Customer Reviews (2)

Real results obtained
I read this book as a scholar during 1976. I was fit and playing rugby for the schools 1st team. My heart rate was measured at a steady 60 beats per minute (bpm) and during the end of year break before beginning my then compulsory military training, I began performing the basic exercises as described in the book. Within the month, I reported for my stint and was medically examined for health categorisation and was astounded to find my heart rate had dropped to 48 bpm.

Now at age 42, I am desparately looking form a copy, if not new then a used copy of the book that served me so well back then. My original copy has been lost along the way.

for anyone who wants to improve their health
You don't need to be a devotee of martial arts to get tremendous benefit from the techniques shown in this book. Simple powerful exercises that will make you stronger and healthier without stressing your joints or risking damage to yourself. I read the book 20 years ago and still do the exercises daily. You can see results in a very short time. ... Read more

Product Description
The kung fu tournament in China occurs at the same time as the annualFeast of the Hungry Ghosts, proving to Cassidy that she’s there for areason. The competition in the tournament is fierce, but nothing assavage as the ceremony, where bands of angry ghosts come out to hauntthe living. This year they’re after Cassidy, demanding that she hand overa mysterious sixth coin she never knew existed. If she doesn’t defeatthe vengeful Hungry Ghosts, they will destroy all of the spirits of herancestors—and Cassidy will never be born! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A thrilling conclusion to a riveting trilogy!
It has been almost a year since Cassidy Chen received a mysterious box of gold coins, featuring ancient Chinese symbols upon them, for her fourteenth birthday. Since that day, much has happened, and Cassidy has used her kung fu skills to overcome many powerful beings. However, Cassidy is now down to the last of the five coins. She has already defeated the snake demon, the plague ghost, the trickster demon, and her dark half, all without hardly breaking a sweat. And, as she battled one after the other, she earned heightened abilities - the ability to heal quickly, see spirits, develop heightened senses, and embrace the mind of a warrior, one that is calm and at peace. But this last coin holds something much stronger than the four previous coins. For this last coin can mean either life or death for Cassidy, and will pit her against a man she has trusted for years. A man she thought cared for her. As if that weren't bad enough, she will be battling this last demon on unfamiliar territory, for it will take place in Hong Kong, during the kung-fu competition that she has been placed into. Cassidy, along with her close friends James and Luis, as well as her sparring partner, Majesta, have been chosen to represent Master Lau's Wing Chun class in Hong Kong. However, Master Lau has something much different on his mind. All he appears to be thinking of is the upcoming Hungry Ghost Festival. Luis is excited to have the opportunity to experience such an unordinary celebration, when the spirits who have no loved ones are able to spend the day floating amongst the living, and attempt to eat the spirits of those who were loved in life, but Cassidy doesn't share his excitement. For on this particular day, Cassidy will be battling the last demon. A demon who plans on eating her ancestors spirits, leaving her to disappear. For if Cassidy's ancestors are gone, then it will be as if she hadn't ever existed. Now, with the help of James, as well as a blast from the past, Cassidy must concentrate on defeating the most dangerous demon yet, and fulfill her prophecy of kung fu princess, or risk failure, and cease to exist.

From book one Pamela Walker has woven an intricate plot that takes the reader on a bumpy ride through battles, the spirit world, and everyday interactions that Cassidy must face, and overcome with both the demons of her life, and the people who call themselves her friends. Cassidy, as with the two previous novels - DAUGHTER OF LIGHT and IN GOLD AND JADE - is as strong-willed and brave as ever. While she finds herself often contemplating death, she attempts to keep the mind of a warrior, and think calm thoughts; thoughts that will help her through this trying time. While we learned much about ancient Chinese mythology in the first two installments, VEIL OF SECRETS takes readers on a tour of Hong Kong, where we have the opportunity to not only embrace some of the sights that Hong Kong has to offer, but get a better feel for the territory that Cassidy finds herself battling upon. Not only is this engrossing for those interested in travel, but it really presents a nice backdrop for the upcoming kung fu tournament, and life-threatening battle that Cassidy must succumb to. Since book one, Cassidy has matured so much, completing eighth grade, and coming to terms with both her destiny, and her ancestry; while, at the same time, staying levelheaded and managing to balance both a personal life, and her secret life as a warrior. This transformation is wonderful to witness, and makes Cassidy's personality leave an even great impact on the reader. A thrilling conclusion to a riveting trilogy!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sincere but just scratches the surface of Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
This book is the first in a series written by Sifu Paul Eng. It provides a brief overview of Mantis training and then settles down to specifically examine the Mantis Spear Hand. It does this fairly well, using many smallish but clear photos and adequate written explanations. The pictures allow you to see the postures of a recognized Praying Mantis master. For those of you who can read Chinese there are reproductions of Chinese text.

