May 13 : We add a new volume of our (so far) only magazine series, those Taiwanese Mooks (magazine/books). These are beautifully created volumes on "special interest" topics. This issue is on two styles, famous in China, which should be better known in the overall Kung Fu community...
•And here we have the newest update on our ever-expanding VCD sale...
VCD Blue Panel Sale Items
Di Tang Ground Boxing
Southern Mok Gar (Mo Jia) Boxing
Seven Star Mantis Boxing
Yue Fei Family Boxing
Baji Eight Ultimates Boxing
Lost Track - Mizong Boxing
Sword and Fly Whisk & Tan Tui
The embarrasment here is that the sword and whisk is not only on special, but had fallen off our list till now. Oh well.
Tai Chi Praying Mantis
May 12 : We have been experiencing the pleasure of meeting and greeting a number of long time practitioners. Besides our friend John Ottenberg of First Response note, we've been visited by Mile Coleman of the Ark Yuey Wong lineage, and Rudy Tuiolosega, son of Tu’umamao Tino Tuiolosega, the creator of Limalama.We sense a rising tide of people concerned about the future and preservation of the real arts. In fact this and other things have inspired us to develop a new section of Plum which will air the views and experiences of senior practitioners and teachers. It will be called "Master Class" and our premiere interview is with a well known Sifu who has spent a lifetime in the arts.
• We're trying to be more disciplined on listing those long awaited books which are only now back in stock. Please remember to periodically check out DOCKET for returning titles that may not be listed in this weblog.
May 06: We re-stock an item that was so hot we thought we'd never see it again at a discounted price. And to make things even better we've added a companion book! All this refers to Marc Tedeschi's huge work on Ground Fighting and now The Art of Throwing, each a beautiful hardback with over 1000 photos and, at a discount no less ( or more properly, yes less). The Throwing book which we have just added for the first time has a nice section on the same throw performed in different styles. This makes a point we wanted to underscore: though we have never had a peep of disgruntled sentiment from anyone when we list extra-Chinese style products we want to express our belief that throws and locks and grappling in general are so universal (all elbows bend the same way, etc.) that we interchangeably offer sources from Jujutsu, Aikido or whatever we think may be of interest. If you want to see a rendition that is UNIQUELY Chinese, check out Jason Tsou's approach below. But in this field there is much to learn and much to trade and, after all this is a great resource at a great price...
•See how we cleverly update our entire ONGOING VCD SALE list whenever we add a few new items. And you thought we were just Kung Fu experts ...
May 05 : We've been wanting to put this one up for WEEKS! But it took a while to create a review that gave the proper representation of the depth of the subject matter. So why wait? Go directly to
Jason Tsou's Chin Na seminar set (Book plus DVDs) and see what we say...
May 03 : Wu Shi Jun is a prolific and energetic teacher. We have here some new contributions, mostly based on the work of Chen Fa Ke no less, which he is adding to his Tai Chi portfolio ...•Yes, we have an ungodly number of WANT TAGS on our site at present but it's not our fault: it's yours. We are having temporary problems in keeping all these great books and videos in stock. You guys are eating everything up as soon as we get it. We promise to increase our stock but, in the case of the rare and hard to find--like the ten year Chin Woo record and our new book (still to come) on Feng Zhi Qiang's Taiji Ruler, please be patient. (It's so bad I'm taking books off MY PRIVATE SHELF to fulfill orders. How's that for self-sacrificing?)
May 02 : Today we had breakfast with Eric Ling and Russ Smith. Eric is an expert, and then some, on the Kung Fu styles of Malaysia. He is a wealth of knowledge about Hakka and Fujian styles particularly of the Southern persuasion. Russ, Eric, Debbie and I discussed Hung White Eyebrow, rare varieties of Wing Chun, Tai Zu, Southern Mantis/Chu Gar, Southern Shaolin, Karate and, of course, White Crane in its many forms. Both Eric and Russ confirmed our long held feelings that there are treasure houses of authentic Kung Fu out there among expatriated Chinese and a wealth of top notch traditional practitioners who need to be recognized to assure the continuance of their gifts. We discussed at length ways in which PLUM can help with this dissemination and will keep you posted on this very exciting project...
