We are in our typical state of “too much coming all at once,” so we thought we’d offer an appetizer of what to expect in the next few weeks. We’re already getting questions about a couple of these, so consider this your official update. And, of course, as soon as we post this, more will […]
Jul
29
2021
29
2021
Sep
2
2019
2
2019
“Baji” vs. “Taiji”—Only “One” “Dot” Different
Here is a new piece by Adam Hsu. This article contrasts two superstars of Chinese martial arts: TaiJi Quan Chuan and Baji Quan, each of them a brilliant martial art, each based on some profound principles, each a model for understanding Chinese Wushu. Never disappointing, he examines these two seemingly opposed arts and uncovers similarities […]
Mar
16
2019
16
2019
New Arrivals: Tai Chi Staff, Shaolin Fists
Trying to keep up with the tower of material stacked high here at Plum, waiting to be catalogued and made available to you! Today’s newest additions start off with the Yang Tai Chi 68 Staff DVD (2 parts) demonstrated by the popular Jiang Jiang Ye. This 68 move form is one of the longest sets […]
Aug
4
2017
4
2017
Muslim Kung Fu: The Fist of the Bodyguards
Comment: Of the over 700 articles and opinion pieces on the martial arts I’ve published, this one on Muslim Kung Fu has probably gotten the most reactions. Letters and question from all over the world have flooded in. There is a lot of interest there in Jiao Men, Islamic martial arts. Here is the first […]
Jun
13
2016
13
2016
Bajiquan Celebration in Taiwan
We were delighted to see this clip from a recent Liu Yun Chiao memorial held in Taipei. Sifu Adam Hsu leads the whole room in a simple exercise that GM Liu reported he performed over 200 times a day; he recommended this two-move loop for improving all Kung Fu training. Note the esteemed teachers of […]
Jun
10
2016
10
2016
Remarkable Adam Hsu
Not for the first time, Sifu Adam Hsu is doing something remarkable. And, as with many projects that fall into the ‘remarkable’ category, it is also different enough that a few words of explanation are not mis-spent. In fact, he is producing something completely new based on one of the most traditional methods for teaching […]
Dec
29
2015
29
2015
Adam Hsu Interview, Complete: Parts 1 – 8
All episodes now available! Watch and listen to our extensive (and intensive) interview that we conducted in Taipei with Adam Hsu. No stranger to controversy, Adam Hsu discusses usage, teachers and the problems of teaching, “spreading the word,” and what is necessary for practice in Parts 4 and 5. As always, expect to hear a […]
Nov
12
2015
12
2015
Adam Hsu Interview, Part 5
This session concentrates on “the Kung Fu Instructor,” and spreading the word. Adam Hsu gives a little insight into his many decades struggle with practitioners and agencies to promote authentic Kung Fu. Want to watch ALL (Parts 1-8) on youtube? Want to watch Part 1 on this site? Want to watch Part 2 on this […]
Nov
12
2015
12
2015
Adam Hsu Interview, Part 4
In Part 4 of our interview, Adam Hsu makes some critical comments on what he sees in Kung Fu usage and applications. He speaks further of the goals and methods for Kung Fu training. Want to watch ALL (Parts 1-8) on youtube? Want to watch Part 1 on this site? Want to watch Part 2 […]
Oct
18
2015
18
2015
Adam Hsu Interview, Part 3
Continuing our discussion on weapon’s practice, the interview moves to the topics of Kung Fu forms, and where they fit into the curriculum. Want to watch ALL (Parts 1-8) on youtube? Want to watch Part 1 on this site? Want to watch Part 2 on this site? Want to watch Part 4 on this site? […]
Oct
14
2015
14
2015
Adam Hsu Interview, Part 2
Learning “true basics” is at the core of Kung Fu. In this session, Part 2 of our interview, Adam Hsu talks about communicating and the practice of Kung Fu Weaponry. Want to watch All (Parts 1-8) on youtube? Want to watch Part 1 on this site? Want to watch Part 3 on this site? Want […]
Oct
13
2015
13
2015
Adam Hsu Interview, Part 1
In Part 1, our interview starts with a question about Kung Fu’s true DNA. Discussion follows, on the Kung Fu experience, and what that means, and what makes Kung Fu absolutely unique as a martial art. Part 2 (on this site) Part 3 (on this site) Part 4 (on this site) Part 5 (on this […]
Aug
14
2015
14
2015
Legwork
Years ago I wrote an article focusing on some aspects of this undiscovered treasure.
Mar
27
2015
27
2015
How to Work the Dummy
It’s solid teak, something that your hand will not let you forget if it happens to meet the wooden body straight on. This reminds us that the first requirement in working with a dummy is that we not injure ourselves so badly that we have no choice but to stop working with the dummy. Also, […]
May
25
2014
25
2014
Some Favorite Styles…
Sometimes readers ask me for suggestions without specifying any certain style. They leave that open. In essence, their exacting and sometimes highly technical queries often boil down to ”what styles do you like?” Of course the real answer is “a lot of them” since I am a lover of Chinese martial arts. Strangely enough, many […]
Dec
8
2013
8
2013
Kung Fu in the Next Century
The problem with Shaolin is not that it will disappear but that the name will become so common as to signify nothing.
Apr
13
2013
13
2013
Baji Quan Heritage–New Book!
Due to the rather thin line of heritage, high level instruction is not easily avaiable…
Jan
21
2013
21
2013
An Historical Event: The Cang County Record
In 1992 an historical event in Chinese martial arts took place…
Jan
10
2012
10
2012
Baji and Pigua Books, Back for a Limited Engagement
Yes, we know: there is not enough material on the cousin arts of Baji Quan and Pigua Zhang, especially in written form. Our VCDs on these two arts still remain among our most popular, and the Baji and Pigua DVDs we carry (from Adam Hsu and Tony Yang ) are quite fine. So we’re happy […]
Mar
5
2011
5
2011
The Three Eights
It is not typical to see them this way, but you could make an argument that most “styles” in martial arts are just about space…
