5 comments about The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text: History, Philosophy, and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an.

1. I have studied many types of "Shaolin Kung Fu" - and let's get one thing clear from the beginning: There are many, many incorrect views out there about what "Shaolin" really means. This book, in my experienced and educated opinion comes the closest to a genuinely authentic version of "Shaolin."
   
   After studying for over a year under the current Temple's "official" US representative monk in Flushing, NYC, I learned only one martial move. That monk is himself an accomplished iron-body master. Yet he did not do any iron body training during my stay. (Nor did his most senior students - it was ALL modern wushu for us). Nor was there any type of meditation practice. There was a strong sense of community, which was appealing.
   
   I moved on to study Jin-Woo, which incorporated many authentic Shaolin forms before Mao took over China. Unfortunately, many Jin-Woo schools are continuing this impulse, and are "incorporating" modern wushu as well, to the point where many no longer teach any authentic, traditional Kung-Fu. I am much happier knowing three authentic Shaolin forms, instead of knowing 20 modern wushu forms that are Shaolin in name-only.
   
   Where is Shaolin? Well, we all romanticize the "warrior-monks" of legend. But adhering to the philosophy of Shaolin requires taking the Bodhisattva vow, abiding by the rules of a monastery, and practicing Kung-Fu as an augmentation to sitting meditation. The closest thing that comes to Shaolin, nowadays, is Integral Institute's "Integral Life Practice".
   
   I have only two small problems with this book:
   1) It is not nearly polemical enough in deriding the ridiculous charlatans that perform flashy wushu with bald heads and saffron robes. The Chinese government oppresses Tibetan Buddhism and regularly engages in human rights violations against peaceful Falun Gong public-meditators, but "Shaolin" flourishes in mainland China?? WAKE UP PEOPLE....
   
   2) The emphasis on differentiated "animal styles." Animal-specific forms are a product of importing forms into the West. Chinese history and culture has always been one that revealed a group-mind where things merged together. The Western mind finds the one-animal to one-form ratio appealing. In traditional Kung-Fu forms (with the exception of Southern and Hun-Gar), each form had many "fists" embedded within it.
   
   Some "Shaolin Monks" that teach in the US will make you a "monk" with no Bodhisattva vow, no reading of sutras, and no true practice other than your continued monthly wushu training fees. This is not the "way of no way" that Zen speaks to so well, and which many have attempted to invoke in defense of this unconscienable and false practice. Make no mistake about it - any authentically spiritual practice that incorporates Kung-Fu will require "Hard Work" as much as it requires actual vows and spiritual practices such as sitting meditation.
   
   So sure, Shaolin can be in your heart. But your heart is not truly OF Shaolin unless you use the sword of Manjusri to cleave your implusive and ego driven romanticism away from your real practice. (Your "real practice" = transcending ego). For all of its necessarily limited oral history (there were, after all, a great many monks), this book goes a long way in balancing the many ignorant and authentic voices in this underground debate about the true soul of Shaolin.



2. The Shaolin Grandmaster's Text was a very pleasant and easy read. I found it to be written from a nonjudgmental viewpoint and the information was very organized and relevant. I appreciated the way in which Chan Buddhism was presented. I found myself, as a Christian, having little , if any, trouble accepting their philosophy. There were so many similarities I sometimes thought they were quoting from the Bible. It really helped me increase my level of compassion and peace. As a Praying Mantis kung fu stylist and American karate black belt, I found the presentation of Shaolin martial arts to be highly informative and accurate. I strongly suggest any martial artist, kung fu or karate, purchase this book, not only for its technique and exercise instruction, but also for its help in making us more responsible as we gain martial skills. I am a better martial artist, and person, for having read this book recommended to me by my Praying Mantis instructor Chuck Shultz.



3. ------------------------------------------------------------------
   [ Español ]
   ------------------------------------------------------------------
   Para quienes buscan una perspectiva más profunda (y despojada de toda distorsión y mitología popular)sobre ¿qué es? y cómo entender en su justa proporción los orígenes de una rama importante del kung fu y como ella se entrelaza, nutre y moldea delicadamente con la pragmática visión ch'an, el contexto histórico, geográfico y religioso de la época, ésta obra es imperdible.
   