April 29: And, keeping right up to date with our ever-expanding VCD Blue Panel Sale...
April 24: We again welcome Inner Circle Tai Chi from Sacramento, under teacher Robert Nakashima. Today we meet at the Santa Cruz Studio for a seminar on Jiang Style Bagua. We always look forward to sharing the arts, especially with such a fine group of people.
Our special sale VCDs now cover the following styles. Pick a style you've never seen and take a look...
April 24 :Finally! For years we've been trying to get our hands on this official Chin Woo Memorial text, a reproduction of the Shanghai headquarters of the Chin Woo's tenth anniversary. Stuffed with period pictures, articles and illustrations this CHINESE TEXT is a valuable collector's item for anyone who is interested in China's first open Kung Fu school. Like a first graduating class high school year book this shows the cornerstone of what is still one of the most successful organizations for Kung Fu in the world. We don't have many in stock right now (about four) but we will be getting more in. Visit here just to click on the book and see some great old photos.
April 21 :And more of our VCD blue panel sales...
April 21 : We have some really great additions to our VCD blue panel sale...
April 18 : We now have a DVD edition of our very first Dim Mak series; from the ebullient presenter Xie Zhi Kai. This is a series where the addition of English, will be of major help especially in undestanding the finer details of point striking. Don't try it on your friend are they will end up looking like Xie's assistant...
April 17 : As many of you already know we have a companion site for our school in California. We will be using this site to announce the many seminars (including our own) which are appearing. Next, if you can get to the Alaska area, is what will no doubt be a fine exposition of Praying Mantis by Sifu Kurt Wong. See this under our Announcements section....
April 15 : Yes, we have another BLUE PANEL SALE. This one will go on for a number of weeks and, we hope, allow you to consider some styles and VCDs which might broaden your Kung Fu enjoyment and experience. We will keep you up to date as we add on more and more titles at discounted prices.
April 08 : All right we love books and the thrill of finding "special editions". We know not everyone shares our enthusiasm but, when it involves Chinese Martial Arts (CMA) we often think about those of you who, through email and letters, have told us you share the same interest. Some times we are lucky enough to find pieces that aren't only collectible but that literally NO ONE offers because, frankly, they didn't do the detective work. Here is a rare hardback edition of "Entering the Fu Jow Pai" and, just to make it REALLY rare, it is signed in Chinese by Master Tak Wah Eng himself . How limited is this? Well, try to find one in all the millions of books on Amazon and see for yourself. ...
April 05 : Notes on our new GU style Taijiquan DVD offering:
When we first saw LiuHeBaFa we had an interesting experience. Here was a form just like Taijiquan that shared very few movements with Taijiquan. You may have a similar experience here when watching Gu style which shares, generally, very few movements. Of course any selection of slow WuShu patterns will take from the general bank of movements but the order, arrangement and selection in Gu style is very different from the Lao Jia derivatives. The principles are maintained, slow movement, controlled steps, generally hidden power. This may be a little like seeing Taijiquan for the first time again. .....
April 04 : Our Fun Stuff section we offer only the silly, strange and suspect aspects of the martial arts. It's rare (like never before) that we actually have some of these collectible oddities for sale, our newest Jiu Jitsu manual is the exception ...April 03 : About a week ago we posted an article on the Crescent Kick (March 26). One of our readers, Chad Eisner, an expert in sports medicine, disagreed with many of the ideas and has sent in a rebuttal. We of course have our own slant on this but decided that the topic contains wider ranging implications about martial arts and encourage other readers to enter the discussion...
March 31 : The famous teacher, Sha Guo Zheng, was a triple threat in martial terms simultaneously maintaining a high degree of skill in the three "internal" arts. His disciple, Luo Jin Hua, also carries forward this tradition--and today even a little more--since we offer his newest in Xing Yi, Bagua and Tai Chi.