The author, Sifu Paul Eng, has studied Chinese Martial Arts for over 35 years and is obviously comfortable showing and discussing the forms in this book. It's mostly pictures of postures followed by brief explanations with little on the history or philosophy of Praying Mantis Kung Fu. However, for what it is it's well done and it's obvious that the author is a sincere and dedicated student of Chinese Martial Arts. This book lacks depth but as just one part of an intended series (I don't know if any other in the series were published) it can't be faulted for that. As a matter of fact, with about 150 pages devoted almost entirely to one technique (Spear Hand) you could say the focus is actually pretty deep but very narrow.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Excellent!
If you love kung-fu and wish to learn what it is all about, this book is a must. It's not an instructional book, but rather a collection of essays on different aspects that range from training to principles, and a bit of kung-fu history. So it is "theory", but what you are going to learn concerning principles for proper kung-fu training, attitude, fighting, distinguishing between what kung-fu is actually is - and what is not - is damn important!

I would give it 5 stars but...
Let me clarify several things from this book.

A) The book is absolutely fantastic.Definitely in my top 5 favorite martial arts books (Along with Zen in the Martial arts, Meditations on Violence, & others).

Adam Hsu is a longtime practitioner of traditional martial arts, is skilled, and knows his stuff.

Now that that's clarified..

B) Adam Hsu is VERY Gung ho about what is "real" kung fu.He is most certainly a purist, and seems to be disgusted by all these other false forms of Kung fu.That's alright, but it seems to echo throughout the book very strongly.

This book NEEDS to be added to any martial artist's library, especially if you study kungfu.

Interesting Book, But Not What I was Looking For!
I understood when I bought the book that it was a compilation of Sifu Hsu's articles but I thought that the breadth of his articles would be more substantial.Like the other reviewer said, it stated a lot about what isn't Kung Fu, and not so much on what is.I wish he went deeper into principles instead of alluding to them.There were a few choice chapters, but it was funny that everything he refereced was to Chen Style Taiji/Tai Chi.I would have thought he'd reference some of his other styles he knew such as Mantis, Baji or even piqua.Some times he touched on Changquan or Long fist but that was it.I thought it would have been more beneficial if he referenced his other styles or just stuck to body mechanics.

What IS true kung fu?
Mr. Hsu takes a lot of time describing false Kung Fu, but as mentioned in other reviews here, he only sometimes tells us what true Kung Fu is.Is it what he does and only what he does? How does he know what he does isn't fake? He tackles issues about mixing styles and such (that it is not for the serious practioner), but does he realize that's what people have done for centuries? No! Praying Mantis blends monkey and mantis moves, White Crane mixes birds with the ape,etc. I've looked a long time for a good non-instructional Kung Fu book(with in- depth history and philosophy), and this proves to be a disappointment. Kung fu is way too diverse to generalize into a certain "way" like other martial arts. Mr. Hsu attempts to do way too much in so few pages. A noble attempt, yes, but the many flavors of Kung Fu are best left exposed by the many practioners of it.

Begin here. . .
In your quest to find good and traditional kung fu begin with this book. After you have completed this book begin to search for an artform that you will believe in and use your head and other resources to find what you have been looking for - real kung fu. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of articles detailing Bruce Lee’s rise to fame, including Lee’s own famous and controversial essay "Liberate Yourself from Classical Karate." 160 pgs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Hi-Yah!
I follow this style of Kung-Fu It helps to have something to refer to and I like to understand the reasoning behind the move... the physics of it all.
Anyway - It works well for me.

Still the Best Introduction to Hung Gar for the Actual Student

This nice, thick volume was renowned Sifu Bucksam Kong's first mass-market book on Hung Gar style, which was later followed by the more advanced Tiger Crane Book.Originally published in the 1970's and having gone through a 10-year period of being out of print and hard to obtain, this volume has recently been reissued by the publisher with a colorful new cover.The timeless "meat" in the pages between the covers is still the same, however!