   No hay legenda más grande, que la que el corazón de cada persona desee creer. Sin embargo, no hay leyenda más real que aquella que cada uno alcanza a comprender de corazón en su correcta dimensión, guiada por el conocimiento concreto de que sucedió, cómo sucedió y cuando sucedió; insuflada por el espíritu de más de 2000 años de historia.
   
   ------------------------------------------------------------------
   [ English ]
   ------------------------------------------------------------------
   For those who look for one a more deeper perspective (and undressed of all distortion and mythology popular) about what is? and how to understand in it's right proportion, the origins of an important branch of kung fu and as it interlaces itself, nourishes and molds delicately with the pragmatic ch'an vision, the historical, geographic context and religious of that time, this one work is imperdible.
   
   There is no greater legend than, the one that each person heart wishes to believe. Nevertheless, there is no more real legend than, that than each one reaches to understand of heart in its correct dimension, guided by the concrete knowledge of which it happened, how it happened and when it happened; insufflated by the spirit of more than 2000 years of history.



4. This book is unique in that it focuses more on the system of belief used at the Shaolin Temple than on the martial arts that are practiced there. It can provide (to the discerning reader) a balance in what is usually a rather one-sided view of Shaolin practice. The writing is simple and direct. I would recommend this book to anyone who was truly serious about
   finding the substance behind the facade that is usually erected around the Shaolin Temple and its practices.



5. I find this book to be very interesting. Most of the information we've had on Shaolin has come to us filterd through the Chinese government's censorship.The rebuilt temple is little more than a tourist attraction and combat kung fu is still forbidden.This book written by the Order of Shaolin Ch'an is based on the last true abbot of Shaolin, the 2nd highyest ranking monk, and the abbot of Fukien temple's teachings. The three grandmasters escaped to the U.S. with lower ranking monks to practice the traditional teachings and kung fu of Shaolin.In this book those who practiced under them now share the true history, philosophy and fighting styles of pre-communist Shaolin, and dispel many of the misconceptions that grew out of films and Chinese government censorship.

5 comments about The Essence of Shaolin White Crane--Martial Power and Qigong.

1. Being a marital artist myself for over thirty years I say this book has been most fulfilling after becoming bogged down in the working society and not having time to work out, I was greatly discouraged at the rate my knee joints developed arthritis like pain. Before reading the book I forced myself to work leg work to see what would happen and in a few short months I was walking without a limp. After reading the book I can see that in a few short years continuing down this route would soon result in painful joints again. Not only has this book pointed to a more complete and sensible direction for my martial arts, but also a way that has already improved the quality of my life.



2. The White Crane is a southern chinese kung fu style, and Dr. Yang's reference sets the standard. The White Crane style is a parent art from which many southern styles developed (including Wing Chun, Japanese and Okinawan Karate) so it is worth studying.
   
   Included is the martial theory behind the system, featuring lengthy discusssions on Qi & Jin and their martial applicability. A martial artist of a style that is descended from the White Crane will find much to enhance his own understanding of his art.
   
   This is mainly a reference material, as Books and DVDs do not make good primary instructional material for martial arts, so plan on attending a seminar or finding a good local school to get the most from this book.



3. This is another of Dr. Ming's excellent books on the Chinese martial arts. I have many of them, including his complete video tape series on chin na, and regard his books and videos as a source of quality information.
   
   There are a number of crane and white crane styles, such as southern white crane, northern black crane, eastern Tibetan white crane, and at least four styles of southern white crane are known. All have their own unique stylistic qualities but share with the others a common core of crane techniques and an emphasis on both hard and soft aspects. The feeding crane is a form rather than a style, and the "vibrating crane" is a fa-jing or explosive chi energy technique. (I don't propose to get into a discussion of chi principles here or their validity, I just mention this for factual purposes).
   
   I should mention right off that despite the title, most of this book is actually about white crane chi gung principles and practice. In fact, 178 pages of the book are devoted to it. There are separate chapters on stationary soft, moving soft, stationary hard, and moving hard chi gung, and a related chapter covers Jin, or energy and power production. Only the last 55 or so pages are actually devoted to the martial applications, so if you're primarily interested in those, perhaps this book isn't for you. However, the photos showing the martial applications are very clear and of value also.
   
   One interesting thing I noticed was how combat realistic the hard, moving chi gung was. Just from the photos, it wasn't easily distinguishable from a real white crane kung fu form. Oddly enough, one of the chi gung postures resembled one from Indonesian Panca Indra Suci Pentjak Silat, an interesting coincidence.
   
