In traditional Kung Fu, we often talk about the shape of an Art, although that shape cannot always be easily defined. It might include a short list of specific qualities, a couple of hard-won principles, certain approaches to its qigong, methods learned from its secret songs…It is elusive and typically closely-held. The experienced eye might […]
Mar
28
2021
28
2021
Dec
19
2018
19
2018
Caylor Adkins
We recently learned of the passing of Caylor Adkins, who died in November at the age of 84. Mr Adkins was well-known for decades as a Karateka, but his work bridged both Japanese and the Chinese martial arts, most specifically in his insightful text on Iron Ball, Wooden Staff, Empty Hands. We mourn his passing, […]
Jul
7
2018
7
2018
Principle-Driven Skill Development
A book like Principle-Driven Skill Development was inevitable. The western attraction to de-construction can be highly functional and, as demonstrated here, is particularly applicable to martial principles. In this book, teacher Russ Smith not only presents solid information but dissects years of experience to show the foundational principles of martial studies. He really thinks about […]
Aug
20
2017
20
2017
Instructor’s Notebook: Revelations
Sometimes, words that once held deeper meanings are now expressed in shallow terms. It’s just “aaawesssomme.” For instance, when people use the word, “revelation” they are probably pumping up some slight thing, like office gossip, or promoting the discovery of the correct word in a crossword puzzle. But the core meaning of revelation has more […]
Feb
10
2017
10
2017
Dec
28
2016
28
2016
The Karate/Kung Fu Connection: Bubishi
Just arrived, TWO books: the premier translation of the martial-world famous Bubishi by Patrick McCarthy; AND more stock on the gorgeous hardcover edition of The General Tian Wubeizhi: The Bubishi in Chinese Martial Arts. The convergence of these two–the translation (Bubishi) and the commentary (General Tian’s Wubeizhi)–mirror the revelations contained in these two texts concerning […]
Dec
16
2016
16
2016
The Bible of Karate
What is the Bubishi? It is many things, but it’s most common attribution is “the Bible of Karate.” Why should Chinese stylists take an interest in a book that is fundamental to an Okinawan art? Because a closer look at this remarkable text opens up a widely different estimation, one that is both more expansive, […]
Dec
2
2016
2
2016
Bubishi Classic, Like You Have Never Seen Before (Updated)
Plum treasures our close affiliation with Lionbooks in Taiwan, both for their extensive library of authentic, hard-to-find martial arts literature, and the exceptional job they do of making these books beautiful. So, we are excited to announce their new english language study of the Bubishi, the foundational text of Karate, including two Bubishi manuals, both […]
Nov
7
2015
7
2015
Deep Practices
Learning Kung Fu can be a unique experience or, if you are not paying attention, it can be just another subject with the same tired educational template thrown over it. By a “unique experience” I do not mean the kind advertised on vacation posters. I mean an experience that shoots through your veins and hovers […]
Nov
4
2013
4
2013
Don’t Block that Block
Sometimes people tell me there is no blocking in their martial styles and I feel a little sad for them. No doubt they feel that not blocking is a more evolved level of martial prowess.
Jan
24
2007
24
2007
ESPY TV
ESPY TV has concentrated on the Eastern seaboard and covered many fine teachers and active schools there.
May
31
2006
31
2006
Lessons by Mail
Yesterday while writing a letter to a friend, I got to thinking about what the martial arts means in our lives. You know, though it’s been said time and again that you really can’t learn from a book or video, they sure are fun to have and collect. I remember being 7 years old and […]
Oct
7
2001
7
2001
KARATE: Fear No Man!!
Really, how many of us would admit such sources…
