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"HURT"
Books On the other hand not all these books are "hurts" some are simply discounted but they may still have a blemish or two. If condition is important on these discounted items e-mail ahead and we'll see what we can do. |
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See other books on Southern Style Kung Fu |
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#EWC77
Wing Chun Kung-Fu This book was designed to be the beginning of a series but it definitely stands alone. Dr. Smith gives a photographic summary of the three main hand forms of Wing Chun, all in one book. But of more interest is his analysis, as he says according to scientific principles, of the system as represented in its basics and in the forms. The last section of the book shows applications and continues his argument. Not everyone will agree with his conclusions as to the best stance for fighting, etc. , but we completely agree with the enlivened scrutinizing of these ancient but still relevant key points. |
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Normally $13.00 PLUM "hurt book" price only $ 5.95 (save over 50%) |
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This book actually lives up the its title. In this case basics means fundamentally understanding of what you martial goals and efforts should be. This is much more than a technical book of how to do a horse stance. Sifu Paul Eng of the Tai Mantis system is a lifetime practitioner of the art. The topics he handles are the ones that teachers wished their students understood: how to practice, how much time should you spend, what is the right relationship to the teacher, how do you know if a style is right for you, overcoming discouragement, etc. This is a fine introduction because it doesn’t try to sell, it attempts to illuminate. Normally $12.95 PLUM "hurt book" price only $ 6.95 (save over 45%) |
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#ETC99The
DAO of TAIJIQUAN This is one of the first and most important books in English on the art of Tai Chi. Jou was a lifetime student and much appreciated for his efforts regarding the art. If you ever saw him move you saw a compendium of the styles he had studied and the knowledge he had gained over the years. This was a first in many ways, especially for English books. There is a discussion, one of the first, on Reeling Silk Energy. He also discusses, not entirely successfully but very importantly, Tai Chi's 8 energies. Jou also had some interesting theories on Tai Chi and extra-temporal physical perceptions. Jou was also a student of the I Ching. He has a section on this and also a section on experiences. A book chock full of information and ideas. Pretty much a must have for any complete Tai Chi library. Normally $19.95, PLUM "hurt book" price only $ 8.95 (save over 50%) |
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#ESL84The
Art of Shaolin Kung Fu There
are many things to like and even admire about Wong Kiew Kit. First is
his belief in Kung Fu. He is an unmitigated lover of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Along with Paul Engs basics book this is an excellent introduction to
a complete view of Kung Fu. This view might, to some, be as personal as
it is informative. To our mind we like the character displayed. Topics
are covered with precision and insight: combat sequences and forms practice,
a Five Animal Form, defining aims and objectives, the internal force of
Shaolin Kung Fu, classical Kung Fu weapons, understanding and developing
Chi, and much more. Wong is a strong writer, well versed in English. His
attitudes are forthright and assertive unlike so many who are intimidated
by modern, unenlightened criticism. A breath of fresh chi. Normally $15.95, PLUM "hurt book" price only $ 7.95 (save over 50%) |
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#EEC97
Eagle Claw Kung Fu
This is the way a Kung Fu book should be. It gives a feeling for the complete system along with lists of forms, history, experiences, techniques and principles. Leung Shum has been a true leader trying to spread the art wherever he's taught. This is one of the classical systems with a long history, excellent Chin Nah and beautiful forms. The Eagle Claw concentrates on movements of that its famous namesake incorporating joint locking, throwing and seizing techniques of superior skill. Normally $19.95, PLUM "hurt book" price only $ 7.95 (save over 60%) |
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#EBG96
Pa Kua Chinese Boxing for Fitness and Self-Defense
click picture Probably one of the first major books on the art of Bagua in the English language. Originally published in 1967, this is the 2003 edition with a new introduction by Smith. The book talks of the history of the art in Smith's distinctive pseudo-mythic manner. The usable bulk of the work shows the exercise system of Chan Chun Feng which, years ago, we tried to apply from the text ourselves. While these methods give little of the real feeling of Bagua they are nonetheless a good introduction of integrated body movements. There is an almost completely useless description (just too complicated) of Kuo Feng Chih's Bagua which, as Smith admits, is considerably different from the simplified exercises he shows. As always, we admire not only the information but Smith's quirky style of writing. This is the same text where, on page 95, he complains of his own helper as being a "coward"! Whatever his skills and his idiosyncrasies, he stands as the grandfather of a generation of western martial writers. If you have any interest in Bagua and don't have this text, get it. US $14.95 OUR PRICE: $6.95 (save over 55%) |
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#ETC
67 Tai
Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice
click picture For many years Kuo ran a studio off Kearney street in San Francisco. It was unusual for Chinatown because it was open to everyone, undisguised and actually on the street level instead of below it. I made a yearly trip to Kuo's always thinking that I would join his classes. He was, as the rumor went, the third best Tai Chi man in the world (I knew everyone was saying Cheng Man Ching was Number One, but Number Two I never heard about). I would watch his students move and stop, move and stop like the members of a remedial mime class. Kuo himself was impressive, straight-backed and self-assured. His wife, a less than sparkling stocky woman, did most of the teaching. She wore a habitual frown. I could never bring myself to study this style. Was Kuo all that good? Of course his students will say yes. He was one of the teachers of the brilliant Y.C. Chiang. Others are a little more critical. Kuan Ping as a style is also in some dispute since there actually is a Kuan Ping village (hometown of Yang Lu Chan) and no one there seems to do the style anything like Kuo did. This book shows Kuo's form in a series of full page shots. He is erect, relaxed and elegant in the simplicity of his movements, a perfect example of the type of man who might indeed be a Congressman for the National Assembly of China. US $12.95 OUR PRICE: $5.95 (save over 55%) |
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#EBG
91
Ba Gua: Some
topics: Correlations
between Taoist Yogic practices martial arts, This is one of the most popular books we have sold on Bagua. Nonetheless, and despite its nice design and oversized photos, it is—ultimately—disappointing. We suggest everyone interested in Bagua buy it because of Bracy's teacher Liu Xing-Han a third generation student from Cheng Ting-Hwa. The problem is that Bracy did not distinguish well enough between his own “insights” into the subject and the teachings of his teacher. In some ways he uses Liu XingHan to validate his own analogies to 'help the reader better understand'. The level of these analogies is often less than perfect. Now let's take the book itself. The two person exercises are interesting and decent but not exceptional. The form of the practitioners is adequate, little more. The applications are barely distinguishable as Bagua. The main section, of Liu himself showing circle changes, is too small. There are many nice little stories but the book is laid out in the side-box, margin-full, quick definition style of a coffee table volume which, finally, is what it really is. So why do we recommend it? There is still precious little in English on BaGua, and this book, if for no other reason than its exposure to Shifu Liu, is worth a place on the BaGua shelf. US $14.95 OUR PRICE: $7.95 (save over 45%) |
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#ETC
87 Cheng Man-Ching,
Master of the Excellences click
picture
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