   White Crane kung is considered to be an especially refined style of kung fu. It has had an important influence on karate styles such as Okinawan goju-ryu and shorin-ryu, and also Yamaguchi's Japanese goju-ryu has at least one hakutsuru or white crane form. (In fact, I once saw a film of Yamaguchi's funeral and one of his top students performed a white crane form in his honor). Three of these occur in a number of variations in the Okinawan styles. (It's known that aged masters taught different versions to different students on the same day. Whether this was the result of age-related memory deficiencies, shall we say, or some other factor isn't known.) The white crane master, Go Ken Ki, is usually credited with introducing these forms into the Okinawan karate styles.
   
   In addition to its influence on karate, white crane is important in the history of the Chinese arts not only for its own stylistic innovations, but also for its influence on tiger-crane styles such as Hung Gar and other five animals type styles, which incorporate the crane as one of the five animals (the others being dragon, snake, leopard, and tiger). There is also the older Ha Se Fu or "5 Lower Tigers" style, which contains a white crane form. Unlike Hung gar with its extremely long forms (the first form in Hung Gar is over 200 moves long), their forms are shorter and have only one for each animal, which is kept separate from the rest, rather than integrated, as in Hung Gar.
   
   In addition to the above, there is also a chapter on principles and concepts common to all kung fu styles (such as hard, soft, jin energy training, chi, and so on), and there is also a nice history of white crane and kung fu, including some interesting stories about legendary masters and their exploits (which are basically de rigeur in any kung fu book).
   
   Overall, this is another fine book from master Ming emphasizing mostly the more advanced, internal chi gung training of white crane, which should be of interest mostly to intermediate and advanced students who already have some idea of the martial applications and perhaps want to know more about the internal aspects and mental training as well.



4. ...as usual, Dr. Yang does it again with this exceptional work. Buy his books...honestly, buy them all! You can read this many times over and still keep learning new things and getting new ideas. Pretty much like all of his books. Thank you yet again, Dr. Yang. You make me feel humble knowing there are still true masters living in this world.



5. This book is awesome , is perfect people this book word your money and time .

5 comments about Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles (Qin Na : the Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Martial Arts Styles).

1. I found this book very practical, especially in comparison to some other books by the author I have read. The techniques are well described, with good foto's, so that one can practice them easyly. I think a background in a locking-art, like mine in aikido, is important for the basic handling of joints, since the locks can be very dangerous. The book gave me very many variations in my aikido and I liked the many fingerlocks, which I was not familiar with.



2. All forms can be applied only by the movement of some types of internal kungfu familiar to auther ONLY. Kungfu studens who practice other kind of kungfu such as external martial arts may see no chance to use them or find them useless.

   THe book is only good for Tai Chi or Pa kwa. If you practice Shaolin line of kungfu, look for other books.




3. US martial artists won't find much of the material in this book elsewhere. Those studying advanced judo, jujitsu or other grappling arts will find techniques that enhance basic techniques already in use. I found the sections on attacking tendons especially well done. No surprise that successful application requires significant strength in the fingers and wrists. Not recommended for beginners.



4. This is an amazing book. It really has alot of techniques you can
   use for "take downs" or some sort disarming or disabling techniques. I Love it, especially since I got the Dr Yangs DVD set on Shaolin Chin Na and useing these together really gives you a better understanding of the art. Just a side note, the DVD quality, production level, direction, its the best martial arts instructional video I have ever seen.



5. Yang Jwing-Ming is definitely amongst the leading authors and indeed authorities on the subject of martial arts in the west. With this particular volume he has made one of the best guides to the subject of qin na. The pictures are all good and the explanations very clear. There is an abundance of techniques covered. Well enough to satisfy even the most demanding of students. The sheer scope of techniques makes this book a perfect reference guide for students and teachers alike.
   
   I agree with another reviewer who suggested that a background in grapling/locking arts will be beneficial in learning from this book.
   
   Together with "Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na" also by Yang Jwing Ming and "Practical Chin Na" by Zhao Da Yuan "Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na" is all you'll ever need in the form of books on qin na.
   
   Highly recommendable

No comments about Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Dian Xue Shu (Dim Mak) - Skill of Acting on Acupoints.

5 comments about Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, 2nd Edition: Instructors Manual for All Martial Styles.