Hung Gar Gung Fu combines strength with speed and often inpressive low stances reminicrent og Goju Ryu.This volume includes complete instruction on the basics of this style, from vital points, stance work, striking, kicking, and deflecting, to the first form, the Two-Man Sparring Set.A superb and complete introduction to Hung Gar style.Bucksam Kong is one of the foremost authorities on this style, and has also published a number of DVDs which detail the Hung Gar and Lau Gar schools.

You will find older editions of this book with the original bright gold cover/

Excellent Book on Hung Gar!
Of all the older style martial art books that show many pictures and techniques, this one is one of the best.Sifu Buck Sam Kong has been known to be open and honest about his art, and this book is a reflection of that.Of course, one should not hope or desire to learn an art form from a book--particularly a martial art form--but this text is pretty darn clear about what Lau Gar Kuen is about.Expressed in the photos as well is the kind of physical endurance one will need to practice the art: low stances, powerful hands and arms, and fierce determination.

one of Ohara's 70s classics
A very comprehensive little book on Hung Gar boxing by a fine artist.Includes:breathing,stretching,stances,form&application,footwork diagrams for each movement,as well as informative reading.Back in the 70s Ohara was pretty much THE source for martial arts guidebooks and they set a standard that is still very competitive with the newly pulished works of today.This book along with:Wing Chun-James Yimm lee,Sil Lum kung fu-Leo T. Fong,Choy Lay Fut-Leo Fong,White Crane gung fu-Michael Staples,and Muay Thai Kickboxing-Hardy Stockman,are all fine examples of Ohara's great martial arts books of the 70s. ... Read more

Product Description
Priceless Heritage of Southern Shaolin Inherited from the Past and Handed Down by Venerable Grandmaster Lam Sai Wing.Iron Thread form was created by Tid Kiu Sam, one of the best martial artists in the history of China. His real name was Leung Kwan (1813-1886). He was one of the famous Ten Tigers of Guangdong. The Iron Thread is considered as the highest form taught in the traditional Southern Shaolin Hung Gar Kung Fu system. This method belongs to a branch of "hard", or fighting Southern Shaolin Qi Gong (Chi Kung) and considered as "Internal Training". A master of the Iron Thread can withstand, with no consequences, the strongest of blows, including ones with heavy objects or cold steel, bend thick iron rods with his hands, and his "rooting power" is so strong that he cannot be displaced by a group of strong people. In addition, this wonderful method strengthens all internal organs, bones, muscles and sinews. The entire body thrives and rejuvenate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great Hung Gar form combining both the internal and the external.
Lam Sai Wing's, "Iron Thread," is a masterfully constructed instructional manual for the Hung Gar form, "Iron Thread."This form combines the elements of both the internal and the external, and is designed to promote physical strength and development of internal energy.
The Author begins with the lineage of his own Masters, and the origins of Hung Gar Kung Fu.He also provides a few fitting and excellent stories about their exploits.
The form itself is illustrated from one posture to the next, with careful descriptions of each move, as well as the feelings one should experience when the postures are executed correctly.The form is unusual in that specific vocalizations accompany many of the techniques, and are often combined with a sort of moving, dynamic tension.The form is also very economical in its use of space, and it should fit easily within the confines of the average apartment room.The movements are not too complicated at the surface, and won't prove to be too difficult for the studious practitioner.The true complexity of this form however, will only be grasped after long, diligent study, as its internal methods should prove quite challenging to master.There are also no kicking techniques in this form, and that may prove attractive to some.I also felt that this form would fit in well with many Karate systems forms repertoire, and it reminded me in some ways of Goju-Ryu or Ueichi Ryu.
Generous Masters such as Lam Sai Wing should be held in the highest regard for works such as this, without which, many of us would never experience the wonders of Shaolin Kung fu.Master Wing claims that the strength of the diligent practitioner of the Iron Thread can increase by nine times.Whether or not that this is true will be up to the student who reads and then strives. Many Shaolin Arts and Kung Fu use the concept of a "continuous thread of energy," and I believe that the "Iron Thread," is supposed to be practiced in just such a way, never truly stopping from beginning until the end.I for one, can't wait to try it.

