Tiger Boxing is a favorite with many Kung Fu players. If you have ever tried any "animal fist" you already know why. Here is a range of Tiger Boxing books. The first three are from the very popular and influential Fu Jow Pai system.Then there is a Northern form and finally Tiger Boxing of the Beggar style. Read and roar.
Sifu Paul Koh has just released a new series of books from his lineage of Fu Jow Pai, a Southern system that specializes—but is not limited to—Tiger Claw representation and energy. These books all feature full-page, full-color instruction, beautiful layout, and of course, a comprehensive approach to each subject. Below are the first 4 in the series, with more to follow. (Click each picture to look inside) Order 2 or more of these titles for 10% off (discount shown in shopping cart; does not apply to books already discounted).
If you would like to know more about Sifu Koh, Fu Jow Pai, or how traditional Kung Fu is taught and studied today, Click Here for our exclusive Plum interview with Sifu Paul Koh.
New! KE021 Eight Diagram Tiger Claw Fighting Set
by Sifu Paul Koh
Reg $49.95, PLUM INTRODUCTORY PRICE: $44.95
255 pages, 8.5 X 11 inches, English, Profuse full-color photos
(This book is oversized, too heavy for first class, so choose media or priority for domestic
shipping)
Paul Koh continues modernizing his teaching of traditional studies. To maintain the traditional while bringing it forward into the 21st century is a task, and not necessarily one without traps. Sifu Koh is innovative, creating vital steps toward updating without weakening martial arts. It helps that his Tiger Claw style has an inbuilt drama to its forms and a ferocious delivery when demonstrating basics.
In this new book on the Eight Diagram Tiger Claw Fist routine, the text is clear, concise and, as is typical with Sifu Koh's work, includes well-presented and -written principles and philosophy to round out the education. At the same time, Koh does not shy away from the specific training necessary for Tiger Claw, especially when the ultimate product will be the shattering attacks of the style. 
The set is broken into two parts, using the dynamic, full-color layout of his previous titles. The single person set is followed by a two-person version, which proceeds to more than 100 pages of usage. What's particularly notable is that he takes the sparring out into the streets, giving it an authentic, dynamic feel. Although there is written text for the applications, they are so clear as to not require them. Sifu Koh has a sharp sense of book layout, and never miniaturizes the photos. Also, happily, there's strong interlock between the set's poses and the applications.
Overall, a strong and generous presentation.
Click image on right to read the Table of Contents
New! KT074 Tiger Claw Wooden Master
by Sifu Paul Koh
Reg $54.95, PLUM INTRODUCTORY PRICE: $49.95
278 pages, 8.5 X 11 inches, English, Profuse full-color photos
(This book is oversized, too heavy for first class, so choose media or priority for domestic shipping)To talk about a style is to talk about the Dao and the man who teaches it.
Tiger Claw Wooden Master is the newest book from Sifu Paul Koh. Like many of his other texts, the layers of information are dynamic and threaten to explode off the page. The colors, splashed across the contents, speak exuberance. The text, small in comparison though easily read, offers important information, well-told: legendary background, historical information and, of course, detailed instruction.
The book includes a short (20 move) Salutation Form, a small ritual onto itself showing the basic and strong Tiger Claw actions, emphasizing Usage, Ritual Routine, and Sparring. Also demonstrated is Tiger Claw kicking (especially low stomp kicks).
Of course, the body of the book centers around the Wooden Man and Tiger Claw's approach to it. Sifu Koh does an excellent job engaging with the dummy, demonstrating its many facets, opening with close ups of bridge hand, palm, locking, claw, and foot positions against the dummy, followed by information on the dummy and its various parts.
Koh goes on to teach a number of sets using the Wooden Man, followed by applications against human partners. The collaboration between these two works well, allowing the reader to see both the formal routine, then how it actually plays out against a human being. We especially like that he spends a full page before each set discussing its meaning in the Tiger Claw system.