1. Great manual for kung Fu masters and practioners. A lot of different tecniques inside.



2. This book gave me a greater understanding of the fundamentals. It would make a good read for any discipline.



3. Its a very helpful book for those who are interested in the combat aspect of Tai chi chuan



4. I have found all of the material from Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming to be very helpful as a reference. It has been invaluable when I have not been able to get to class for long stretches and need some clarification when practicing at home. The descriptions and drawings make it easy to understand the movements and he covers a lot of material in each publication. There isn't a true substitute for in-class training, but this is a fantastic supplement, regardless of the art one is studying.



5. THE REAL Ju-Jitsu!! Chin Na (Qin Na) means to Seize an CONTROL~ I have taught a lot of people self defense and martial arts techniques with this style of training. (Thanks to Dr. Yang and everyone @ his Boston HQ!) This was originally designed for INSTRUCTOR's USE which allows even the beginner a very deep look into the physiology of WHY each move works with the body. Anyone can do this style. Great for FEMALEs who can learn to use leverage and angles rather than just strength to overcome an opponent. The techniques in here are very real and are designed to STOP an attacker. When the ancient arts say stop, they mean S T O P~ you must practice safely with your friends. Pain and INJURY are different. Pain is a indicator flag, Bend knees and TAP. Injury can easily be avoided with proper respect. In a real situation, don't hold back. Also good with this is the book: Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na, and Tai Chi Chin Na along with their newly available DVD's!

3 comments about Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin.

1. this book has all the exercises,just as promised. The thing you have to remember is the time it was written in. So youre going to have to buy some things...a lot of things if you want to become good with the training. Another thing: dont buy this if you dont have patience. A lot of the exercises take a "warm up". The thing is tht it takes 100 days,then 10 more years to completely master. But dont let this stop you
   
   good luck



2. This book Reveals Secrets within Chinese Martial Art - Shaolin Gong Fu (Kung Fu) never published in the western world before...
   The book was released and translated into English only 1934 due to a disastrous fire that burned 1000 years old documents in the main monastry of Shaolin - the book is an attempt to recreate the lost written knowledge from Old 'Masters' still alive - the result is a book that will take you on a lifelong journey to master Gong Fu (Kung Fu).
   An unique book for any Martial artist. Unfortunately the quality of the translation from Chinese is not always the best and more pictures would be very helpful... Mats Fondelius - CEO from USA/SWEDEN



3. I bought this book when i was browsing around for different exercises to supliment with my martial arts training and out of all the books i bought this is one thats not hidden away in my book box
   
   Weather you are looking for exercises or want to know more about the history and the way monks trained, this book is worth its weight in gold. Since i dont mind the history I'll just talk about the exercises
   
   Basicaly the book is full of mostly isometric, body conditioning and yoga/tai chi/chi gung type exercises, but also has many weight and plyometric exercises, each one focused but not limited to the martial arts. If you are a martial artist it would be very hard for you to not get at least one exercise that you will fall in love with :)
   
   Although you need to build stuff for some like someone sayed, only a few exercises you probably wont be able to do because of its complexity of aparatus, and a few like the groin conditioning exercise are purely for entertainment purposes but there are some gold nugets in this book that are more than worth it
   
   Buy this book! :):):)

5 comments about The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion and the Chinese Martial Arts.

1. Meir is the foremost expert outside of China (and possibly even within China) on the history of the Shaolin Temple. An academic book by an amazing scholar, and a must read for anyone serious about learning the in-depth history of Shaolin, and martial arts, as he traces the history back 1500+ years. Scholarly, well written, peer reviewed, with loads of annotations...
   
   A great book if you're seeking insight of the origins of Kung Fu If you are not seriously interested in martial arts, and their Shaolin China roots, this book is probably not for you.



2. A much more readable book than the previous review suggests, desoite its thoroughness, and a welcome antedote to the self-serving mythology that passes for history in most book about Shaolin. Meir's discussion of the roots of some of the most familiar Shaolin-based styles of will be especially absorbing for fans of kung fu movies.



3. This is a deep and throughly researched book detailing the true aspects of Shaolin history and it's strange but interesting link between religion and martial arts.
   Everything you needed to know about ancient Shaolin that can be found in ancient records is detailed here.
   Other books do not come close and even lie.



