Book Description
For hundreds of years the wooden dummy has been a perfect training tool for Chinese Martial Artists.The Wing Chun Mok Yan Jong is a unique invention designed specifically to enhance the skills of Wing Chun practitioners. This book gives the most complete instruction to date on unlocking the secrets of the Wing Chun Mok Yan Jong . The practice of the wooden dummy set refines and hones the techniques learned from the Siu Lim Tau, Chum Kiu, and Bil Gee hand forms.It also strengthens the power of the forearms, improves footwork and sinking energy, as well as refining the skills of Chi Sau.

This book includes the entire Mok Yan Jong set in seven sections, a complete overview of principles and theories of the Mok Yan Jong set section by section, principles and combat applications for every single technique throughout all seven sections, Wing Chun terminology in Cantonese, and Wooden Dummy construction plans so you can build your own wooden dummy! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice overview, lots of extras
My disclaimer is that I am one of Sam Chan's students.

This is a very nice supplement to the in class lessons, spelling out the applications of almost every move in the seven sections.Lots of pictures and a quick reference in the back of the book.

Also in the back of the book is a list Wing Chun terminology and plans for building your own Mok Jong (wooden dummy).

In my opinion, a must have for any Wing Chun practitioner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very interesting art
I took Wing Chun Do in Hawaii under Kimo Wong for a few years, who was Demile's Student.(Demile himself was one of Bruce's first assistant instructors in his Seattle days.)In early editions of this book, it is Kimo's body flying through the air from Demile's 1 and 3-inch punches.I felt those punches from Kimo, and often trained at his house in private lessons, and have seen clearly what Demile intimates -- his version of this punch, which he passed down to Kimo, was even more refined than Bruce Lee's, involving far less body motion and commitment.The stories of people "flying" from a mere tap that barely moved the puncher's body are completely correct.And Demile and Kimo both got it down even notably better than Bruce.

This art is Bruce Lee's art, refined from Wing Chun by the addition primarily of fencing footwork for more mobility and much aggression, the inclusion of the backfist(a natural for Wing Chun), and a very strong form of sticking hands that classical Wing Chun students can find irritating and overly aggressive which Bruce learned and adapted from his own sifus in Hong Kong,Wong Shun Leung among them.

Demile adds psychological principles that may or may not be your cup of tea, but one must praise his organization and clear conveyance of Bruce's ideas and the great practicality of the system, which comes in no small part from the rare direct logic inherent in a system that believes utterly in simplicity as opposed to formality and mysticism.Wing Chun, the father style, is an excellent core style that teaches core principles of combat readily adaptable as the student grows, even to other arts, rather than emphasizing an endless litany of techniques that may never apply and may never end.

Demiles' excellent teaching potential I can vouch for, being one generation removed from his teachings myself and two from Bruce.After some small experience in Karate and then gaining a third degree blackbelt in Okazaki Kodenkan Jiu-Jitsu, I came to first classical Wing Chun under Robert Yeung and then Demiles' style of modified Wing Chun in the late 70's, and felt like I was starting to learn all over again.Jiu Jitsu gave me a strong and well-rounded group of core skills, but Wing Chun did the same in a quite different way, emphasizing hand striking and refining natural reactions and timing according to an especially severe and exacting logic and practicality, constantly tested and adjusted in sparring and sticking hands.Learning such different styles at the same time was quite a trick and sometimes felt like a real mind-bender, but it is a testament to the strength and subtlety of Wing Chun Do that the system's value was immediately apparent even to someone who had had plenty of time to build up layers of the kind of chauvinistic prejudice that is the norm rather than the exception between many martial artists, and moreover usually heartily reinforced and encouraged by every new link in a chain of fools thousands of years long.

Wing Chun cannot be learned from a book; it looks as flat, dull, and simplistic that way as it does in a movie, where we all want spinning kicks and maybe wire work.Much of the training involves the interior control of the mind and the body's energy.The process is not easily conveyed or learned, and the result is rarely pictorial in any way and certainly not screenworthy.But Demiles' book is a great spark to the inquisitive mind and far clearer than most.Highly recommended -- let me assure you that the stories of Wing Chun men practicing and fighting blindfolded, and effortlessly shooting men through the air with bizarrely powerful punches from an inch away are quite true, and I've experienced them numerous times -- but they are just the appetizers to the intriguing system of Wing Chun and its various modifications.Demile's book conveys reasonably well a very interesting modification of Wing Chun, very substantially based on it, but with interestingly flexible additions Bruce Lee added to give the initially defensive Wing Chun system some welcome mobility and flexibility.

