Chinese martial arts masters of the past wrote secret training manuals as well as training manuals available to the general public, sometimes appearing themselves in the illustrations. These manuals are an invaluable source of information about China's martial arts past and the photographs and drawing which many of them contain provide a glimpse back in time to how Chinese martial arts was actually practiced by the masters of the past. This book introduces the rich literary and pictoral legacy of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals for the first time to the west.

Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.

The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is a complete guide for anyone who has an interest in the martial arts. Having a broad knowledge of the various techniques of the martial arts gives a martial artist an expanded ability to counteract a variety of attacks and overwhelm an opponent's defenses. Author Ashley Martin shares with the reader his years of experience as a practitioner and teacher. He provides a catalog of the various martial arts being taught worldwide and their strengths and weaknesses. He then covers the basics of hand-to-hand techniques within each of those disciplines, from strikes to ground fighting. Finally, he offers information on the overall health and well being of the martial artist, including important nutritional information and stretching techniques. The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is a solid foundation of martial arts for beginners and a key supplement for the veteran martial artist.

Introducing a new scientific approach to Wing Chun kung-fu, this book gives a clear and detailed exposition of once closely guarded techniques. Rejecting the secretive approach that characterizes much of martial arts writing, the author draws upon biomechanical theory to explain logically and scientifically how the techniques of Wing Chun kung-fu work. After an explanation of the theory behind the various Wing Chun moves, the reader is led step-by-step through each of the forms. Chi gerk and chi sao, the Wing Chun sticky-hand and sticky-leg techniques, are explained and liberally accompanied by 183 photographs detailing the important moves. An additional section devoted to weight and power training for the martial artist makes this book invaluable, not just for those interested in Wing Chun kung-fu, but for practitioners of any martial art.

With over 40 years of experience Paul Brecher gives clear and insightful explanations of the Chinese Martial, Healing and Spiritual Arts. In this book he brings together all his knowledge and experience of Taoist Martial Arts. To help you to bring Yin Yang balance to your health and your life and make progress on your martial arts journey. Training in the Chinese Martial Arts brings three great benefits, good health, martial skill and understanding Tao - The Way. BOOK REVIEW by Paul Caswell This martial arts text covers all aspects of training, the theoretical, the historical and the technical. It is a rich and essential tool for anyone wanting to learn Old Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang and Wu Tang Shan Nei Jia Chuan. There are no fancy stories, self-publicizing images or unnecessary material. Just excellent quality teaching notes, written simply and easy to follow. Don't be fooled in thinking that this is a how-to manual. It is a tool designed to build deeper learning and supplement good old-fashioned hard work done in class and at home. As a former student of Paul's in the late 90's I only wish that I had this manual available to me as a student. I remember trying to write my own detailed notes for the Cannon Fist Form and some of the Wu Tang forms. It took me more time than necessary; it took me away from training and into writing about training. This text that Paul has produced now means that students do not need to waste time making unnecessary training notes. Everything in his system is in this text. It fills in many gaps, answers many questions and acts as both a reminder for learning that has taken place, and a signpost for future learning paths. This book has shown me how much I had learned in my time with Paul but also how much I had not learned. Don't be fooled into thinking that Paul is a mere tai chi instructor turned writer, metaphorically pontificating from his hand carved wooden throne, slowly caressing his long white beard, observing his students from a far in the training hall and thus with distain. In many ways, this text reflects Paul's characteristics both as a teacher, a healer and a man. He is epitomizes the Yin Yang symbol. He (and thus the text) is a vast font of internal martial and healing art knowledge, but he does not want to hold onto this information and slowly give it to you like masters of old. This text should be likened to an encyclopedia of all he teaches. No secrets, no special techniques. But it is only a compliment to regular training with Paul. This training manual demonstrates that Paul is tenacious and utterly committed to his training and thus developing his students. He smiles when he trains and does not take himself too seriously. This training manual is just that, a manual, not a doctrine to be worshipped. Paul is a formidable yet humble martial artist, he believes in what he does, what he teaches. More importantly, just like the material in this text, he can expertly and clearly demonstrate material in class. Paul is a writer second and a martial artist first. He can subtly evade your attacks, penetrate your defenses and make you wonder why you did not feel anything until his fingertips are millimeters from your eyes and throat whilst smiling as you realize what has just happened. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to anybody with an interest in the Chinese Martial Arts and those on the path learning Paul's material, beginner or advanced. Note the emphasis on the word martial. This text, like Paul is a shining example of the chuan, the fist, the kung fu, the hard work being both an integral and primary aspect of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts. Paul Caswell 2009

With detailed photographs and clear instruction for practice, this is the first book comprehensively to cover the history, development and training methods of this rarely taught esoteric internal martial art. The deceptively simple postures and movements of Yiquan are highly effective for achieving results for both health and combat, making it very appealing to martial artists, and Master Tang here reveals the secrets of a martial art still surrounded in mystery. He also provides a history of the origins and lineage of the Yiquan tradition, as well as detailed information on the stances and movements, weapons, and programs, grading and teaching. This complete guide to Yiquan will be essential for anyone interested in Yiquan or oriental martial and internal arts more generally.

