At Plum, we keep a wantlist for things that go out of stock, out of print, or just disappear into the ether. This is such a common occurrence with the traditional material that we represent, that despite our sincere collecting of customer lists, even we must admit that many books and dvds never return. But […]
Aug
5
2022
5
2022
Dec
3
2021
3
2021
Kittens, Newbies, and an Old Favorite
Sort of hard to believe it is already December. In-between projects and cataloguing and writing articles, we have been keeping an eye on our two new wrestlers, Uxmal and Notte, a 6 month old (kitten) sister act who have taken up permanent residence in our home (and hearts). When they are not sleeping or eating, […]
Apr
23
2020
23
2020
Shaolin Sheltering: Weird Weapons
Among the first commandments for stifling COVID-19 is ‘do not touch your face’. This was extremely difficult for me. Spring is allergy season. It makes me cough and sneeze, and the last thing I want to be right now is a coughing sneezing Asian. What’s more, my nose is always itchy. To keep from scratching, […]
Apr
11
2020
11
2020
Copper Whiskers
This is an article about one of the great weapons, a weapon that has been employed in real combat but which is also considered an instrument of beauty and style. People react variously to a two-edged straight sword; some see its performance as art. This is rare. Traditionally, scholars wore a straight sword […]
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 […]
Nov
4
2015
4
2015
Why the Saber?
Ted Mancuso’s next book for Plum, adds the third to his four-book sequence on Kung Fu’s primary weapons. Saber can explode your understanding of the more advanced weapons. A firm grounding in the “4-S” (spear, sword, staff and saber) actually helps in your empty hand practice. Even more than some of his earlier books, Ted […]
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 […]
Nov
26
2014
26
2014
Chop Chop
At Plum, we never give up on books, even if we are told they have gone out of print. And sometimes we are rewarded by the return of a classic; in this case, it’s Yin Yu Zhang’s slim volume on the famous Chopper Knife. We now, once again, have a few copies available. Click image […]
Mar
16
2014
16
2014
Kung Fu Theater: Adam Hsu Shows Weapons
Here’s another memorable entry from that great period on TV when Tat Mau Wong hosted Kung Fu Theater? Sifu would interview a different guest each week and then the teacher would go out on the floor and demonstrate his specialty. If you do remember, here it is. And if you don’t you are in for […]
Oct
18
2013
18
2013
Staff: Kung Fu Weapon of Skill…Our new Book/DVD package is here!
Despite last week’s hiccup, we are very proud to announce the arrival of Plum’s newest publication, “Staff: Kung Fu Weapon of Skill.” Sometimes I think the most difficult part of every project is the one I am engaged in right at this minute: writing the announcement post about the project. We don’t like to brag […]
Apr
25
2012
25
2012
Restock: Bagua Kicking and Weapons Control Grappling
Just a quick notice that we have gotten in a few more copies of these ever-desirable and always in short supply Chinese books. The simplified character book on Bagua Linked Legs also contains two rarely seen Bagua forms, the Linked Leg set and the Guiding Fist. And the traditional character book on Weapons Control contains […]
Sep
4
2011
4
2011
The Book-Go-Round
Here at Plum, we sometimes get as excited when books return, as when we get new ones; the great ones tend to disappear quickly so it is always a happy time for us when we can restock some favorites. Our newest batch is scattered all over the map, but if you click on the pictures […]
Aug
17
2011
17
2011
The Bandit in the House: Plum’s Newest Publication
In this 210 page book, illustrated with over 100 photos, Ted teaches the Shaolin Bandit Knife. This weapon that is rarely demonstrated, much fun to play, and—with such movements as “body spin under knife”—also makes a traditional and beautiful performance set. Plus, for the first time, an extensive usage section tests the Knife against its worthy opponent, the Spear.
Jun
18
2011
18
2011
The Art of the Chinese Saber
This is EXACTLY the type of book we love to be able to offer you at Plum. Jack Chen has translated an ancient classic and presented it with illustrations and text in the original Chinese characters, the pinyin translation, and English.
Mar
18
2011
18
2011
In Moonlight
Imagine a wheat field of steel stalks, swaying and flashing in the sunlight. That’s what you would have if you brought all the straight sword players daily to the same park for an hour. This is because there are millions of Kung Fu players alive today who practice the straight sword and find it endlessly […]
Aug
24
2010
24
2010
Complete Jianshu: The Review
My first impression upon cracking open “The Complete Jianshu” was that this was professionally done…