And critically, whereas anyone can learn Wing Chun and Wing Chun Do, Jeet Kune Do is infinitely harder both to teach and learn, and Bruce Lee himself also admitted he began to hide some of his techniques when he taught his later arts, and told his assistant instructors to hide them.(Pak Sao/Biu Jee combo being an example he at one point forbade assistant instructor Dan Inosanto to teach.)So if you'd like an interesting introduction to Wing Chun general concepts and a greatly overlooked glimpse into a point of Bruce Lee's development that still holds great value for students withoutthe world-class level of experience, instruction, and natural talent that eventually led him to the intensely idiosyncratic development of his own personal Jeet Kune Do, this book is a both a great historical snapshot and a clear, practical guide that still has a good deal of valuable and rarely seen knowledge to convey more than 30 years after Bruce's death regarding the path he took to get there.

Effective, Simple and Practical!
I have trained at several martial arts: Judo, Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu.They were all fun and informative.Competition in Judo gave me a sprained back and a pulled groin...both were painful.I gave up on martial arts after that and figured that I was getting too old for it.Then I came across a Wing Chun Do instructor who began giving me lessons every day at work.I became an addict to Wing Chun Do.It is extremely effective, and can be learned and practiced by anybody, regardless of age or strength or gender.This system is designed for the small person to be able to overcome a larger and stronger aggressor.James DeMile designed WCD based on his own expertise and with Bruce Lee's teachings of modified Wing Chun.Bruce Lee was 135lbs and was considered the best fighter in the world...he typifies the small person overcoming larger aggressors!

This Book introduces the basic concepts of Wing Chun Do in an easy to understand format.Wing Chun Do is a scientific system that encourages you to test your techniques to ensure proper results; it isn't dogmatic like many other martial arts.A big factor of the book and system is the ESP principle.That stands for Efficiency, Simplicity and Practicality.A technique must pass this ESP principle in order to remain valuable to you as a martial artist.Efficient means that it is as direct and short as possible with all unnecessary movements removed.Simple means that you can perform the technique without stretching or warming-up first, or that the technique is a fairly natural movement that the body easily assimilates.Practicality means that the technique must be effective; what good is it, if it doesn't work?That last part is important because many martial arts will tell you that their techniques are effective and expect you to take their word for it.Wing Chun Do challenges you to prove it to yourself.They give you the tools to scientifically examine a technique and evaluate it based on the ESP principle.This concept alone makes the book priceless, but there are many more goodies!

One last observation: a book is a good source of information for the brain, but defending yourself usually involves fighting and that is a physical activity to say the least.Physical activities are best learned by competent and experienced teachers.All certified WCD instructors are very competent at teaching the science of Wing Chun Do.Those who are weak or small or timid...Wing Chun Do is perfect for you.After injuring myself many times in 2 years of Judo competition, I am happy to report that 4 years of WCD study has yielded NO injuries.WCD students and teachers simply respect each other a great deal and take care to help students without injuring them.

haven't see this in 20 years
I used to take Tao of Wing Chun Do under James W. Demile would like to meet him and the family again

haven't see this in 20 years
I used to take Tao of Wing Chun Do under James W. Demile would like to meet him and the family again ... Read more

Book Description
This is the first book in a series of training manuals written to guide you step by step through the amazing Martial Arts system of Wing Chun. This book deals with the fundamental principles and concepts of the art, as well as giving detailed analysis of mental and physical attributes you will need to acquire to be successful within this discipline.A powerful fighting art, Wing Chun is now widely regarded as one of the most effective Martial Arts systems in the world today. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of gender, size or strength.If you have issues about your own self protection, the pages of this book will present you with a method of developing a sound self defence skill. With details that will aid beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Whatever your chosen style, discipline or skill.This book covers the basic drills of the system, concepts of sticking hands, Lut Sao Jik Chung, Inch Force development, Stance rooting and defensive perimeters. You will also learn key tactics, advanced applications of the Tan, Bong and Fook sao structures and the use of fighting ranges.The next book in this series takes the reader, for the first time, step by step through the entire sequence of the Sui Lum Tao form, detailing the applications and uses of each and every movement, as well as discussing further training concepts and ideas featured in this book, improving your skills even further. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not enough detail
The book starts out well, it has a healthy outlook to share with the reader throughout. But there are not enough details and the pictures are a little confusing.

