This is the ultimate guide to Kung Fu, from theory to practical application. This unique book, by a celebrated Grandmaster, is a complete and comprehensive introduction to Kung Fu and all other aspects of ancient Shaolin wisdom. It will prove invaluable to everyone interested in martial arts, chi kung and meditation, showing how Kung Fu and other Shaolin arts can bring you health, vitality, mental focus, and spiritual joy. It includes:
* A comparative history of the various forms of Kung Fu
* An in-depth study of all aspects of Shaolin Kung Fu, including the construction of patterns and sets, the training of internal force, traditional Kung Fu weapons, and strategies for victory
* Practical exercises and meditation techniques
* Stories of Shaolin wisdom and healing
Wong Kiew Kit has practiced and taught Shaolin arts for more than 30 years and has trained over 2,000 students. He is the fourth generation successor to monk Jiang Nan of the Shaolin Monastery and Grandmaster of Shaolin Wahnam Kung Fu Institute. He is the author of several books including 'The Art of Chi Kung', 'The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan', 'The Complete Book of Zen', and 'Chi Kung for Health, and Vitality'.
Author(s): Kiew Kit Wong
Series: Tuttle Martial Arts
Edition: 1
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Year: 2001
Language: English
Commentary: scantailor optimized
Pages: 240
City: Tokyo | Rutland, Vermont | Singapore
Tags: martial arts;kung fu;shaolin;hui neng;bodhidharma;zen buddhism
The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu
Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
1 WHAT IS KUNG FU?
Four Aspects of Kung Fu
The Visible Aspect of Form
The Importance of Force Training
Application for Combat and Daily Living
Kung Fu Philosophy for Deeper Understanding
The Benefits of Kung Fu
Mind Expansion and Spiritual Development
2 THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS
Kung Fu in Prehistoric and Ancient Times
The Glorious Han and Tang
The Song, the Yuan and the Ming
The Modern Period
3 FROM SHAOLIN TO TAIJIQUAN
Kung Fu and Quanshu
Shaolin Kung Fu
Changquan or Long Fists
Yan Qing, Deceptive Movements and the Monkey Style
The Various Styles of Taijiquan
Soft and Hard, Internal and External
4 A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KUNG FU
Contrasting Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu
Internal Palm of Bagua Kung Fu
Xingyi Kung Fu and Taoist Concepts
The Philosophies of Wudang Kung Fu
Wuzuquan or Kung Fu of Five Ancestors
Tanglangquan or Praying Mantis Kung Fu
The Spread of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu
Major Southern Shaolin Styles
5 DEFINING AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The Importance of Theoretical Knowledge
The Three Requirements for Attainment
Direction and Purpose
Setting Aims for Kung Fu Training
Personal Objectives
Course Objectives
6 THE FOUNDATION OF SHAOLIN KUNG FU
Inheritance from Past Masters
The Significance of Form and Formlessness
Various Shaolin Hand Forms
Horseriding and Other Stances
Basic Shaolin Patterns
7 FROM FORM TO COMBAT APPLICATION
The Four Directions of Attack
An Imaginary Opponent in Skill Training
The Principles of Effective Combat
Specific Techniques Against Kicks
Felling and Holding Techniques
8 COMBAT SEQUENCES AND SET PRACTICE
Linking Patterns to Form Sequences
Various Sequences for Practice
Relieving Injuries Sustained in Sparring
Linking Sequences to Form Sets
Composing Your Own Kung Fu Sets
9 SHAOLIN FIVE ANIMALS
Understanding Characteristics and Essence
Some Preliminary Information
The Five-Animal Set
The Names of the Five-Animal Patterns
10 FIVE-ANIMAL COMBINATION SET
How to Improve Combat Efficiency
The Fascination of Kung Fu Application
Spacing and ‘Timing in Combat
Advanced ‘Techniques to Clinch Victory
11 THE INTERNAL FORCE OF SHAOLIN KUNG FU
The Relationship Between Technique and Force
The Art of One-Finger Shooting Zen
Developing Forceful Punches
The Compassionate Art of Qin-Na
The Internal Force of Tiger Claw
12 TACTICS AND STRATEGIES
Techniques, Tactics and Strategies
The Legacy of Past Masters
Using Continuous Attack Effectively
A Tactic to Distract Your Opponent
Selecting Strategies to Suit Particular Situations
13 CLASSICAL KUNG FU WEAPONS
Why are Classical Weapons Still Being Used?
Staffs
Whips, Knives and Other Weapons
The Spear Family
Light and Heavy Weapons
Common Implements as Weapons
14 UNDERSTANDING AND DEVELOPING
From Combat Efficiency to Spiritual Development
The Various Genres of Chi Kung
The Three Elements of Chi Kung
Lifting the Sky
Lohan Embracing Buddha
Abdominal Breathing
15 SHAOLIN KUNG FU AND ZEN
Cultivating Heart, Nourishing Nature
Discipline and Wisdom
What is Ultimate Reality?
Bodhidharma and ‘Taoism in Zen
16 THE SHAOLIN WAY TO ENLIGHTENMENT
Attaining a Focused Mind
Meditation to Train Awareness
Investigating Cosmic Reality?
The Zen of Bodhidharma and Hui Neng
Shaolin Kung Fu for Spiritual Development
Different Attainments for Different Needs
Notes
Further Reading
Useful Addresses
Index