Teach Yourself Jeet Kune Do! Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do is more than a bunch of martial arts techniques. It is a usable Jeet Kune Do training manual covering all aspects of Bruce Lee's fighting method. Unlike other martial arts, Bruce Lee developed Jeet Kune Do to be a practical form of self-defense. Use these techniques and strategies to beat your opponent as quickly as possible. Discover one of the most street-effective martial arts ever invented, because this is Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. Get it now. Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do Includes * Offensive and defensive Jeet Kune Do techniques. * Learn a martial art made for street fighting. * Train in the way of the intercepting fist. * Learn Jeet Kune Do foundations and fighting strategy. * Increase personal fitness. * Become lightning fast. * Increase power in all your strikes. * Easy to follow descriptions with clear pictures. * Progressive lessons so you can learn at your own pace. * Develop the ability to instinctively escape/react to any situation. ...and much more Train in the Way of the Intercepting Fist * The fundamental lead straight punch and all the important lessons that go with it. * How to deliver punches your opponent will never see coming. * Simple explanations of the principles of economy of motion. * Details the 5 ways of attack and how to apply them in your fighting strategy. * Learn about the centerline and how to use it to your advantage. * The On-Guard Position. * Development of power and speed. * The fastest strike you can do and how to make it (and all other strikes) as fast as possible. * The most powerful strike you can do and how to make it (and all other strikes) as powerful as possible. * Jeet Kune Do footwork including the shuffle, quick movements, circling, bursting, etc. * A modified Jeet Kune Do version of Chi Sao. Offensive and Defensive Jeet Kune Do Techniques * Evasive movements. * Parries. * Counterattacks. * Trapping. * Jeet Kune Do kickboxing skills including punches, kicks, and combinations. * Interception. * Sliding leverage. * Knees and elbows. Learn Jeet Kune Do Fighting Strategy * Discover the use distance in fighting. Includes simple explanations of fighting measure, closing in, the four ranges, etc. * Understand the use of broken rhythm, cadence, and other timing concepts. These will give an otherwise slower person the upper-hand. * Learn how to create openings in your opponent's guard using feints, false attacks, and more. * Breaks down the 5 ways of attack for complete understanding and use in fighting strategy. A Perfect Accompaniment to The Tao of Jeet Kune Do The Tao of Jeet Kune Do is Bruce Lee's own book on his fighting art. It has techniques, strategy, and philosophy, but it is not a Jeet Kune Do training manual. Unlike other Jeet Kune Do books, this one fills that gap Limited Time Only... Get your copy of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do today and you will also receive: * Free SF Nonfiction Books new releases * Exclusive discount offers * Downloadable sample chapters * Bonus content … and more! Teach yourself how to fight like the legend himself, because this training manual covers all aspects of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. Get it now.

Get your training off to a great start--from basic kicks to training and tournaments--this book is a perfect introduction to kung fu for beginners. It's everything you need to get started in kung fu! Are you eager to learn kung fu, but don't know where to begin? Are you intimidated by the unfamiliar terms or the variety of styles? With Kungfu Basics you'll become an expert in this Chinese martial art in no time! Whether you are considering taking up this martial art, or you've already started, Kungfu Basics offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful. You'll learn about: The origins of kung fu--philosophy, history and different styles What really happens in a kung fu class--invaluable tips on choosing the right school, getting ready for your first class, and basic training methods The essential elements of the style--stances, footwork, kicks, and hand techniques, with tips on common mistakes and how to get the most power out of each move Drill and conditioning exercises--exercises to compliment your training Effective ways to improve your kung fu technique--traditional teaching advice of Chinese masters Resources--help further develop your knowledge and understanding of kung fu

Devoted to the most enigmatic and little-known aspect of training of Shaolin monks. Training methods allow supernatural abilites to develop, far beyond abilities of an ordinary man. The book was writen with the blessing and direct participation of the Head of the Shaolin Monastery Reverend Miao Xing, nicknamed "The Golden Arhat," one of the best Shaolin fighters of all times. These secret practices traditionally called "72 arts of Shaolin" or the essence of the Shaolin Combat Training.