A great handbook
As a long-time Wing Chun practitioner I have to admire Kokkarakis for his intelligent, well-crafted, and mature book on the art.This isn't just another rip-off of Bruce Lee.This is a serious and (I hope) lasting book that will help students understand the science and philosophy of this ancient art.

Awesome
I've had this book for 2 weeks, I've read it twice and it's completely changed the way I think about Wing Chun. Testing out some of the concepts as the author describes them has shed new light on many aspects of my training and left me feeling that I've wasted years practicing drills incorrectly. ... Read more

Book Description
From the traditions, history, and evolution of kung fu to the subtleties of advanced Wing Chun techniques and tactics, Mastering Kung Fu has everything you need to develop your skill and take your training to the next level.

Mastering Kung Fu introduces these advanced theories that show you how science plays as much a role in kung fu as art:

-Centerline theory
-Two lines of offense and defense
-Three reference points
-Five line (dimensional) theory
-Five phases of combat
-Six gates concept
-Kiu sau (bridge arm) employment concepts
-Chi sau (sticking hand) concepts

You will see how space and time factor into successful, tactical maneuvers. Then, by combining these principles with detailed instruction on advanced techniques, you will be able to add the concepts to your own arsenal to improve your combat skills—even if you are an established black belt!

In addition, you will discover the ancient combat secrets of the monks by tracing the evolution of Shaolin kung fu from the Northern Temples to the Southern Temples. Learn how the Chan Buddhist philosophy of universal harmony has influenced the advancement of Wing Chun kung fu, and how it contributes to the way in which kung fu is performed today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Understanding the "Idea at the Beggining".
A truly wonderful book written by the "real deal".Great facts layed out in textbook format so that anyone can attempt to begin to comprehend what is at the core of this martial science.Once the practioner understands "the idea" he can then look forward to falling into the bottomless pit of knowledge that is Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun Kuen.Created in the Southern Shaolin Temples over 350 years ago, a streamlined, highly technical system, that combined thousands of years of martial art knowledge with the Treasures and Wisdoms of Shaolin Chan to create a kind of ultimate combat system.Kept secret inside secret societies and families for generations, it is now offered to the public by Grandmaster Gee for examination and exploration.

This book was written by true artists and practioners. It is sort of like a textbook, trying to read this like a story or like some other martial arts books are written, with flowery phrasing, and grand stories about kung fu are wasting their time. This book is for those who wish to take the first step toward understanding what one of the "real" martial sciences today is all about. This book is a real eye opener for some and that's what its all about. After you read this book you wont be the same, and you wont be able to go back to not knowing.

Definitive Work
This is the most comprehensive study of martial arts that I've encountered.It breaks down the human physiology relative to an opponent and the three deminsional world that defines a battlefield.Not only does this book detial the physical elements of martial arts, it also details the historical, spiritual, and mental aspects of Shaolin Kung-fu.No book can take the place of competent instruction, but this one does have stand alone value as a physical, historical, and philosophical supplement to your training.

Promising layout - disappointing execution
I was impressed by the layout of this book when I flipped through in the book store - it appeared to give a fairly comprehensive overview of wing chun, and I hoped it would help in my study of the art.Unfortunately, though the authors may be knowledgeable martial artists, they are not very good writers.

Frankly, I am very surprised to see so many positive reviews of the book on Amazon. These are the problems I had with the book:
1) The whole history section though interesting was not properly sourced - I remained skeptical about how the authors knew what was fact or legend.
2) Paragraphs seemed to drift from one topic to another without a clear focus.
3) The writing is very repetitive - but not in a good way that reinforces key concepts.
4)Sentence structure is often awkward and unclear.
5)The authors spend too much time denigrating other martial arts.
6)The constantly repeated claim that this kung fu is "science" where others are "art" is silly and makes it look like the authors are engaged in a propaganda exercise.

