SOUTHERN BOXING

Considering its popularity outside of China, there are far too few good books on the Southern family of boxing. These can include Hung Gar, Choy Lai Fut (each of which you can find under their separate categories), Crane Boxing, Dragon Boxing, Mok Gar and many others. These styles tend to be "short fist" although there are exceptions such as Choy Lai Fut. Stances are strong and internal and external exercises are often taught almost simultaneously. Order

#ESF92 Ngo Cho:
Southern Shaolin Five Ancestor Kung Fu
by Jose G. Paman
181 pages, softbound, US $16.95

This new book adds valuable information to the knowledge we have of Five Ancestors style. As in the case of many great Southern styles the popularity of Ngo Cho is strong but highly concentrated. In the Philippines, for example, it is well known and highly respected as it is in some parts of Southern China. The combination of five styles is well surveyed by author Panam. Basics, which are essential in this system, are shown along with techniques and two important forms Three Battles and, for the first time, Double Banner Boxing. The author knows his stuff having taught this style for over thirty years. If you are interested in Five Ancestors or just Southern Kung Fu this is an important work. In addition it gives additional and strong information for the historical roots of Karate which now, it is apparent, was highly influenced by Fukien Kung Fu.

Background information on this style .

FIVE ANCESTOR'S FIST KUNG FU
by Alex L. Co

A nice book on a relatively rare, though famous style. This is a perfect example of our belief that the lines between Kung Fu, Karate and Kenpo are sometimes blurry indeed. That isn't to say they are not distinct styles but that they are not always distinct at all points. This is a good introduction by the author of the first english language Kung Fu book in the phillipines. The Five Ancestor is a Southern Shaolin branch that blends five important styles of short arm fighting. It is direct, powerful and compact. The cross-style study with Karate is particularly fascinating and those Karate-ka - and especially Uechi Ryu stylists- interested in the origins of that most important kata: Sanchin, will definitely want a copy of Five Ancestors.

Check our discounted price on this Hurt Book

#ESF94 The Shooting Star of Hung Family Fist
by Ho Lap Tim
English/Chinese
179 pages, softbound, US $10.95

Master Ho studied from Deng Fang a disciple of the famous Wong Fei Hung. From his deep study of Hung he has developed this version of the "Shooting Star Form" with correct and definite elements of the Tiger and the Crane arts. This is perfectly permissible within traditional lineage as SiFu Ho has created a beautiful and obviously completely classical form that retains Hung's "flavor" while giving a new emphasis to certain combinations. The entire form encompasses 86 postures and has key elements from not only the Tiger/Crane but the 5 Element and Ten Animal forms of Hung Family Fist. Once again proof that the traditional methods can be flexible, beautiful and creative.

The illustrations in this text are of Sifu Ho himself performing all postures for the "Shooting Star Fist".

#ESF95DRAGON FORM FIST
Leo Chu & Francis Au
Chinese (traditional) /English
64 pages, US $7.50

A few of these great little books started to come out in the BLE (Bruce Lee Era). This one, probably from Choy Li Fut, is a Southern Style Dragon Fist. This little book has the following: 64 pages, Large photos of the form, small photos at the bottom of applications for the movements, Chinese and English facing text and a picture of the author playing with the famous Shek Kin at the back.This is one of those fun, learn-a-form-in-an-afternoon types of books. But neat.

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#ESF96 Shaolin 10 Animal Form
by Kwan Tak Hing & Leung Ting
English, 208 pages, softbound, US $ 19.95

Printed in Hong Kong this book shows the form and skills of the Southern Shaolin Ten Animals. This is shown by noted Kung Fu movie actor and martial enthusiast Kwan Tak Hing. Mr. Kwan is a famous movie actor from the longest series of Kung Fu films ever made, those devoted to Wong Fei Hong the master of the Tiger/Crane style. He initially received his training from Southern master, Sun Pak.

This is a well done book produced with the help of Leung Ting, noted Wing Chun teacher. The movements of this Southern Style form include ground rolling and many sophisticated hand actions. Each animal is shown with some application and introductory comments on the nature of the different style:

Dragon Tiger Snake Leopard Crane

Lion Elephant Horse Monkey Bear

Not as common as its Northern cousin, Southern Shaolin Fist is a key style in those styles of Kung Fu such as Fut Gar, Choy Lee Fut and Hung Fist. This is a good introduction to one of the best known forms.

#ESF93 The Tiger Crane Form of Hung Gar Kung Fu
Buck Sam Kong
159 pages, US $17.95 PLUM PRICE $16.25

The first book in English to our knowledge of that seminal form for the Hung Gar style, the Tiger and the Crane. This is truly one of the masterpieces of Southern Kung Fu. A student of Lum Jo in Hong Kong, Kong has been involved with Hung his whole life. The books shows the full form with side notes on performance and then breaks many moves down into applications. A standard, recognized text on the subject.

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#ESF98 Hung Gar: Southern Shaolin Kung Fu Ling Nam
by Kwong Wing Lam
240 pages, softbound, photographs
US $ 29.95

"Never before have the secret oral teachings of the Hung Gar style appeared in English. Sifu Wing Lam, who traces his Hung Gar lineage to the Southern Shaolin Temple of the 1700s, transforms "back room" teachings into clear and concise how-to instructions. This is the complete Hung Gar book that martial students have been waiting for:

• Learn about the 300-year history of Hung Gar through recent findings and colorful stories about Hung Gar Masters and traditions.
• Study the underlying principles of Hung Gar and their sets: The Twelve Bridges, The Five Animals and the Five Elements.
• Explore the finer points of Hung Gar basics.
• Acquire applications and techniques such as blocks, arm locks, takedowns, chops, strikes and footwork.
• Learn about traditional conditioning exercises and injury treatment.
• Examine the details of Hung Gar hand and weapon sets.
• Learn about Internal Training using the Iron Wire set.

Whether you are curious as to how Hung Gar differs from other styles, are a beginning Hung Gar student, or have practiced for many years, this book will add to your understanding of the Hung Gar style."

This is a catalogue of the Hung system. There is no form shown in its entirety. Rather, this is an overview of the entire system including some interesting notes on Kung Fu medicine. Also included are some good notes on Southern "Ling Nam" Kung Fu; many historical photographs and salient anecdotes about masters and grandmasters.

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#ESF99 Hung Gar Pugilism SELF DEFENCE
by Ho Lap Tin
180 pages, softbound, photographs
US $ 27.50

The Hung system has many "humble" weapons and methods dealing with ordinary or common things such as the bench. This is an interesting book, in both Chinese and English, on such weapons. It contains a "Dragon and Tiger Umbrella Form" of 69 movements. Also there is a written section in the back derived from Hung known as the 8 Healthy Body Methods which is a description of Kung Fu exercises for any age. In the front section which demonstrates self defence the teacher uses the following: empty hands, bench, umbrella, Chinese Iron Fan and walking stick, all as examples of the basic concepts of Kung Fu self defense.