Sincerely, Erik D. J. O'Brien The Drums of Doom: Part 2 of The Duaredheim Staff Saga

Excellent
This book contains excellent and detailed descriptions of every technique in the Iron Wire Set. I think it also very useful for people who have a background in Tai Chi, because this is a unique description of the most internal form of the hard style of Hung Gar Kung Fu.

Best Translation of a Treasure
Andrew Timofeevich has masterfully translated Lam Sai Wing's (Author), Tid Sid Kuen - Iron Wire form with easy to understand and follow instructions.Martial Artists need to add this one to your library even if you don't intend to learn the form.It opens up the essence of Hung Gar which can greatly benefit those in both soft and hard styles.The illustrations in combination with the detailed instruction make it easy for anyone to enter a heretofore secret art. ... Read more

Product Description
Dramatic kung fu forms, illustrated step-by-step directions. The Great Circle of tai chi. Excellent solo practice for fitness and recreation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A fair introduction to the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
I have been involved in mostly Japanese martial arts; however, I have also studied Tai Chi long enough to receive an instructor rank from my teacher.Though Bruce Tegner has been criticized by many traditional martial artists; nevertheless, he should be given credit for introducing the public to a non-mystical approach to the martial arts.This book provides a fair introduction to one system of Kung Fu as well as a standard Tai Chi form.No, this is not a great book to learn Kung Fu or Tai Chi, but it could serve as a supplement text in combination with training under a Kung Fu or Tai Chi master. One of the things I like about this and other Tegner books is the way he approaches the topic.He criticizes the mystical approach for a more rational and scientific explanation.This is especially true in the Chinese formal martial arts.When I was studying Tai Chi, I had heard many silly unscientific stories about so called martial art masters who could knock you down without touching you.In conclusion, this is a fair book that is entertaining and informative. Rating:3 stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and self-defense Myths, The Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Never Trust a Politician).

Historically Important English Language Kung Fu/Tai Chi Book And Useful Book On Forms -- Especially For Exercise
I did some web research on this book. Some folks, who were around in the sixties, say that Tegner adapted the Kung Fu material in this book from "Chinese Karate Kung-Fu, Original Sil Lum System" by T. Y. Wong and James Yimm Lee (friend of Bruce Lee). Here is an old quote from an online forum:



"As for the late V. E. Christensen (the guy demonstrating in the BruceTegner book "Kung Fu & Tai Chi, Chinese Karate & Classical Exercises"), a former Tegner student once claimed that Christensen had trained in Los Angeles with Ark Yuey Wong. I do believe he was mistaken though. It's understandable, since the Kung Fu uniform Christensen wears is the same kind that Ark Wong wore (and rather distinctive), but if one compares the contents of the Tegner book with the contents of T.Y. Wong's Sil Lum book, it is VERY apparent that everything in Tegner's book was adapted from Wong's book.

That's not to say that they are exact copies. Certain things which are only mentioned in Wong's book are expanded upon in Tegner's volume to create several basic, beginning-level forms, while the last two forms (which are just slight variations of the ones in Wong's book) are almost move-for-move the same, with certain changes, possibly to avoid copyright infringements."



Tegner, after all, was a Judo blackbelt and champion -- not a Kung-Fu expert. T. Y. Wong had a school in San Francisco during the sixties. His style is said to be rare in the America (that is why another reviewer doesn't recognize it). Wong's book was released in 1961 and is one of the first English language books on Kung Fu. It seems to be something of a collector's item. It is hard to find and expensive. I am glad Tegner copped the material from the Wong book so that I can have a look at it (cheap). When I was a kid (60s), Tegner helped introduce America to the Asian martial arts when there wasn't much available. His books were a staple in school libraries. For that alone, he deserves credit.

The Tai Chi material in this book is good. In his introduction to Tai Chi, Tegner states, "do not worry too much about little variations of posture; the main thing is to capture the attitude and essence of the movements. If you do that, you get the benefits of the exercise." This advice is similar to the advice given in the Official Manual of the People's Republic of China (see "Knocking At The Gate of Life" by Chang). The PRC manual even recommends making up your own Tai Chi-like movements if you can't learn traditional Tai Chi.