I think if this book were thoroughly edited - removing the propaganda and sticking to a clear description of the art - it would be a worthwhile text.As it stands I could not recommend it.

Great reading!
My son has been reading this book and loves the illustrations as well as the detailed writing. ++

The best MA book on the market
This book is excellent for wing chun practisioners and should be noted as a necessatiy. Don't be fooled by the comment made by guitrman "guitrman". he's one of those guys who put's down other peoples arts just to make him feel better because he studied the wrong one and not to mention the fact that he has a closed-mind. Benny Meng makes these comments because it's true. at least 80% percent of martial arts have fixed moves which makes the style stiff and useless. Hung Fa Yi is very efficient and makes use of time,space and energy and is straight to the point. the book is very detailed and it doesn't drag on about useless information. A must have for all wing chun practisioners. ... Read more

Book Description
Wing Chun Kung Fu, widely regarded as the most effective Martial Arts system in the world today. Known as the 'Intellectual Fighting Art' for its scientific approach to combat, the system presents the practitioner with a simple, straightforward and efficient way of dealing with violence.The pages of this book, build upon the concepts discussed in the first volume 'Comprehensive Theory and Applications of Wing Chun Jin Kuen', exposing the reader to the intricacies of the Wing Chun systems first form, 'Sui Lum Tao'. Presented in a unique way, not only are the applications of the forms movements discussed in detail, but also the feeling of the structures, when practiced in form and with a training partner. Whether a beginner or seasoned practitioner of the Skill, this is a reference book that will shed new light on many of the systems methods, and further expand your understanding of this amazing Martial Art, a must for any serious practitioners reference library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

comprehensive theoryand applications of wing chun sui lum tao
Once in a very long time you come across a Wing Chun book that is far more than the ink, the glue and the paper that it's written on....This is one such book. The Author has approached Wing Chun from a highly original framework whilst at the same time keeping true to the art. Great book.

This is a great book..
..there are passages that I have read and re-read. Rather than just going through the Sil Lum Tao form step by step with cursory subjective comments, as I have read in other books, the author also breaks it down and gives detailed explanations and practical applications of each movement. The 4 and a bit pages on dan chi sao have revitalised and changed the way I approach that excercise.

nothing "comprehensive" about it
Unfortunately a disappointing and frustrating read. More than anything this book is in dire need of a good editor. Most of the textual information is reasonably good, but in my opinion it is poorly presented. Just once I would like to read a wing chun book that delivers on what it promises. If you say it's a "scientific approach to combat" then explain why it's "scientific" and not just systematic. If you say it is "presented in a unique way" then present something more than what is found in EVERY other book on the subject. If you want to discuss wing chun used against a grappler then please do some research/experimentation so that you don't show things which are laughably unrealistic.And if you want to show the power of wing chun in application then don't demonstrate on a woman who is a foot shorter and half you body weight. All in all this book was a juvenile attempt at best. ... Read more

Book Description
This authoritative work is the first complete Wing Chun weapons book, featuring the Wing Chun Butterfly Knives and Pole.

Included is a unique section of interviews with the top Wing Chun masters in Hong Kong. This is the first time they have all participated in any publication.

This weapons book is essential reading for all martial artists, regardless of their style or experience.

Included in the book are preparation exercises, forms, applications and realistic uses of both weapons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Who knew household objects could be so deadly?
I see this book as a follow up to the author's previous blue colored book on Wing Chun Kung Fu. It continues on from where the blue book ended, covering the use of weapons as an extension of one's arms or body structure.

It demonstrates a range of techniques that can be performed using household objects (from an umbrella to a meat cleaver), and flawlessly relates the applications back to the core Wing Chun system - a connection that almost every other weapons book I have read fails to make.

I must respectfully disagree with the previous poster's review and question his actual experience in the Wing Chun system. The pole form is in the same form as the one in Yip Man's book. Furthermore, I think the reviewer completely misinterpreted the pole vs knife application as it is a fluid movement and not a 1 step 2 step combination (which would be the incorrect usage of the pole; Wing Chun's pole generates force at the tip and not by waving around and hitting people with the sides of the pole). The squash racket application acts as a replacement for the Wing Chun butterfly KNIVES and not the POLE, which is why it is used as such. Had it been a replacement for the pole then it would have been in another chapter. It is merely an alternative application of a tennis racket / squash racket's use in a real fight, using it as an extension of the forearm as butterfly knives are used.