New! KT072 Ten Essential Techniques of the Tiger
by Sifu Paul Koh
Reg $64.95, PLUM INTRODUCTORY PRICE: $54.95
363 pages, English, Profuse full-color photos
(This book is oversized, too heavy for first class, so choose media or priority for domestic
shipping)
It takes quite a bit of skill and thought to preserve a tradition while also advancing an art. I believe that Paul Koh’s work, specifically in this newest book, is what we have here, and on a number of levels.
For instance, the book’s wild color overlays in no substantial way detract from the fireworks, with his brilliant splash pages and full-colored costumes. Does this look compliment or complete the subject? We think both, and thus the motif becomes Tiger and fierceness.
At the same time, Paul delivers and matches a strong, positive commentary, not missing on the
historical and philosophical topics. He is out there in the trenches, attempting — as we see it — the return of many crucial aspects promoting more actions; role fulfillment; key foundational movements that work together; and training cycles that emphasize basics before diving into the land of forms. In short, the original methods of training that begin with sectioned single moves, then attend to those all -important in between techniques to be repeated before taking on full-fledged forms — in other words, sections that help to perfect the classical form.
Paul Koh’s dream is ours.
Oh, yes, and since this is a book review…
The book is oversized, giving plenty of room for the large color photos, and allowing for generous individual instruction for all ten of the “key moves of the Tiger."
KS067 Southern Shaolin Tiger Crane Matching Set
by Sifu Paul Koh
$39.95, 217 pages, English, Profuse full-color photos"Iron bridge, bronze stance." This motto well sums up the strength of the Southern Branch of Kung Fu. It gives us an insight into Paul Koh's newest presentation "Tiger and Crane Matching Set." Matching, in this case, definitely does not mean linen.
The beginning retells legends of the union of Tiger and Crane systems into Tiger/Crane, a single style with core forms and both Southern and Northern roots, including weapons. This structure approaches the legacy of such famous instructors as Wong Fei Hong and Lam Sai Wing.
Nowadays the styles have evolved into a partnership of animals balanced such as Tiger and Crane, with Tiger as the foundational style. This allows the rest of the Five Shaolin animals— Dragon, Snake and Leopard — to own a place in the proceedings.
One unusual thing about this style is that the forms are not traditional, but the contents are. What I mean is that all movements here are absolutely correct Southern Boxing but the order of the movements are more recently rearranged. I've written before about my admirations of these forms and this newer/older technique.
This form — and the best way to start practicing — begins with the single person version. Once the Tiger Fist is familiarized, the single form is matched against a "B" side, pitted against the interface of both opponents. Attacks from either side rely on Hong's famous bridge and blocking hands. These are also fundamental in building Tiger/Crane power and proper structure.
The text section of the book discusses the fame of the style as well as offering anecdotes of famous teachers. Different costumes, single photos shots per breakdown, not to mention some antique pictures.
There are many ways in which paired boxing can help sharpen your style. But the truly exemplary is that two person sets allow you to practice with your style and its fine points retaining the flavor.
KS066 Southern Shaolin Tiger Claw Double Knives
by Sifu Paul Koh
$29.95, 116 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosFirst, I LOVE Butterfly Knives. They are artistic while being completely functional.
This book is the result of years of training with these knives. One characteristic is the high degree of coordination involved in whipping two bladed weapons simultaneously. Since they are often pitted against longer weapons, the hand-over-hand continuous movement while marching toward the opponent must be mastered.
One of the things that I especially appreciate about this book, is that it opens with a well-told story of a young man learning the weapon, and his integration into American society. Although most practitioners are not lucky enough to have teachers who tell the stories for whatever reason, traditional Kung Fu is built of these tales, factual and otherwise. Sifu Koh has the gift of both having a teacher like this in Master Tak Wah Eng, and in also being able to recount the tales told.
Sifu Koh then presents the Postures and basics for the knives, followed by a section on their history and origins. He then demonstrates essential techniques — hand, finger, holding, and flipping — before detailing some offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Finally, he introduces, in full page photos, an authentic fighting set, created for him by Master Tak Wah Eng. This routine is not flowery because it is functional. We like that.
