This book outlines the history and techniques of Pa-kua—a style of boxing based on the eight (pa) trigrams (kua) of the I Ching.This martial arts guide gives a thorough account of the philosophy behind the art. It also presents to the West for the first the orthodox style of the last Chinese Pa-kua master Wang Shu-chin. Described in great detail and fully illustrated are the basic techniques, the eight palm shapes, and the eight traditional methods of «walking the circle.»Guided by this easy-to-follow text, the student of Pa-kua can probe deeply into the hitherto hidden secrets of one of the most complete systems of self defense ever developed.
In <i>Wing Chun Kung-fu Volume 3: Weapons & Advanced Techniques</i>, the final Wing Chun book in this Chinese martial arts series, author Dr. Joseph Wayne Smith applies dynamic scientific methodology to Wing Chun training tools and weapons, providing a complete analysis of why and how each item is used. The reader is led step-by-step through the use of the Wing Chun Wooden-Dummy—a valuable training tool for developing trapping, striking, and kicking skills; the Wing Chun Butterfly Knives—deadly bladed weapons for both attack and defense; and the Six-and-a-Half Pole—a simple but devastating weapon in the hands of the Wing Chun fighter. The author encourages students to recognize the practical and physical benefits of traditional fighting weapons in the modern environment.
Not simply a training manual but a combat survival guide, Fighting and Grappling is a challenging book for all students of the martial arts.In this second volume of Wing Chune Kung-Fu: A Complete Guide, the techniques introduced in Basic Forms and Principles are shown in combat situations. The combat applications of Wing Chun's sticky-hand, sticky-leg, and grappling and throwing techniques are shown in detail and are fully illustrated.A chapter on the controversial poison touch (dar mak) explains the effect of strikes to the weak points of the human body in terms of both acupuncture and modern medical theory. Finally, the author argues that the martial arts must evolve and develop new techniques to meet a changing environment. He shows this process of integration in action, uniting White Crane kung-fu and Thai kickboxing with Wing Chun to produce a complete and devastating new fighting system.
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.