With that being said, it is clearly a book for those of intermediate experience in Wing Chun (especially as it deals with weapons, which can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing). For those unacquainted with Wing Chun (or those of little skill in the system), the blue book (Wing Chun Kung Fu) by Jim Fung is a must read before you read this weapons book.

I give it five stars for appropriate and adaptable applications of weapons and weapon substitutes, and for expanding on some of the more advanced Wing Chun principles and applications rather than going back over old ground. Recommended!

Complete!?! hardly...
This book claims to be 'the first complete Wing Chun weapons book'. hmmm. Well, it's complete in the sense that it's a Wing Chun book and discusses the butterfly knives and pole, but is far from complete.

For a 200 page book there is not a lot of text, and in the text the author constantly makes the point that you cannot learn to use weapons from a book (a fair point, but you only need to say it once, if at all). There are at least 50 double page spreads of just photos, and a lot of the photos are repeated throughout the book.

The knife form is incomplete. The author only seems to want to show only the defensive, blocking techniques, rather than the attacking ones. For example, there is no mention of Cup dao or Lan dao. Only one basic strike is shown

The pole form is different, with some parts missing, and other parts added in which differ from Ip man Wing Chun, which is what the author claims he is trying to preserve.

In both sections the 'realistic applications' seem less believable than the classical applications. One example is along the lines of 'as attacker attempts to stab, block with pole/knife, and hit the head as the attackers knife falls to the ground'. This seems somewhat naive to assume someone will instantly drop a knife when you hit them on the arm. Also, when defending himself using a squash racket, he uses it as a pole, handle first. Contrary to the review above it IS in the pole application section, no the knife section. Also, Yip Man has never written a book, on the pole form or any other. Believe me, I have tried to find books by him before.

The only reason I give it two stars and not one is because there is a nice bit about some of the masters, and would be a good introduction for someone who has no idea about wing chun or its weapons. If you have any experience in wing chun, look elsewhere for a complete guide. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 3 of this series features a detailed introduction to the use of Wing Chuns famous Mook Yan Joang, or Wooden Man Dummy. Basic and advanced Dummy theory and exercises are covered, as well as plans to build and mount the Dummy in portable or permanent versions. The 108 Wooden Dummy Motions form is shown in an easy-to-follow format, complete with footwork diagrams to help the reader understand the transitions between motions. Practical applications are shown for each movement, as are all concepts and principles introduced by the many blocking, striking and kicking motions executed against the Dummy. Also featured in this volume is the Iron Palm hand toughening and development regimen and plans to build the equipment needed for sandbag training. ... Read more

Book Description
Hailing from mainland China, the Yuen Kay-San system of Wing Chun is one of the arts more elusive and rare styles.Included in this book are the history, concepts and foundation of the art, the sup yee sik and siu lien tao forms, and their practical applications.For beginners, it serves as a great introduction to Wing Chun; for seasoned practitioners, it offers a new and unique perspective into the art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun Kuen
This is an excellent book on a rare form of Wing Chun. Very meticulous in the instructions given. In my opinion, this may even be superior to Ip Man's version of Wing Chun. Having practised martial arts for the past 18 years, I fell in love with this style of Wing Chun.

If you must choose one book => this one !!
Sorry for my english (I'm french). I'm practicing martial arts since about 15 years now (fist/foot boxing + tai chi) and discovered wing chun about 1 year ago. I read lot of books on wing chun (I think "most" of them) because I'm leaving in the countryside and can't get easily class of wing chun (a pity). Anyhow, I manage to train daily .
Rene Ritchie - & Ngo Lui Kay sifu - book is BY FAR the finest I bought. It covers 12 simple attack/defensive mvts + the 1st form. EACH mvt of the 1st form is shown with splendid & reallistic explanations + fighting applications that allow you to really possess the form and to train even if you are no more a beginner. Each applications is VERY cleverly choosen to light a new concept of the mvt of the form.
Thank you so much M.Ritchie for this book. I'm waiting for the next books YOU MUST WROTE : the ones on 2nd/3rd form and wooden dummy :)

Recommended Reading for Students
Ritchie does a tremendous job providing the historical background of the Wing Chun style. In addition, his pictures bring clarity anddemonstrate theapplications of this system well. This should be on every studentsbookshelf.

