A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, Plum pre-announced our newest book/DVD package by Ted Mancuso on the Kung Fu Saber. Needless to say, it took us just a bit longer to produce these than we expected, but we are thrilled to say, THE SABER IS HERE!
This is the third in the four part series on the Grandfather weapons of Kung Fu: Staff, Spear, Saber and the one still-to-come, Straight Sword. But with all projects at Plum, very little follows the straight commercial path. Although those old standbys of yesteryear, which dutifully exposed a hungry audience to uncommon routines and weapons, served a good purpose, martial literature has actually matured a bit since then. At least, that is what we intend for our own publications.
The Pigua Saber routine is taught on the 80 minute DVD accompanying this text, but the book itself is devoted more to the essence of Saber play. A weapon is always more than a weapon in Kung Fu, especially since its original purpose for fighting is rarely exercised these days. But weapons are also masterful teachers and training devices, for both other weapons and empty-hand practice. And each weapon carries its own real calling–saber play, for instance, is probably the most definitive example of Chan Si Jin. Not the highest, but the most definitive. On another level, the saber offers benefits by maximizing torso involement. And it also strengthens the interconnectedness of the body. These are just a few of the lessons taught by Saber.
As always, Ted includes lengthy passages in both mediums on basics, structure, spirit. This volume also contains an in-depth argument on the differences between usage and application, followed by examples of both. A good part of the book, and some of the DVD, is devoted to explicating these two, especially against the Saber’s famous enemy, the Spear.
The wait is over, so go HERE for more information and to order. Also, Ted will autograph the first 25 we send out.
Thanks, Debbie!
This series of books on weapons has been awesome!
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I’ll definitely have to pick up a copy. I really enjoy your productions.
In the above you say: “saber play, for instance, is probably the most definitive example of Chan Si Jin. Not the highest, but the most definitive.”
Is this concept covered in the book? I’d like to explore that rationale, as I would have thought the straight sword to play that role. Fascinating!
Is this the same Pigua Saber wich is also practiced in taiwan by the Liu Yunchiao branch?
Hi Kato,
I know what is probably a Xing Yi saber from the Liu YunChiao group but this form is from Shaolin Pigua.
Thanks,
Ted
Hey Ted,
thank you for your reply!
Is the Shaolin Pigua also related to a Piguazhang system?
Or something independent like Chang Quan’s Bagua Dao?
I’m practice the Piguazhang system from the Liu Yunchiao branch and always interested in seeing how other schools are mixing Pigua with weapons.
And one more question.
Are you planing to release a similar book about the sword in the near future? Since there is also one about the spear and staff.
I really appreciate your work! 🙂
Kato,
To the best of my knowledge the Shaolin Pigua is based on a borrowed version of Cang County original Pigua. It’s less common now but it used to be completely kosher to take a representative form of a style and incorporate that one form into your core art. There is for instance a Shaolin Baji, Tong Bei and Mantis (since it was originally inspired by Shaolin, the Mantis might be an example of a borrowing from your own family).