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

1. Just wanted to add another five-star review, in agreement with what others have already written. "The Shaolin Monastery" is unexpectedly engaging and FUN to read for such an impressively scholarly work. Shahar's historical/anthropological examination of HOW mythologies (often assumed to be facts) develop is a unique contribution among many of this valuable book. Regretably, I don't have time to review the many good books I've read, purchased on Amazon, but this one really deserves highlighting.
   
   Readers should note that The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text: History, Philosophy, and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an, which Amazon has tagged along with this book, is not at all in the same league. It has anonymous authorship (always a bad sign) and is self-published by the somewhat suspect "Order of Shaolin Ch'an" (another bad sign). While "Grandmasters" discusses some interesting topics and seems to be somewhat knowledgeable, offering descriptions of various forms and styles, it should be viewed as a completists' (i.e., for a thorough collection) and not the most advisable introduction. American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in theNew Chinais marvelously entertaining firsthand account of a young American training at today's Shaolin Temple. But for history, "Shaolin Monastery" if by far the best source.



2. The most authoratative and insightful book I've ever read on this topic. Extremely well-researched and documented, this book dispels many myths, answers many questions, and yet leaves room for further inquiry. Truly a gem!



3. Here are some of the more interesting points covered, including the slaying of commonly held martial arts myth:
   
   1) Although he is not sure when the monks began to learn how to wield weapons, Shahar states they were practicing the use of military weapons (sword, spear, bow, etc.) as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The monks chosen to learn these skills protected the monastery from mountain bandits that regularly laid siege to the complex. However, these monks were not apart of the religiously devout vegetarian body that lived within the monastery proper. They lived in small clusters located outside of the monastery and regularly broke the Buddhist precepts against eating meat, drinking alcohol, and killing. They were allowed to do this because of their distance from the monastery and the protection they provided. The allowances for killing were also connected to their religious beliefs.
   
   2) The martial monks worshiped a Buddhist guardian deity called "Vajrapani," one of the Buddha's body guards. Legends tell how he regularly killed demons and other evil creatures that threatened the Buddha or Buddhism in general. Hence, this was all the justification the military monks needed to kill. This deity was always portrayed in Indian art with a club, but the Chinese eventually changed it to a staff (contemporary stelae located on the Monastery grounds attests to this). Vajrapani figures in Shaolin legend as the progenitor of their legendary staff method. Hence, he was connected to Shaolin arts CENTURIES before Bodhidharma.
   
   3) Chinese fiction had a great influence on Shaolin legends. For instance, the Monkey King from the tale Journey to the West influenced the aforementioned staff legend. The legend takes place during the Red Turban Rebellion of the Yuan Dynasty. Bandits lay siege to the monastery, but it is saved by a lowly kitchen worker wielding a long fire poker as a makeshift staff. He leaps into the oven and emerges as a monstrous giant big enough to stand astride both Mount Song and the imperial fort atop Mount Shaoshi (which are five miles apart). The bandits flee when they behold this staff-wielding titan. The Shaolin monks later realize that the kitchen worker was none other than Vajrapani in disguise. Shahar compares the worker's transformation in the stove with Sun's time in Laozi's crucible, their use of the staff, and the fact that Sun and his weapon can both grow to gigantic proportions
   
   4) Empty-handed boxing did not develop at Shaolin until the late Ming Dynasty. Before then, they were only known for their staff and spear methods. Because the Ming Dynasty revered the "Three religions" (Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism) as one universal teaching, during this time, Shaolin also studied Taoist gymnastics (stretching and breathing exorcises). These exercises were eventually combined with fist arts (in and outside the monastery) to create a new form of cultivation consisting of gymnastics, religious rituals, and combative techniques.
   
   5) Bodhidharma was not connected with Shaolin fighting arts until the 17th century. Prior to this, he was only considered the progenitor of Chan Buddhism. The first published source that mentions Bodhidharma in connection with Shaolin arts is the Sinew Changing Classic, which was written by a Taoist in 1624. This is the source for all current legends that state he taught monks exercises to strengthen their bodies. However, as originally conceived, these exercises ultimately ended in immortality. Practitioners of the 17th century "internal school," which predates the creation of Taiji, and eventually died out, combined the Wu Dang priest Zhang Sanfeng with a Taoist God (The Dark Warrior) to create a Taoist equivalent of Bodhidharma. Hence, Bodhi became the legendary progenitor of the "External" or "Northern school" and Zhang the "internal" or "Southern school."
   