Refreshing
The structure is well laid out. Intorductory information is well presented. The actual technical sections could have done with better and larger photography. The use of 'motion-lines' like those in Wushu books from China would also have been useful.

The dominant line of Wing Chunin the world today is the Yip Man line from Hong Kong. This book is a goodintroduction to another line. It is no more or less in depth than manybooks of this nature, but printed materials can only convey so much. Anaccompanying video would have been great. How about that for the next book.Could certainly have done with a page-numbered index for quickreference

I think the book thoroughly deserves a 5 stars rating and thecontents justify the tilte. An all round better and more mature effort thanthe authur's last book. It sets out to introduce the history and foundationand it accomplishes that without getting too complex.

Great book!
I got the more from this book than any other wing chun book, (and I've got them all). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

excellent book!
This may very well be one of the most substantial books on this fine martial art ever written, minus those that are co-authored by Yip Man, himself. Excellent book. I recommend it to all kung fu practitioners & martial artists alike.

A must for Wing Tsun/Chun instructor
Most Wing Tsun/Chun books on Bil Tze have good details about the forms movements and their applications.This book goes beyond.It explains clearly how one can be good at Bil Tze through contineous exercises and training programme.Most Wing Tsun'ists spend most of their time practising moves of the first 2 forms."How much time and effort do you do for Bil Tze?"This books has the answer.

I starts planning to incorporate the exercises into my training routine.I am also ordering the other 2 books of Siu Lim Tao and Chum Kil.

Accurate, informative, simplified for good reading
I found this book very interesting, both in terms of accuracy, simplicity, and general good reading. Everything seemed well laid out and presented, and being a Wing Chun instructor, it was refreshing to find an author who presents the style in a straight-forward, "this is how it is" manner.I recommend it to all my students and colleagues. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume two of this exciting series, utilizes the theoretical knowledge explained in the first volume and applies it in action. Packed with detailed instruction and great photos, this book reviews core Wing Chun applications. Topics include Wing Chun theory, deflection of straight attacks and punches, deflection of circular attacks and punches, defending kicks, leg checks, utilizing kicks, simultaneous defense and attack, and Wing Chun in action. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

learn from the book
Fortuanately I have developed a yearning for Wing chun, unfortuanately there are no teachers in Birmingham.This book has helped me at least get a basic education in this tremendous art.I suggest that you buy both of Dr. Wahnish's books because they work together.The text is well written and easy to grasp the concepts.However, after training in a Japanese karate dojo for several years it is clear that a book is only a very small part of acquiring the skills. ... Read more

Product Description
Two DVDs covering a multitude of information and the companion book, The Anatomy of Wing Chun. A great combination. In this boxed book and DVD set Grandmaster Philip Holder covers all major aspects of this fascinating art. It will take you from the historical origins of Wing Chun through the concepts that the system is based on including... The Three Forms, Wooden Dummy, Stances, Footwork, Center Line and Radial Positioning Principles, the Six Zones, the Stages of Combat, Crossing the Bridge, Finding the Tunnel, Deflection and Redirection, Dissolving the Opponent s Energy, Economy of Energy and Movement, Improving Punching Skills, Improving Kicking Skills, Visual Perception, Chi Sao Training, Knees and Elbows, Self-Defense, Improving your Sparring skills, Wing Chun Weapons and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