KS063 Southern Shaolin Five Element Fist
by Sifu Paul Koh
$29.95, 140 pages, English, Profuse full-color photos
Paul Koh's Southern Shaolin Five Element Fist is as dynamic a book as are his poses demonstrated inside. His dramatic style allows readers to get a good sense of the famous Shaolin poses, which is useful because it puts to rest the idea that each arm stretch may be just a slightly different shape in action. This book demonstrates how shape occupies space, itself. Shape is important, because when Shape is correct, Spirit expands.
Sifu Koh gives full instruction on the Five Element Fist in full-page color illustrations in a beautifully designed layout. Unlike most books these days, he spends good time discussing basics such as stances, the Five Element Theory itself, and a bit of history, also. Following the instruction, he has a section called “Five Aspects of the Body: External and Internal.”
With the inclusion of Chinese characters and Pinyin Cantonese, this text is a fine reference on the Five Element Fist.
KS064 Southern Shaolin Tiger Claw: Principles of the Tiger
by Sifu Paul Koh
$34.95, 189 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosThe Tiger represents the Yang of the Tiger/Crane duet. Sifu Koh has done a thorough job of cataloguing the various aspects of the Tiger in order to discuss the principles inherent in its moves and spirit. Through detailed photos, the Tiger comes alive in this excellent resource. To give a sense of the coverage, here is the Table of Contents:
Master on the mountain
Method of the Tiger
Power of the Tiger
Body of the Tiger
Mind of the Tiger
Spirit of the Tiger
Hard and soft power
Strikes of the Tiger
Tiger fist strikes
Tiger palm strikes
Tiger claw strikes
Stances and footwork of the Tiger
Southern Shaolin Tiger Claw: Principles of the Tiger
KS065 Southern Shaolin Immortal Crane Fist
by Sifu Paul Koh
$29.95, 155 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosMuch like the Principles of the Tiger text, Sifu Koh approaches the teaching of the Crane, not just with a form, The Immortal Crane, but with the qualities that make the Crane one of the animals held in high esteem both in Chinese culture and in its martial arts.
This book includes hand techniques of the Crane, crane punches, Crane wings, Crane beaks, Crane footwork, and power generation. In addition, there's a short discussion on the Five Animal Frolics, and the Five Animal Systems.
From the book: “The Immortal Crane Form portrayed in this book is a distillation of Grandmaster Paul Eng’s experience and knowledge about the techniques of the Crane, as passed down to him by his teachers. This unique interpretation and organization of the Immortal Crane Form has been meticulously laid out by Grandmaster Tak Wah Eng, imbuing his own unique approach and knowledge to take the form to another level.”
KF018 Fierce Tiger Iron Hammers
by Sifu Paul Koh
$24.95, 107 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosThis book is fully dedicated to Fierce Tiger Iron Hammers—also called Thunder Hammers—and to the rare Double Hammers Routine, a dramatic, medium length form. As with the other texts in Sifu Koh’s new series, the step-by-step instruction is presented in full-page, full-color photos.
Although this is evident throughout the series, one notices, with this weapon, the intensity not only of the moves themselves, but of the gaze of the performer. The hammers themselves are ancient weapons and Sifu Koh’s handling of them reflects his commitment to traditional Kung Fu.
Sifu Paul Koh has just released a new series of books from his lineage of Fu Jow Pai, a Southern system that specializes—but is not limited to—Tiger Claw representation and energy. These books all feature full-page, full-color instruction, beautiful layout, and of course, a comprehensive approach to each subject. Below are the first 4 in the series, with more to follow. (Click each picture to look inside) Order 2 or more of these titles for 10% off (discount shown in shopping cart).
If you would like to know more about Sifu Koh, Fu Jow Pai, or how traditional Kung Fu is taught and studied today, Click Here for our exclusive Plum interview with Sifu Paul Koh.
by Sifu Paul Koh
$39.95, 217 pages, English, Profuse full-color photos"Iron bridge, bronze stance." This motto well sums up the strength of the Southern Branch of Kung Fu. It gives us an insight into Paul Koh's newest presentation "Tiger and Crane Matching Set." Matching, in this case, definitely does not mean linen.
The beginning retells legends of the union of Tiger and Crane systems into Tiger/Crane, a single style with core forms and both Southern and Northern roots, including weapons. This structure approaches the legacy of such famous instructors as Wong Fei Hong and Lam Sai Wing.