Reviewers who give this book a low rating seem to be most upset with Tegner's comments (in the introduction) concerning the philosophical and mystical aspects of the Chinese martial arts as well as his words of caution concerning the extravagant claims about the health benefits of Tai Chi. In the Kung Fu chapter, Tegner wrote, "it is my feeling that ch'i can only be interpreted as confidence, determination or fighting spirit. Unless it is taken to mean that, I do not think that it can have any significance for the Western student." In the Tai Chi chapter, Tegner states, "Tai Chi is good exercise and it deserves to be rescued from the bad reputation of cure-all quackery." Tegner had a common sense (Westernized) approach to the Asian martial arts. He taught that it is possible to practice these martial arts for exercise, sport, and self-defense skills without embracing the philosophical/religious traditions which helped give rise to them. He was a bit of a debunker. Those aspects of the Asian martial arts that he debunked (the extravagant claims and the mystical stuff) is what attracts many people to the Asian martial arts in the first place. So, obviously, he is the victim of anger and ridicule in martial arts circles. But, his books work for me.

The material in this book makes for good exercise. In Tegner's words, Tai Chi promotes "...flexibility, coordination, poise, balance and body-control..." And, "the Kung Fu form, done with maximum vigor, could be the complimentary activity to give you a complete exercise program."

If you are looking for a good book on self-defense you will be better served to buy "Bruce Tegner's Complete Book of Self-Defense" and "Self-Defense Nerve Centers & Pressure Points." On the other hand, if you want to leap twenty feet in the air or walk up the sides of buildings, like you see in the Kung Fu movies, this is not your book.

It is what it is: Kung Fu excercises for fitness and pleasure
Hello. I am not a practicing martial artist in the sense that I attend professional classes. I grew up with Bruce Tegner books, practiced with them and then joined a professional Tae Kwon Do school because his books kindled an appreciation for the martial arts in me. I found Tegner's books complimented the real life classes in many ways. Even after I stopped taking classes years ago I fondly remembered his books. In my middle age years I found this gem on Kung Fu and Tai Chi. It is like having a teacher guiding me along the way while I learn and practice. I enjoy the movements and forms very much. Tegner is very clear and understandable. You can practice a martial art for many reasons and not have to also believe in one particular school's philosophy or religious background (and many such books assume you will accept their philosophy to practice their martial art). Tegner is very clear on safety and what martial arts can and cannot do regarding health and self defense. I recommend this book for anyone would like to gradually learn something about some of the moves and techniques of Kung Fu (and Tai Chi)as a form of personal exercise. That is Tegner's stated aim and this book performs this well. If a person expects to become another Jet Li or Bruce Lee from this book they will be disappointed but if they are looking for a fun and clear introduction to this martial art form then it really is worth the asking price. After all these years I still find books by Bruce Tegner to be well thought out and devoid of religious/philosophy hype that surrounds so many martial arts books. Kung Fu and Tai Chi is highly recommended because it lets the reader make up their own mind given Tegner's adequate information.

Another one to put on your (Tai Chi Books to avoid List)
This Bruce Tegner book is outdated. The section on Kung Fu is actually some style of Japanese or Okinawan Karate. And the information in the Tai Chi section is incorrect and out-dated. [Today the medical community regularly praises the numerous health benefits of practicing Tai Chi.] If you are looking for a good introductory book on Tai Chi? Get yourself a copy of "The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Practice" by Wong Kiew Kit or "The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan: Way to Rejuvenation" by Jou, Tsung Hwa.

An old school classic!
Originally published in 1968 this little gem of a book has stood the test of time.Teaches kung fu and tai chi in a clear concise manner without all the hype. Great basics and lots of cool forms.After all these years thisbook is still my favorite.Don't miss this one! ... Read more