• Here's a new book that falls into our "HURT" department not because it's actually hurt but because it's so discounted. Teri Tom has done an exhaustive and excellent job of covering The Straight Lead subtitled The Core of Bruce Lee's Jun Fan Jeet Kung Do®. Is this Kung Fu or anti-Kung Fu. Read this book and ignore that question.
March 30 : It's nice to be right once in a while. We didn't know much about Zhan Bo before reviewing his Wu style Tai Chi VCDs. What we spotted was a fine, educated hand and an efficient and well ordered presentation that was definitely a "cut above". As we researched we find that, indeed, Zhan Bo took a heroic stand for his art and preserving his tradition. Check him out.
March 29 : Allan Pittman, one time student of Robert Smith, has delved deeply both physically and philosophically into the Chinese arts. His new book not only explains the 64 exercises of Gao style Bagua but references the I Ching and its relationship to the art.March 26 : We consider the Crescent Kick, that all-around favorite. Then we consider why.
March 20 : There is always something fascinating about the postures of the art of Xin Yi, the so-called predecessor to Xing Yi. Here's a new simplified book that takes these positions and movements and applies them to self defense while retaining the vigor and flavor of the style.
•Also, because we just "came across" it, we have an antique program to add to our "fun stuff" section. Any more priceless reminders out there in television land?
March 17 : The book we are calling, "Departed Warriors" or Shi Qu De Wu Lin," is the first martial autobiography we have offered. Written in simplified Chinese, it is the reminiscences of Li Zhong Xian who studied during one of Chinese most explosive investigations of its martial heritage. This isn't just a story with some martial anecdotes but a biography with many observations on Xing Yi technique and martial passion.
•Interested in Iron Palm training? We are slowly building a section for that. Here is a new DVD on the basics of the method by Dale Dugas entitled Combat Iron Palm.
March 15 : We are always happy to offer a new book on the arts. Here we list and review the new text "Anatomy of Yang Family Tai Chi". This will be of special interest to those struggling with technical points and teachers wanting another instructor's perspective on detailed information.
March 14 : Today we add a number of new texts in Chinese. If you haven't used it yet, one of the other ways to check up on new arrivals is our docket page. Have a look.
March 12 : In honor of our new Tan Tui Form DVD, we are continuing to expand a project we've wanted to try for a long time. Our new "nexus page" on Tan Tui is like an instant search result showing the major resources on our site for this single topic. Today we added all the VCD information on the Spring Leg.
March 10 : 10 Road Tan Tui the Spring Leg Form is now on sale. We are also posting some background on this famous form which will talk about history and, on a more personal level, what it means to train this type of Kung Fu.
March 08 : Our Tan Tui DVD has arrived and will go on sale by Monday! This one is lucky to have survived computer crashes and about six re-filmings but here it is...
• Our newest acquisitions have some classic material including the record book on the Ching Wu, a reprint of very rare document. But first we start with a Wing Chun book in the traditonal language series that contains rare sets indeed such as the Comet Straight Sword, the Small Cyclone partner Staff and others.March 05 : Some times the merest gesture can mean everything, or nothing. Here instructor we consider nothing more than a "Flick of the Wrist".
March 03 : More quick notes:
• Finally, the last piece of the puzzle. The mixed-martial fist set of Shan Xi Xing Yi stylist Zhang Xi Gui: his own invention.
•A special commemorative editon from Sonny Tang who introduced Wing Chun to Canada. This shows Chi Sao, the Bil Ji form and the Three Post Trianing. Many photos of the Wing Chun community around Mr. Tang.February 29 : It's Sadie Hawkins Day, if anyone remembers what that is. We make a special note of a restocked text because we've had the devil's own time finding this book in Chinese. It deals with the Tai Chi of the famous Wu Tu Nan, the human being who, so far, practiced for the longest time, over ninety years. Master Wu was once asked the obvious question of whether Tai Chi helped his longevity to which he wisely answered, "I don't know but I don't think I can stop now." That was when he was around 100. He continue to live and practice for some years after that.
February 28 : We start an entirely new series of documentaries on the culture of China (yes, as it pertains to martial arts of course) with two well-made, gorgeous documentaries: on Chinese Taoism and China's Islamic community. Inexpensive, well sub-titled and filmed throughout the country, here is a great way to fill in some of the background knowledge necessary for a true appreciation of martial history and its thousands of years of struggle and glory.