good book and It is what it says it is
I recently had purchased a copy of the Anatomy Of Wing Chun and liked it enough that I went to Amazon to see if any other books by Philip Holder on the topic. When I did I saw a review by another customer by the name of "KP KP" I have never written a review but since I have the book and now the DVD I wanted to write my review because I felt the "KP KP" review was pretty unfair. I found the book to be exactly what it is advertised to be. Although they do recommend that you refer to the video in the book, it is clear in their Amazon description of the book that although people can enjoy the book alone that the book is better with the video. That's why references to the video. I actually got the DVD after getting the book and they are excellent together. Maybe KP KP has some ax to grind, who knows. The review seemed pretty hostile. In fairness though there are a couple typographical errors but nothing significant. Overall the book is very good and exactly what it is advertised to be. It is probably aimed more at the first year student or someone researching Wing Chun. The video does get into more advanced stuff and more detail than the book. I would like to see Holder do a more advanced book but this is great for what it is intended to be. Before purchasing I read the Amazon description that clearly states "This book was originally written as a companion-learning tool to the Anatomy of Wing Chun videotape but is also a great "Stand Alone" reference to the amazing art of Wing Chun." I also looked at the inside the book feature on Amazon before buying. In fairness to KP KP maybe he did not read that stuff first and perhaps expected something different. Anyway, I think it's a great book based on what it is advertised to be. It is straight forward easy reading on the subject of Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Advertisement of videos
This book is the worst Wing Chun (or Wing Tsun) book I've seen, andI've read many. The book is short, the layout is bad, the writing is pretty bad, and it's full of spelling mistakes -- all of which I wouldn't mind if the Wing Chun techniques were explained well. Most techniques are not covered at all, there's often one page worth of discussion why it's essential you should do the technique right, and then you are simply referred to a video that costs [$], no explanation included in the book. 15% of the pages (pp. 84-98) are advertisements of the various videos of the author.
I was so surprised about this since all the other reviews were so good. Then I noticed that they were all from "A reader" who has been pretty good at reviewing the other books of the same author as well...

Better than the typical book on this subject.
I'll give a few negatives first.The book is physically small which makes some of the photos a little difficult to look at.Don't take that to mean that there is not much information here...that could not be further from the truth.Ok...that is it...there are no more negatives.
The information in this book cannot be found in any other single book anywhere.Some of the information cannot be found at all anywhere else.This book is all about the most practical aspects of Wing Chun as a fighting system.Holder has managed, through the core principles of the Wing Chun system, to compile the most complete and polished explanation of those principles to be found anywhere.His many years of experience teaching fighters, and other teachers around the world more that shows through in the precise and detailed explanations contained in this book.If I could only purchase a single book on Wing Chun, this would be the one.

An asset to my training
I have been training in Wing Chun for several years now and I found this book a wonderful addition to my training.It really helped me understand the forms and principles of the system in a clear, simple to understand way.Anyone of any level could benefit from this book!

I loved this book and learned alot!
This book was very helpful to me as a relatively new kung fu student.It explained in details that were easy to understand the this wonderful martial arts system.I would recommend this book to anyone learning martial arts. ... Read more

Product Description
"Arm-Clinging" - the Advanced WingTsun kung fu exercise, Chi-SauChi-Sau is sparring drill used in WingTsun. Known as Arm Clinging it the most important exercise of WingTsun Kung Fu. This book reveals the first section of the teaching program of the Leung Ting WingTsun system. Paperback 5 x 7.25 130 pp ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good work by Wong
This was the first book I bought on Wing Chun, and have found the book itself to be a good effort to introduce students to what Wing Chun is, as opposed to Karate or Shaolin or... Within are examples of Sticking Hands excersises, Wooden Dummy techniques, and Wing Chun freesparing. I like the fact that the author presents three different versions of the styles origins, allowing the reader to keep an open mind. The basic techniques are fairly well presented, with two camera angles being used. My only real complaint is that some of the techniques in the form, sparring, and Sticking Hands section are not shown in the basic techniques section. I also wonder why the second form was shown, and not the first. However, the section on gates and body zones is very good, and the idea of simplicity and directness is prevalent throughout. For a short but good intro into Wing Chun Kung Fu, buy this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

You won't find a better reference for Wing Chun's forms
In ECWC Volume 2 Alan Lamb went to the trouble of painstakingly photographing each and every single movement of all three of Wing Chun's empty hand forms.He also includes an interesting section entitled "Form Techniques and Applications" where he demonstrates how techniques from each of the forms directly apply to combat.No martial arts instructor would ever recommend learning the forms solely from a book, but for anybody studying with a qualified Wing Chun instructor, Alan Lamb's Explosive Combat Wing Chun Volume 2 is the perfect reference while doing your "homework" of trying to master Wing Chun's empty hand forms in between lessons. ... Read more