Product Description
From About the Authors - Master Chin-Dai-Wei trained under master Mah-Sek of the Fut-Gar (Buddha) Sil Lum style of Kung-Fu. He leaned Tai-Chi from master Kuo-Lien-Ying and Pa-Kua (Dragon style) from a Taaoist Priest named Yee. Mike Staples took up the White crane style of Kung-Fu and is a well known writer of martial arts publications in the U.S. and Hong Kong. (Description by http-mart) ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Marchini, Black Belt Hall of Fame member and toptournament competitor, demonstrates this weight-training regimen withpartner and kung fu expert Leo Fong. Included are weight routines,iron hand exercises, kicking and non-weight resistant exercises. Thesedrills supplement regular martial arts workouts for developingexplosive power. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent workout routines for anyone in the martial arts.
Even though this book first came out in 1974; nevertheless, the information it contains is timeless.I have personally used many of the routines and found them excellent programs that helped me become better at karate and jujitsu.The sections include tips for using this book, which gives general training tips. The next section is a glossary of weight lifting exercises.Weight training routines are in the next section, followed by various hand exercises.Section five is my favorite because it shows various practical applications of karate and kung-fu. Section six shows various stretching exercises and a few body weight exercises.In conclusion, this book is for anyone who desires to learn how to combine weight training exercises along with your martial arts training.Rating:4 stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Season of the Warrior, Samurai Aerobics, PR-24 Baton Advanced Techniques)

Your Grandfather's Manual
This book is amply illustrated and clear on instructions to begin. However, a modern workout maniac would probably want a little scientific or physiological explaination of what the routines does for you and how it really benefits your targeted workout. You could probably see results from your workout soon but you will never know if your doctor will advise againts some of these routines. Going amatuer? This book might do.

Great book!
This is one of the best common-sense books available. No mumbo-jumbo, no mystical nonsense. Instead it offers sensible and practical basic bodybuilding exercises. From a purely bodybuilding perspective however, its easy to find fault, but considering that most martial artists are more concerned with catching flies between chopstix than benchpressing, the text is suitably pitched.

On Tough Woirk-out
This is the best workout book I have ever read or used. Performing the exercises in this book brought me tremendous results in a very short time. The book outlines programs for the beginner and the pro. I highly recommendthe use of this book for the serious body builder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Deal
I bought this book for my 4 year old and he loves it.I have already had to read it many times. He tried to be a Kung fu panda book from the library and someone instead of bringing the book back keep the book.So I told him I would look to see if I could get on online and this is the one he picked out for the pictures and the story.We enjoy the book and he loves to be read too.

A great shortened version of the story!
My 2 1/2 year old is obsessed with Kung Fu Panda.To get him off the movie, I looked into getting books.I bought this along with the longer movie version.Both books are great.This is a nice, shortened version of the book with amazing illustrations.It did the trick-he loves it and has it basically memorized! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A rare gem
This most formidable style does not have many written sources, particularly in English.Here the most famous and learned American Grandmaster of this style lays out basic techniques.As such it is a very valuable source to find in print.

Excellent, but only in addition to video tapes...
The book by Paulie Zink is without question the finest book (mostly because it's one of only three, at least that I know of in the English language) that discusses in any great detail the history as well as characteristic techniques of the Tai Sheng Pek War style.Each of the 5 character trait monkeys are demonstrated, as are fundamental weapons and self-defense techniques.To truly apply the knowledge within the text, the first 3 videos in Master Zink's Panther Productions series are almost crucial.These videos cover Fundamentals, Classical Forms, and Weapons of the unorthodox but effective monkey style.The first video alone is worth whatever the asking price is, as it contains possibly the best and most comprehensive stretching routine ever captured on video - nearly an hour long!The second video actually demonstrates full forms and their combat applications, not just pieces as does the book.The third video shows in greater detail than the book the many weapons of the monkey system, the most interesting of which I find to be the monkey iron ring.Do yourself a favor - if you're serious about learning about this art - buy the book' if you want to PRACTICE this art - find and buy the videos - they're well worth it!

I really enjoyed this book.
I was very impressed with Paulie Zink's book on Monkey kung fu. I was interested in many of the movements and this book demonstrated a ton of them. I think Zink's latest book, the "history of monkey kung fu"has more detail on the history of the art, but this book was veryinformative pictorially. ... Read more

Product Description
Faster and Fiercer Than Ever! The Son of the Flying Tiger Is Back!His wounds still open, K'ing trails his arch-enemy Kak out of the desert... and into the sin-infested backstreets of China's great cities. With the beautiful, alluring Sun Lee and a strange new comrade who calls himself The Moor, he dives into a maze of smoking opium, gang war, and a hundred brutal Kung Fu fights... ever closer to the heart of the fiendish Red Circle! ... Read more

Product Description

Born in the projects of Spanish Harlem to a disabled mother and an abusive father, Steve DeMasco spent most of his childhood lost and angry. Drifting from one job to another, he stalked the streets as a troubled youth, barely surviving while all of his peers were either dead or in jail, until he found himself on the steps of the Shaolin Temple.