February 26 : Quick notes: We now have another of our comparison pages for the Choy Lai Fut of 5th generation teacher Liang Nai Zhao. Check out both the DVDs and the VCDs in this series.February 25 : How do you know when to buy a VCD over a DVD or vice versa? Well of course that's an individual choice. On the other hand we at PLUM have always wanted to give the maximum value for that sometimes strained martial dollar ("What? ANOTHER iron palm bag?) So we are continuing with our special DVD/VCD recommendation pages. Our newest is on the Jin Gang Force style. We have already offered the VCDs but now they are not only compared to their DVD counterparts but we have added a background sheet on this very interesting style passed down from military/scholarly family members for centuries and mutually based on massage, qigong and martial skills.
February 22 : The Southern Fists gain yet another page for themselves. It's been a slow process but each time we add some Southern Kung Fu we feel like we're representing a wide spread and popular but relatively unsung group. Now, on the other side we have this situation with Southern Mantis ...
February 15 : Some styles, like Hung and most Mantis, have such a high general standard that we never tire of offering them to you. Choy Lai Fut is in this category. Teacher Li Siu Hung and his disciple Joe Keit fill out more of their series with the addition of two more forms: The Choy Lai Fut Dragon Spear and the Plum Flower Fist.
February 14 : Sometimes we find really good books which we simply have forgotten to post. Here's the return of the Fujian Southern Shaolin Boxing from one of our most popular Southern Kung Fu Chinese books series (simplified characters).
February 13 : Jiang Jian Ye returns with a newly abstracted course of Chen Famly Tai Chi Internal Power Training Methods which utilize exercises for the bare hands, Tai Chi ball, staff and other equipment. Our usual two or more discount applies ..
February 09 : We go through about ten "Shaolin" DVDs and VCDs for each one we offer. The trouble is we actually studied Shaolin for more than twelve years and know something about its fist. And we don't want to waste your time with contemporary Wushu champions straining to look like old monks. Here is one of our—at least lately—rare additions to the rostrum. And it's in English and Chinese but for VCD prices. Chang Hu Xin Yi and Liu He Boxing...February 08 : Happy New Year! The Year of the Rat is a time a new beginnings.
•Sometimes, new beginnings means returning (in Taoism it ALWAYS does). And we've just posted a book we've had in our personal library for many years and have finally found an edition to offer: the Bandying Exercises of Tai Chi Chuan should be immortalized for the name if nothing else; AND it's en face!
February 07 : Since it is aimed at the heads of instructors and not students, we've been amazed at the popularity of our "Instructor's Notebook" series. Here's the newest installment where Sifu Mancuso goes in for "Teaching the Combination". Yes, you can peek even if you're not an official instructor...February 05 : The "Natural" or ZIRAN school of fighting is very interesting because it works to eliminate fixed responses. It also contains some very intriguing Taoist philosophical principles. One of our more popular series on this art has just gone to DVD and, considering the sophistication of ZiRan explanations, and the unusual martial Qigong exercises, this may be a real boon for some people.
February 04 : Sorry we haven't posted more new articles and information on this site but we've been SO BUSY. He have a new Kung Fu Kids program at our school. We've finally shipped the Tan Tui DVD. We are working on our rather different Qigong book. We have just enough time to add new products of special interest only becaus—even though we're celebrating Debbie's birthday today—we STOLE the time to tell you that one of our favorite series: from instructor Liu Xiao Ling, has added another winner. Look at his explanation, explication and demonstration of Hebei Five Elements Boxing. It's different... ...
January 25 : Sometimes, when you are cleaning house you find treasures (of course that's why so few house cleanings actually get rid of much stuff). We noticed that some of Lion's Books on Baji were really pretty great and we have a new page for the art along with pigua so, if you are interested, take a gander...