4. I came to this work as both an academic and a practitioner of a Shaolin style of pushing hands. The evolution of the Shaolin arts from staff fighting to unarmed styles is explored in great detail from a variety of sources (many of which are primary and have been translated here for the first time).
   
   This is one of the first books I've read that makes a scholarly attempt at explaining how the Buddhist monks of Shaolin successfully negotiated the cognitive dissonance caused by commitment to Buddhist principles of non-violence on one hand and mastery of martial arts on the other.
   
   The book also succeeds in recognising and clarifying the role of Daoist thought and cultivation practices (namely the Dao Yin) in the development of Shaolin Gung Fu.
   
   Some of the conclusions (especially in relation to the unarmed styles) lend some support to Nathan Johnson's (2000) thesis 'Barefoot Zen'. After long and careful study of the forms of Shaolin Gung Fu and Karate Kata, Johnson contended that these arts were never intended for fighting (whereas Shahar would likely contend that fighting was not their sole purpose, p.180 and p.200).



5. ". . . medieval sources do not allude to specific Shaolin fighting methods, Indeed they neither mention how Shaolin monks fought, nor which weapons they employed in battle. Attributing their descendant's martial arts to Tang Shaolin monks would be anachronistic." (The Shaolin Monastery. M. Shahar, pg. 52)
   
   This is a serious, academically critical, look at Shaolin Monastery, and a
   good critic of what is being practiced at Shaolin today.
   
   Rik Zak
   [...]

5 comments about The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu: The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-Defense, Health, and Enlightenment (Tuttle Martial Arts).

1. This book is one of my favorites! My copy is old now and the pages are underlined and bent from reading and re reading this book. The book gives one more than enough reading materiel to practice and think about! If you don't have a school near by or good teachers, Mr. Kit gives you more than enough information to begin practice. To this day, I'm fortysix years old, I practice the Shaolin eight exercises Mr. Kit explains in his book for exercise! I have also emailed him to ask him questions and he actually took time to write back and comment on what I should focus on in my practice. I enjoyed this book so much I bought all his other books!



2. I am a student of Shaolin Kung Fu and have regular classes with our Shifu. This book clarified issues I had questions about and brought up new areas of learning that Shifu hadn't covered, particularly about chi power and focusing energy. Once mentioning the topics from the book in class, we went into new and exciting areas of kung fu that were deeper and more powerful. The author is also a well known expert on Shaolin Kung Fu, so he speaks from vast experience. He strives to help the student in a clear and comprrehensive way. It's my favorite of the thirty or so books I have on Kung Fu. I would highly recommend it to other students.



3. Good book with a helpful grasp of the history of kung fu. Also has some very useful information for proper foundations and stances. I feel that you should already have a grasp of some style of kung fu to properly appreciate and understand this book



4. This book is very good. It completely explains the history and philosophy of Shaolin Kung Fu. It hits the five main aspects of why a person would practice Kung Fu and follows those five main points through out the book. After reading the book, you can understand that martial arts is not just self defence, it's also a good practice to bring the mind, body, and spirit together.



5. As a beginner with my son, this book on Shaolin Kung Fu was very informative and the diagrams were very well done. The book starts with a description of what is kung fu to the many forms and techniques of the art. I would highly recommend the book to any parent trying to introduce their child to the method of self-defense.

5 comments about The Shaolin Workout: 28 Days to Transforming Your Body and Soul the Warrior's Way.

1. This is an incredible book. Sifu Shi Yan Ming condenced every basic kung fu movement into a great book. As an experience martial artist of eight years (studying northern praying mantis kung fu)I find this book a great source for everyone who is just starting in the martial arts and for experienced martial artist who like to go back to the basics from time to time. Also, it's a very good book for everyone searching for new ways to exercise. I highly recomend this book.



2. This is an excellent book, no question. It will challenge you greatly, but will produce physical (and mental) results worth every penny spent and every second of time invested. I have been following this text-workout for nearly a year. I would say that it is only within the last three months or so that I have come to passably "master" the program. I am still growing. Yet the rewards were apparent the very first week. The maxims that accompany each exercise have become part of my mental makeup, and I am a better person because of it. Again, there is nothing "easy" about it. But, if you *study* and *train* as prescribed, you will find yourself wishing, like me, that you possessed several copies, to replace the worn and sweat-covered one that first introduced you to this amazing new world. To paraphrase a maxim found therein, "Dripping water bores a hole in the book."



