two qualified practitioners.
WuHuaBao
is a Leopard form of the Eagle Claw system. Eagle Claw, being
a combination of an older Eagle Claw with FanTzu (Tumbling Boxing)
puts great store on agility. The Leopard is a smaller but more
agile and "vicious" creature than its feline cousin,
the Tiger. WuHuaBao is not a beginner's form. It has spinning
kicks and tumbling actions. Though
not as flashy as WuHuaBao the next set QianLiuShi is a major
Eagle Claw set emphasizing the type of forward actions of an
eagle skimming through the air looking for prey. According to
the authors this is one of the major sets of the Eagle Claw
FanTzu style.Excellent
photographs, good translation, en face (Chinese/English) text,
and a skilled performer make this a very good volume for interest
in the subject.
Eight Step Consecutive Routine: This is a foundational form for the Eagle Claw sysem. It focuses on eight sets of double actions including punches, palm strikes, throat claws, elbows strikes and lifting punches. Though not long, it is a key set with well organized actions and practical attack and defense training.
Shaolin Punching is also a fundamental set in the Ying Jiao Fan Zi style. The eagle claw technique is emphasized here and the set is strong and hard. Firm stances aid with straight forward and simple though practical actions. Some of the wider variety of strikes introduced will add the following: pressing, spring punching, lifting punches, rolling raise punches and more. . .
White Ape Tong Bei Boxing- SC 246
by Li ShaoLiang $16.95 Simplified Chinese Characters;
66 pages, English/Chinese text, illustrations and accompanying VCD showing exercises also with minimal English/Chinese narration.
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TongBei is a famous school of martial arts which takes the monkey as its spirit. Its technique is violent and fierce. It emphasizes flexibility of the shoulders and back hence the name “Tong Bei” which means “Through the Back.” Its movements, besides exhibiting high level boxing skill have positive effects on the health. Though probably an ancient art the first record of this style was by Huang ZongXi in the Ming Dynasty. The Chi family version of the style was developed during the Qing Dynasty. A fast style Tong Bei moves are light, soft but powerful. The breakdown of the VCD clearly shows the flavor and fundamental movements of the style.
Note: We have been successful in playing these VCDs using a few different programs—such as VLC and Quicktime—but no one specific app. They also have worked on our stand-alone DVD player.
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#KP019 Pi Gua Quan Yi Lu
Lam Wing Kit & Ying Fun Fong
31 pages, softbound, pamphlet,
Printed in Hong Kong this set of pamphlets are inexpensively but beautifully done. The photographs are small, about nine per page, but exceptionally clear. Each book begins with a one-paragraph introduction to the form. Each neat little book is EN FACE, that
is, both Chinese and English versions are represented.
For this edition: The Split Deflect style shows its first form, Road #1. But rather than just basic this form has the essence of PiGua style in it. Most of the movements are Long Arm with wide swinging actions and PiGua’s distinctive “empty sleeve” approach. There are also some movements from shuai jiao not to mention some fast hand changes and off angle attacks.
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#KM012 Mai Fu QuanKung Fu
Lam Wing Kit & Ying Fun Fong
26 pages, softbound, pamphlet,
Printed in Hong Kong this set of pamphlets are inexpensively but beautifully done. The photographs are small, about nine per page, but exceptionally clear. Each book begins with a one-paragraph introduction to the form. Each neat little book is EN FACE, that
is, both Chinese and English versions are represented.
For this title: Mi Zong Luo Han is the source of this form. Mai Fu means Ambush and the idea of confusing the enemy is emphasized in the technique. It’s a relatively short form with a lot of techniques stuffed into its four roads. There is a strong emphasis on twisting body movement and, characteristically, numerous postures where one hand is hidden while the other is in plain sight.
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#KP017 Pao Quan Kung Fu
Lam Wing Kit & Ying Fun Fong
26 pages, softbound, pamphlet,
Printed in Hong Kong this set of pamphlets are inexpensively but beautifully done. The photographs are small, about nine per page, but exceptionally clear. Each book begins with a one-paragraph introduction to the form. Each neat little book is EN FACE, that
is, both Chinese and English versions are represented.
For this title: Pao Quan comes from the ChinWoo Shaolin, elementary level. Pao Quan, also known as Fa Pao Quan, was created by Fu Zhen Song. It is a combination of Shaolin techniques with those form Bagua. The name suggests a leopard like explosiveness, with swift and agile movements. It’s strategies freely involve upper, middle and lower sections of the body.
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#KC050 Cha Chui Kung Fu
Lam Wing Kit & Ying Fun Fong
26 pages, softbound, pamphlet,
Printed in Hong Kong this set of pamphlets are inexpensively but beautifully done. The photographs are small, about nine per page, but exceptionally clear. Each book begins with a one-paragraph introduction to the form. Each neat little book is EN FACE, that
is, both Chinese and English versions are represented.
For this title: Cha Chui comes from Mi Zong or Lost Track style. Also known as Zha Chui, it is a representative routine of the style. Its movements are elegant, practical and nicely organized. The actions are powerful and fast. Bodywork and footwork are strongly emphasized.
Even so, Kung Fu thrived, experiencing intermittent periods of sophisticated growth and attention. Teachers taught—great, and otherwise; students trained—both frivolously and seriously; styles developed; Kung Fu’s myths and legends expanded. Expertise travelled outside of China—mostly through the hands of laborers and cooks who scattered to every country—but also to those foreigners who visited and took up with teachers practicing in their own dusty courtyards. People without previous experience picked up weapons—once battlefield tested, now used for training and entertainment—to carry Kung Fu forward. Information was both shared and withheld. Knowledge was gained, and also lost. 
Today, Kung Fu suffers another existential challenge—this one potentially fatal. The combination of new wealth and advanced technology threatens to supplant the traditional power that comes from touching hands. Simply said, as daily existence grows easier, the ability to focus and sustain authentic practice becomes harder. 
text in more than 10 years—Hsu Sifu employs aphorisms, boldly and honestly evaluating Wushu's perilous path toward its questionable future. He focuses on current-day training, teaching and practice, offering harsh criticism as well as genuine solutions. He never swerves from the foundational, millennial idea of basics as Kung Fu’s true power. He is not shy about reiterating their importance, nor about the ways they are disappearing from the traditional curriculum. Like a doctor watching a patient slip away, he is neither calm nor sentimental in his many attempts to keep Kung Fu alive.
KCS007 Yue Family SanShou 18 Forms
KM021
KE018 
KP030 
KT056 
In case you haven't noticed, we like the Tan Tui (Spring Leg)
form. It is so traditional and authentic and sometimes grueling
that even in China it's starting to disappear. But there are
a lot of reasons to retain this respected form. First it's honest.
There's an old saying, "If your Tan Tui is good then your
Kung Fu is good". It's not for nothing that it was selected
as the cornerstone of the Ching Wu organization. Tan Tui is
pretty hard to fake. Not only is it the foundation set for Cha
Chuan (or Jiao Men as Muslim style can be called) but it is
universally recognized as the one set that almost any Long Fist
style can use as a foundational exercise. It opens the body,
stretches the meridians and teaches proper posture. 
#KF002 