Nowadays the styles have evolved into a partnership of animals balanced such as Tiger and Crane, with Tiger as the foundational style. This allows the rest of the Five Shaolin animals— Dragon, Snake and Leopard — to own a place in the proceedings.
One unusual thing about this style is that the forms are not traditional, but the contents are. What I mean is that all movements here are absolutely correct Southern Boxing but the order of the movements are more recently rearranged. I've written before about my admirations of these forms and this newer/older technique.
This form — and the best way to start practicing — begins with the single person version. Once the Tiger Fist is familiarized, the single form is matched against a "B" side, pitted against the interface of both opponents. Attacks from either side rely on Hong's famous bridge and blocking hands. These are also fundamental in building Tiger/Crane power and proper structure.
The text section of the book discusses the fame of the style as well as offering anecdotes of famous teachers. Different costumes, single photos shots per breakdown, not to mention some antique pictures.
There are many ways in which paired boxing can help sharpen your style. But the truly exemplary is that two person sets allow you to practice with your style and its fine points retaining the flavor.
by Sifu Paul Koh
$29.95, 116 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosFirst, I LOVE Butterfly Knives. They are artistic while being completely functional.
This book is the result of years of training with these knives. One characteristic is the high degree of coordination involved in whipping two bladed weapons simultaneously. Since they are often pitted against longer weapons, the hand-over-hand continuous movement while marching toward the opponent must be mastered.
One of the things that I especially appreciate about this book, is that it opens with a well-told story of a young man learning the weapon, and his integration into American society. Although most practitioners are not lucky enough to have teachers who tell the stories for whatever reason, traditional Kung Fu is built of these tales, factual and otherwise. Sifu Koh has the gift of both having a teacher like this in Master Tak Wah Eng, and in also being able to recount the tales told.
Sifu Koh then presents the Postures and basics for the knives, followed by a section on their history and origins. He then demonstrates essential techniques — hand, finger, holding, and flipping — before detailing some offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Finally, he introduces, in full page photos, an authentic fighting set, created for him by Master Tak Wah Eng. This routine is not flowery because it is functional. We like that.
by Sifu Paul Koh
$29.95, 140 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosPaul Koh's Southern Shaolin Five Element Fist is as dynamic a book as are his poses demonstrated inside. His dramatic style allows readers to get a good sense of the famous Shaolin poses, which is useful because it puts to rest the idea that each arm stretch may be just a slightly different shape in action. This book demonstrates how shape occupies space, itself. Shape is important, because when Shape is correct, Spirit expands.
Sifu Koh gives full instruction on the Five Element Fist in full-page color illustrations in a beautifully designed layout. Unlike most books these days, he spends good time discussing basics such as stances, the Five Element Theory itself, and a bit of history, also. Following the instruction, he has a section called “Five Aspects of the Body: External and Internal.”
With the inclusion of Chinese characters and Pinyin Cantonese, this text is a fine reference on the Five Element Fist.
by Sifu Paul Koh
$34.95, 189 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosThe Tiger represents the Yang of the Tiger/Crane duet. Sifu Koh has done a thorough job of cataloguing the various aspects of the Tiger in order to discuss the principles inherent in its moves and spirit. Through detailed photos, the Tiger comes alive in this excellent resource. To give a sense of the coverage, here is the Table of Contents:
Master on the mountain
Method of the Tiger
Power of the Tiger
Body of the Tiger
Mind of the Tiger
Spirit of the Tiger
Hard and soft power
Strikes of the Tiger
Tiger fist strikes
Tiger palm strikes
Tiger claw strikes
Stances and footwork of the Tiger
Southern Shaolin Tiger Claw: Principles of the Tiger
by Sifu Paul Koh
$29.95, 155 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosMuch like the Principles of the Tiger text, Sifu Koh approaches the teaching of the Crane, not just with a form, The Immortal Crane, but with the qualities that make the Crane one of the animals held in high esteem both in Chinese culture and in its martial arts.
This book includes hand techniques of the Crane, crane punches, Crane wings, Crane beaks, Crane footwork, and power generation. In addition, there's a short discussion on the Five Animal Frolics, and the Five Animal Systems.