3. If you met Shifu and train with him you would see how he carries himself. It is how he hopes all of us carry ourselves. He teaches us every day is Christmas. If you came from abject poverty and near death to the heights he has, how could you not be grateful for every waking moment? (he is!) That is what he encourages in this work..it is the Shaolin way..it is his way.
   
   I don't know if the exercises are Wu Shu or true Shaolin but they will get you in great condition regardless. A friend of mine who did a documentary of the Shaolin temple says he is their "missing brother" and they miss him very much.
   
   The exercises are EXACTLY what we do in class. It's hard to describe all the little secrets in each move except to say that you generate Chi from the popping action of the hip, and the speed you do them across the floor over and over again until you get them right. After you master each of the moves in this book you move on to the forms.
   
   Buy this book and try to do the moves over and over again in a line. If you just do Sai Jow about 500 times you will burn calories..trust me! Just remember to land each foot pointed and make sure your leg touches the floor "light as a feather." Or try to sit in deep horse stance making sure you push your knees out and open your chest leaning backwards working up to 30 minutes a day!



4. I've studied shaolin style for 2 years and like another review said, what he teaches you will learn the first day in class. I was really excited when i found out about the book but I expected way more from a shaolin monk. If you want to loose weight then sure, do some of his exercises over and over again for an hour and I guarentee you'll do so. But if your hoping to learn martial arts or "kung fu", don't waste your money.



5. Very good program. Inspirational. Anybody can do it. I had good results with mobility within a week at age 70.

5 comments about American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in theNew China.

1. Entertaining and well written. I recommend it to anyone looking for either the courage or excuse to take their own adventure. Matthew Polly is the improbable explorer that exists in all of us. He does an excellent job of taking us along for the ride and making us feel we are there with him.



2. This is a delightful book. I laughed out loud in a few spots. I loved the cultural information shared throughout the book. Can't wait to see the movie!



3. The tale is a very interesting one. A student midway through his studies at Princeton University captures some wanderlust and heads off essentially to parts unknown. This is a story of his journey. The author, Matthew Polly, heads to China in the mid-90s without any sense of exactly where he is headed; neither geographically nor personally.
   
   He is intrigued by David Carradine's character of Caine in the TV series Kung Fu and decides to go and study at the legendary Shaolin Temple. After arriving, like so many things in life, the reality is much different than his idealized vision of what it would be like to study under the Shaolin monks.
   
   If you have read Tom Friedman's The World Is Flat and felt that there was a lot more to learn about what was going on in the rest of the world, then I strongly suggest that you add this book to your reading list. The reality of China in the mid-90s is probably much different than what many Americans understand. American Shaolin, while telling the story of the author's physical and spiritual transformation, additionally serves as a very interesting period piece of China and its development or lack thereof at that time.
   
   Particularly enlightening to me was the progression of the spiritual aspect of the monk's life. In the early stages of the monk's life in training, kung fu becomes the spiritual practice. Meditation seems like it is a practice of the older monks principally as they are unable to practice the martial arts.
   
   The story does have moments where the story seems to be stretching the truth a bit. The single-mindedness and the focus on the goal serves as an excellent metaphor for so many different achievements one may seek in their life. Even if the author does take some literary freedoms, this book is one that you will remember and talk to your friends about.



4. Although this is a nonfiction memoir, it reads like a very funny novel. Beware of reading this in public, unless you don't mind laughing really hard and having people staring at you. (ie iron crotch monks, coke dealing, midnight mistresses, etc). Interestingly there were moments that were also very touching and could really bring a tear to person.
   
   Despite this, the book gave some very fascinating, presumably accurate, first person account about China in the 90's, kungfu, and the most importantly the people there.
   
   the writing was extraordinary and fluid. The author has a way of making you understand and feel emotions for the characters he describes, monks, vendor, evil administrators and yes the author himself, without boring you with deep analysis.
   
   summary: funny read, sometimes sad, but mostly funny and informative and did I mentioned funny.



5. Matthew Polly's adventures in China make for a very fascinating book. I couldn't put this book down. He provides great insight on China in the early 90s, while at the same time weaving a humorous tale of a Westerner trying to survive in Asia. Anyone who has spent time in Asia can relate to Polly's observations...however, he does so with great wit and the keen insight only someone fluent in the language could provide.