• We also add a new classic text, a hand written book calling itelf a Boxing "Classic" and claiiming ancient pedigree. This in traditional characters ...January 25 : Though we realize that they have a limited audience, we often offer books of essays in Chinese on selected subjects. More and more martial artists are enjoying learninbg some of this source language—a good idea as the face of the future emerges—and of course there is a potential translator out there for every book. So here is our newest addition Baji Boxing Cultural Notes by boxer and calligrapher Li Hui Ning ...
January 23 : PLUM people time: Speaking of Joanna Zorya—as we just did on the 16th—you may wish to visit the weblog of one of her students at http://reelingsilk.wordpress.com/2008/01/17/pushing-and-shoving/ for a lively and interesting discussion facilitated by none other than herself.
•And... our resident acupuncturist, Narrye Caldwell, reviews Ted Mancuso's newest Tai Chi Short Set DVD with an eye toward why anyone would even want a short set in the first place...January 22 : Today begins a new program in our Santa Cruz school. "Kung Fu for Kids" run by instructor Luke Gelin is a very new approach for us and we hope it will expose a new generation of young people to our fascinating art.
•We add the Chinese edition of Wang Pei Sheng's justly famous Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan book to our line up.January 21 : We add a new Chinese text,this time on Chen Tai Chi's famous Pao Chui form by a man who spent much of his life sudying the style. This time we spice it up a little with a translated section your might find interesting... And, like true collectors, we add the last of the Wu Dang Boxing DVDs which, for some reason, we had not offered until now. That's that lot we think.
January 19 : Another intriguing and even challenging response for our "What is a Warrior"" section, this time from contributor Andrew Shinn.January 16 : We are delighted to have another article from teacher Joanna Zorya. Her clear and insightful pieces always give us an unexpected view and a unique combination of thoughts and observations. As some of you may know, Sifu Zorya has brought some censure onto herself. Why? Because she will not devalue Taichi and other Chinese martial arts—as some have—into a sport or mild exercise form. She is a fierce upholder of the martial tradition and we recommend people read her articles.
• We add another DVD from the Eight Shadows Drunken Boxing. This one has the bonus feature of some rare Kung Fu performance footage from the 1960's.January 13 : We have sold a good number of DVD's produced by the teacher Jason Tsou. Master Tsou has over 45 years of training in traditional Chinese Martial Arts and has trained under such Grandmasters as Liu Yun Chiao (Baji and Bagua Grandmaster), and Ch’ang Tung Sheng (Shuai Chiao Grandmaster) among others. His knowledge is comprehensive in many Kung Fu styles as in the following: Bagua Zhang, Tai Chi Chuan, Baji Chuan, Pigua Zhang, Chang Chuan, Tang Lang, Hsing I, various Chi Kung and weapons. What's most important for what we do is that he continually makes efforts to produce core material where concepts and principles are highly concentrated and accessible through his exercises. Frankly, little of this is "beginner's" material but all of it is highly layered and nuanced (Yes, these words have now been verb-arized). His newest efforts in Tai Chi Chi Kung and Bagua Chi Kung are up to his previous standard of dense information presented plainly and clearly.
January 10 : THE YEAR OF THE RAT is upon us. Does that mean we have to run around tearing up little pieces of paper to make a nest, or nibble cheese, or be chased by cartoon cats? No, this is an important time because it begins our next cycle of twelve years. Read about this as surveyed by our resident acupuncturist.
Also, the posting of our first responses to the question "What is a Warrior?" has inspired yet another nice piece of writing. We'll let you know as we add to this, so you can read what your fellow martial artists are thinking (and maybe even be moved, yourself, to write something down).
January 9 : A few months ago we asked people to write in with their impressions of an answer to "What is a warrior?" We post a few of the intriguing responses. The page is open for a while more if you have any thoughts on this...
January 5 : Happy Solar New Year. Watch for our comments on the important coming Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat which begins the 12 year Chinese cycle!
Here in Santa Cruz we have palm trees overturned like trash barrels right now in one of the biggest storms we've had in decades. There's been just enough time to post another article before the next brown out. We often have a lot of questions like which is "the best" VCD or DVD for any given topic. So we thought we'd share our opinions on specific forms and practitioners. Here's our first informal survey of some of the prime picks for...