From the book: “The Immortal Crane Form portrayed in this book is a distillation of Grandmaster Paul Eng’s experience and knowledge about the techniques of the Crane, as passed down to him by his teachers. This unique interpretation and organization of the Immortal Crane Form has been meticulously laid out by Grandmaster Tak Wah Eng, imbuing his own unique approach and knowledge to take the form to another level.”
by Sifu Paul Koh
$24.95, 107 pages, English, Profuse full-color photosThis book is fully dedicated to Fierce Tiger Iron Hammers—also called Thunder Hammers—and to the rare Double Hammers Routine, a dramatic, medium length form. As with the other texts in Sifu Koh’s new series, the step-by-step instruction is presented in full-page, full-color photos.
Although this is evident throughout the series, one notices, with this weapon, the intensity not only of the moves themselves, but of the gaze of the performer. The hammers themselves are ancient weapons and Sifu Koh’s handling of them reflects his commitment to traditional Kung Fu.
KS023 Shaolin Tiger Boxing
by Xu Ri-Chao
$14.95 103 pages, photographs, softbound,A very interesting book giving a couple of examples of Tiger Style Kung Fu. But, even of more note, this Shaolin form is handed down through the Beggar's style. Not that many people are familiar with this authentic branch of the Kung Fu family that specializes in beggar's and wanderer's Kung Fu. But historical sources reveal that Beggar's Fist might be one of the main styles contributing to the birth of classical Karate in Okinawa. This book not only expounds the Tiger Fist with 57 postures but also an Arhat Northern Kung Fu form. A neat little book in English and Chinese so you can study you language along with your boxing.
KE007 Special offer: Entering the FU JOW PAI (collector's edition)
(Tiger Claw Kung Fu)
Tak Wah Eng
240 pages, Photographs, Hardbound/SignedSpecial PLUM: offer this collector's edition for $34.50, or Very Special Offer:
if you are ordering $50.00 or more of other materials you can add this book for only only $24.50
This is a VERY LIMITED special editon (probably less than 100) of a beautiful hardback edition with Tak Wah Eng's own autograph in Chinese! We have very few of these in stock and, even if we can get more, the edition will not last long. This is exactly the same book as ETG96 below but with hardback cover and a clear autograph in black ink on the title page. This is a great collector's item from a universally recognized teacher and promoter of CMA. See softbound version below for more details. Also click picture.
KJ002 JOURNEY of a Martial Arts Master
Tak Wah Eng by Paula Wong
$22.95, 373 pages, photographs and illustrations, softbound,This is truly a labor of love. Here is a compilationof photos, thoughts, experiences of someone who has essentially dedicated his life to Kung Fu. Tak Wah Eng, after more than four decades of living in the martial world, has won the respect of many practitioners. He has met and befriended some of the most famous practitioners. This book, with the help of Paula Wong, draws from personal collection of photographs, writing, group shots, memories and observations. It is like taking a Kung Fu weapon, such as a "precious sword" , hand and rolling it and examining it from many angles. The few typos and slips aside, this is a book that—while talking about one lifelong student— talks about many who share his JOURNEY.
KD008 Dragon Staff & Butterfly Knives
Paul Koh
$9.99, 80 pages, Photographs, softbound,
OUT OF STOCK!
Please place
me on your
WANT LIST
for this item.ShiFu Paul Koh is a student of Tak Wah Eng and therefore in the Black Tiger, Fu Jow lineage. This book demonstrates a Southern based set, created by Tak Wah Eng, that combines the Staff and the Butterfly knives. Each side is shown separately then the duet is shown. A slim but nicely laid out book.
KE008 Entering the FU JOW PAI
(Tiger Claw Kung Fu)
Tak Wah Eng
$12.50; 240 pages, Photographs, softbound,Fu Jow (Tiger Claw) style is one of the most vigorous and popular Kung Fu forms in the West. Derived in part from Hung Gar and Black Tiger style it is a Southern synthesis of solid, powerful techniques. Fu Jow stylists put a strong emphasis on applications and sparring. This volume gives history, applications, and Tiger Claw Road #1. Well photographed, clear and thorough.
