#EKF48 The Straight Lead
by Teri Tom
205 pages, softbound, photographs and illustrations
Regularly 19.95 PLUM hurt books price $8.95 (over 50% discount)

We have to be careful here, we don't follow the standard interpretation of the history of JKD. That aside, everyone who was interested at the time will admit that the straight lead proposed by Bruce Lee was a very specific and representative aspect of the classical/realistic reformation. At this point, more than any other, Lee seemed to break away from his Chinese martial roots. As often happens, the actually innovative and relatively scientific aspects of his research were lost and we saw a whole lot of "JKD players" who seemed to understand nothing but the look of the style. Tom's very thorough and accurate rendition of the dynamics, requirements and understanding of the lead is one of the "new" school of in-depth reportage on martial arts. If this book had come out before the UFC make the straight lead incomprehensible to many people, this book would have been a best seller and not as now discounted. Really a good job. The issue of classical to realistic should not be an issue for those wanting to understand one of most elegant and effective strikes in the entire empty hand arsenal

#ESF91 FIVE ANCESTOR'S FIST KUNG FU
by Alex L. Co
152 pages, softbound, photographs and illustrations
Regularly 14.95 PLUM hurt books price $6.95 (over 50% discount)

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 Philippines. 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.

See other books on Southern Style Kung Fu

#EPH53 TAO TEH CHING
by Lao Tzu, Translated by John C. H. Wu
165 pages, softbound,
Regularly 11.95 PLUM hurt books price $5.95 (50% discount)

From the back cover: "No better choice of translator could have been mae for the Tao Teh Ching than Dr. John C. H. Wu, whose rendering is superb. More than this, Dr. Wu is one who is able to translate Lao Tzu not only in his words but in is life... Everyone knows in a vague way that the Tao Teh Ching is poetic, and indeed that it is great poetry. We all know that it usually impresses Westerners as more than a trifle quietistic. Hence we treat it with condescension as a quaint impractical document of an ancient day when no one bothered much about progress. Perhaps we do not realize that some of the wisdom of the Tao Teh Ching, which fo often reminds one of the Sermon on the Mount, is absolutely necessary for us not only to progress but even to survive." —Thomas Merton

#EWC77 Wing Chun Kung-Fu
by Dr. Joseph Wayne Smith
103 pages, softbound, photographs
Regularly 12.95 PLUM hurt books price $5.95 (over 50% discount)

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.

#EPH55 The Pocket I Ching
by Richard Wilhelm, Cary F. Baynes with simplification by W. S. Broadman
paper, 130 pages, 1987, read our introductory article on this book

This simplified pocket edition concentrates on the original core writing of this book, one of the oldest in history and the basis of Chinese culture. Though some may have a problem with the sometimes divination use of the book it can also be studied as a classic of wisdom pertaining to one of the greatest concerns of human life: change and its many faces.

Normally $13.00 PLUM "hurt book" price only $ 5.95 (save over 50%)

#EKF49 Kung Fu Basics
by Paul Eng
paper, 190 pages, oversized, Photographs and illustrations

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%)

#ETC99The DAO of TAIJIQUAN
by Jou Tsung Hwa
233 pages, line drawings

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%)

#ESL84The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu
The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-defense, Health and Enlightenment
By Wong Kiew Kit
215 pages, Illustrations

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%)

#EEC97 Eagle Claw Kung Fu
by Leung Shum, Master
216 pages, softbound

A reissue and expansion of the FIRST book on Eagle Claw Kung Fu in the English language. The tireless Leung Shum, who teaches in New York and introduced Eagle Claw into America in 1971, here shows the theory, applications and history of this elegant and beloved Kung Fu Fist.

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%)

#EBG96 Pa Kua Chinese Boxing for Fitness and Self-Defense click picture
by Robert Smith
160 pages, photographs,

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%)

#ETC 67 Tai Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice click picture
by Kuo Lien Ying, presented by Simone Kuo

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%)

#EBG 91 Ba Gua:
Hidden Knowledge in the Taoist internal martial art click picture
by Liu Xing-Han and John Bracy
139 pages, photographs, oversized, softbound

Some topics: Correlations between Taoist Yogic practices martial arts,
Bagua Qi Gong
Circle walking
Two-man applications
Bagua self defense.

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%)

#ETC 87 Cheng Man-Ching, Master of the Excellences click picture
by Cheng Man-Ching
Translation and commentary by Mark Hennessy
softbound, 166 pages, illustrations along with color plates         

This has always been one of our most popular "hurt" books. The essays in this book cover a wide range of topics. Their titles alone offer an insight: Eight discussions on poetry, seven discussions on painting, Self-respect, the Eight important points on Cancer, reading the I Ching and The Last Word on T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Cheng's reputation as a "master" of so many excellences has somewhat tarnished as those who actually have some training and a critical eye have come on the scene. His own top students have been less than enthusiastic about his medicine and his insights into T'ai Chi. There is some doubt as his place as a major or even memorable painter or calligrapher though his work does hang in the Gu Gong and can be bought in the museum shop there. He represented, especially to the conservative Taiwanese, a type of person who illustrated what was slipping away from their culture. Perhaps, when all is said and done, his icon was more significant than his contribution but these essays should be read by anyone who has an interest in his place in the martial world, at least.

US $16.95           OUR PRICE: $4.98 (save over 70%)