Customer Reviews (4)

Gem of a book.
I just finished this book and was surprised when I logged on to write a review to find negative comments about the book. I found it otherwise.

A legitimate criticism from one reviewer notes the contradiction between the Shaolin ranking system which does not award belt ranking or degrees in Shaolin Kung Fu, but it likewise fails to recognize the way the art developed in the US to compete with Japanese styles by offering a ranking system.

Despite the obvious contradiction, it is no reason to avoid the depth of insight this book provides on multiple spiritual and humanist levels.

The author also notes in the book of his invitation to visit with the head monk at the Shaolin monastery in China, who after watching him perform an ancient routine awarded him a Masters designation, and provided MeMasco with a certificate of achievement in his craft. This alone ought to put to rest the level of achievement DeMasco has achieved in his life long quest in pursuit of Kung Fu.

The book blends Shaolin wisdom with modern problems and depth psychology which is a primer to achieving a rounded and dynamic personhood. The aim of the book methinks.

DeMarsco describes his own disadvantaged upbringing on the mean streets where he encountered bullies, gangs, dysfunctional family histories, and the struggle to grow as a human person. In this sense the book provides a wealth of human centered wisdom for overcoming human anger and integrating the lessons of an ancient wisdom for personal transformation.

The stories in the book are profound and meaningful for anyone with an open mind and heart. It is clear the DeMasco is a wise elder who has dedicated his life to the less advantaged and hoping to make a positive outcome within populations of at-risk kids trying to help them overcome disadvantages most people take for granted not having come out of that experience of street life in single parent or no-parent households.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in martial arts and their true core: finding the courage to face the challenges that emerge within our own hearts, biases, struggles, and dysfunctional behavior.

I respect and admire DeMasco as a wise elder engaged in the authentic human struggle of our times, i.e., human transformation.

Garbage
The opening quote of the book reads, "It will all be ok in the end.If it's not ok, its not the end.-Anonymous"

The guy is former FBI and calls himself a "10th degree BB in shaolin".I should have checked out the book more carefully before buying it. If you like the law enforcement mentality, you may enjoy this one.The whole book is just blah blah blah, not a single demonstrative image anywhere.I don't even want to waste time going into detail, there are plenty of good long fist books and this is certainly not one of them.If you are looking for martial morals, ethics, and philosophy, this ain't it either.

The end was not "Ok", fortunately it did end.

I like this book alot.
Although, the writer is obviously not a professional writer and his martial arts credentials, although respectable enough, are open to question, there is a lot of very good insight into personal responsibility and accountability.Not enough people in this world hold themselves accountable for their own happiness.Steve Demasco manages to encourage without being overly pretentious.

Oh, please!!
It never ceases to amaze me that people fall for this kind of stuff. A "tenth-degree black belt in Shaolin kung fu"? Since when did the Shaolin monks start handing out black belts? Since when did they start wearing karate gi's? And what's so difficult about entering the Shaolin Temple Museum? You just pay your entrance fee and you can get in along with the other million plus annual visitors. And if you give the government installed "abbott" a nice check, you can get a nice certificate from him and he will even display your school plaque in the museum courtyard. Then you can tell your students that you are the "official (put the name of your country here) representative of the Shaolin Temple". Fact is, there haven't been any real martial monks at the museum for decades. ... Read more

Product Description

When lazy Po attempts to master the ancient skills of kung fu, everyone wonders if the world is ready for him. With help from some new friends, Po will prove everyone wrong. But will he be able to defeat the dangerous snow leopard Tai Lung?

Product Description
Secrets Of Shaolin Tiger Claw is one of those little books that slide under the radar screen but it is excellent and with only 52 pages this rare book is with out a doubt one that us well worth while the price you pay for it because of it niche target market. Written by PhD Bruce Duthie you will love this little rare book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good kung fu
as a kung fu practioner i fond this book usefuuly in going over some of the hidden tiger claw hands and use like tiger stealing goat or betterknowen as tiger steling food and black tiger emring from cave and a lot more. ... Read more