KT034 Tiger in the Moonlight
Paul Koh
$9.9960 pages, Photographs, softbound,
Fu Jow (Tiger Claw) style is one of the hardiest and most popular Kung Fu forms in the West. Paul Koh's teacher, Tak Wah Eng, studied Fu Jow for many years. This is a small but beautifully done book on the system. It gives two hand forms and a matched set. Spenser Bagley did a great job in part by developing the photos to resemble old fashioned Kung Fu books. Really an outstanding effort quality wise. The forms are short and mostly shown through photos but the presentation is clear and concise.
KZ001 ZEN and the Way of the Fist
Tak Wah EngFu Jow (Tiger Claw) style is one of the most vigorous and popular Kung Fu forms in the West. But this is an unusual book because it is NOT Fu Jow but almost entirely Shaolin. It contains "photo essays" on Muscle Change Classic, Continuous Fist, Xiao Hong Quan, Extension Fist, Buddha Fist, Sun Fist, Seven Star Boxing and Shaolin Long Fist all given to Tak from Shi Guo Lin. This was originally Tak Wah Eng's note book and his attempt, as the subtitle proclaims, to create "The Master Collection of traditional Shaolin Kung Fu and Philosophy."
$19.99; 176 pages, Photographs, softbound,
OUT OF STOCK ...but we expect more! Please place me on your WANT LIST for this item.
And look for our new upgraded site, making want tags like this a thing of the past.
KS032 Shaolin Martial Art Basic Exercise
by Tak Wah Eng
$6.50; 30+ pages, softboundThis small home-made pamphlet qualifies as a collector's item. It is Tak Wah's first book and an introduction to the Fu Jow system. A little collector's item of about 32 pages with illustrations and photographs this book introduced the Fu Jow to an unsuspecting world. The movements are nice and the applications are pretty good. We suspect that in the future these self produced booklets will be highly sought after because, in many instances, they record the hands on work of teachers and schools with no other goal than promoting their arts.
OUT OF STOCK!
Please place
me on your
WANT LIST
for this item.KS016 Shantung Black Tiger Kung Fu
A Shaolin Fighting art of Northern China
Tjoa Khek Kiong, Donn Draeger & Quinton Chambers
$17.95 ; 152 pages,The first book in English for the centuries old Black Tiger Shantung style of Kung Fu. This volume provides a thorough introduction to every aspect of this beautiful art. Clearly written with nice layout, copious illustrations, more than 350 photos and over 100 drawings: this book is an invaluable manual for learning and understanding this remarkable fighting art.
This text, taken from an original native source, bears the stamp of Don Draeger and Chambers work. Done with pride and concern for the material this is one of the first authentic books on Kung Fu ever written in English. Draeger deserves our respect as demonstrating a kind of genius for preserving the intent and the organic integrity of each martial art he tried to record. A good book.
KS012 Secrets of Shaolin Tiger Claw Kung Fu
Bruce Duthie Ph.D
$11.95, 52 pages, illustrations, softbound, US
This little book, 52 pages, was written in 1987 by Bruce Duthie Ph.D. More of a collectible item than a solid source of significant information this descriptive text takes a few basic Tiger movements from the Hung Gar style, using the famous drawings of Lam Sai Wing, and discusses the usage and energetics of the Tiger actions in Hung Gar. Duthie studied Hung with John Loh and Mike Chan. Some of the short chapter headings include “Tiger Symbolism and Chinese Kung Fu”, “History of Tiger Kung F”, “Training Techniques and Equipment” and a few more. BY THE WAY, this book has a glossy black cover. Don't expect it to be flawless, not our fault.
KN005 New York Zen
Tak Wah Eng
$19.95,122 pages, Photographs and illustrations, softbound,
Think of this book more as a diary combined with an inspirational text (as though we don't need that once in a while, probably one of the most important things in the martial arts). Noted instructor Tak Wah Eng, and very helpful company, explore what it means to be dedicated to Kung Fu and mean it. Don't expect long chapters and a lot of instruction, this is more like a tour of a passion.