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.

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.

"Jixiao Xinshu" is a comprehensive military warfare manual, written by Ming Dynasty General Qi Jiguang in 1560. It consisted of chapters on Spear fighting, Archery, terrain, troops formation etc... One of the chapters is "Quanjing Jieyao", which contains 32 unarmed fighting stances for soldiers' training. There has been multiple attempts by various people to translate this ancient Chinese Fist manual. The ones which I've read are usually translating them literally. In order to make the translation & interpretation more meaningful, I've seeked to discover the core principles behind each of these 32 unarmed fighting stances. In this book, you'll see how these principles can be applied to any martial arts style, or any weapon. By training in these 32 martial principles, it will provide a complete & holistic training for a warrior, medieval or modern. I believe that my work in this book will help you in advancing your martial arts practice, no matter which fighting style you're from.

Aikido & Chinese Martial Arts V1 is a Japan Publications publication.

150 fast and effective joint locks and cavity strikes. Includes fundamental training.

A simple and powerful form of kung fu, wing chun is ideal for women interested in the art of self-defense. This book covers the first form of wing chun kung fu, and is appropriate for intermediate and advanced practitioners, as well as beginners. 130 photos.