   6) Shaolin's fame from the Tang till today was derived solely from their expertise in choosing the correct side to fight for in struggles between warring factions. For instance, Shaolin fought for the New Tang emperor, guaranteeing their future for centuries. Had they fought for the other side, they would have been exterminated. During the Tang, Buddhism was targeted because of it's foreign origins. Monks were sent home to lay life (or killed) and their monasteries where destroyed. But Shaolin was allowed to stay open ONLY because of its help to the Tang founder. Shahar gives an example of the reverse (a bad political choice). The Shaolin Temple was burnt in 1928 because they chose a side and lost.



4. Unfortunately, quality academic work on subjects related to martial arts is in very short supply. With the appearance of Shahar's book, however, we have a first-rate addition to current scholarship. It is most welcome.
   
   Having earned his doctorate at Harvard, Shahar currently teaches at Tel Aviv University in Israel. The Shaolin Monastery is his third book related to the intersection of Chinese history and religion, following Crazy Ji: Chinese Religion and Popular Culture (1998) and his work as co-editor of Unruly Gods: Divinity and Society in China (1996). In this most recent work, Shahar traces the history of the famous Shaolin Temple from the 6th century to the present day. With a remarkable grasp of the historical materials, he presents the early development and mythology surrounding the monastery's military exploits during the Tang Dynasty, its evolution during the Ming, disintegration through the Qing, and recent revival in the last fifty years. Along the way, historical misperceptions and legends are dealt with critically. In doing so, however, Shahar avoids the tendency of too many historians to giddily deconstruct popular beliefs with an iconoclasm that betrays a snooty elitism on the part of the researcher. Shahar prefers to uncover, explain, and clarify, not gleefully tear down.
   
   This book should put an end to those arguing that Bodhidharma did indeed introduce physical exercise of any sort to Shaolin. As Shahar points out, the Shaolin monks did not even sell that story until the mid-Qing dynasty (c. 18th century). Likewise, he demonstrates that empty-handed fightings styles, both historical and contemporary, that claim to have originated at Shaolin are equally dubious. Anyone today claiming to practice martial arts with their roots in Shaolin - aside from modern wushu - will be hard pressed to do so after reading this book.
   
   Shahar's historical research is, as mentioned above, first rate. However, readers who are looking for information on the nuts and bolts of Chinese martial arts will be sorely disappointed. There is almost no discussion of technique or principles of combat, leaving the reader wondering at times if Shahar has ever spent time training in martial arts himself. When Shahar quotes Cao Huandou, who criticizes those who "strain their muscles and expose their bones, waste their energy and use force," Shahar concludes, "Evidently, some artists considered the martial aspect of their technique secondary to the spiritual one." (171) Here, Shahar seems to equate straining with an emphasis on martial practice, as distinct from a more relaxed spiritual pursuit. This glaring ignorance of Chinese martial arts demonstrates Shahar's lack of understanding of the practice of these arts.
   
   Additionally, while Shahar addresses issues that relate to the religious tension that exists when Buddhist monks train for and engage in violence, he provides no new insights or penetrating analysis. He has a clear grasp of the fundamentals of Buddhism and Taoism, but this is not the work of a scholar of religion. His surprise at a story of Buddhist monks being physically aggressive with each other was actually a surprise to me. He writes, "The violence and abuse [taking place between monks] recorded by Zhang Zhuo seem hardly fit for a Buddhist temple." (37) It would appear that Shahar has spent very little time reading of Chinese and Japanese Buddhists in the Ch'an/Zen tradition, for whom physical acts of striking, slapping, kicking, and other physical abuse is hardly out of the ordinary.
   
   The comments above, however, should not be read as criticism. Shahar is an historian writing a history of the Shaolin Temple. In that task he has done an exemplary job. A book cannot be all things to all people, so potential readers should know what a book is, and what it is not. In the task he set out to accomplish, Shahar should be commended.



5. If you are at all interested in Shaolin history, I cannot stress how much you will enjoy this book. It is by far the most relevant English language book ever published on the subject. Highly recommended.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. ...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.



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



5. The book is a definitive reference for white crane kung fu students, at an intermediate or advanced levels.
   
   While I do not study Yang Ming's white crane style (I do flying white crane), the explanations are long, detailed, and extensive to understand his teachings. The photos demonstrating qigong exercices are also very helpful. I didn't really get qigong previously, but having tried the basic exercices in the middle of the book, I can't wait to try out the advanced ones.
   
   It's definetely one of the best kung-fu book i've had so far, one I'll read and re-read for the upcoming months. I just bought other books by Dr Yang (Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na + QiGong the secret of Youth), and they are top quality too.
   
   Also, I don't think you could be a master in qigong without previous kung fu practice just with this book. I know there are the DVDs, but studying with a more experience teacher or sifu would make more sense.

3 comments about Iron Thread. Southern Shaolin Hung Gar Kung Fu Classics Series.

1. Andrew Timofeevich has masterfully translated Lam Sai Wing's (Author), Tid Sid Kuen - Iron Wire form with easy to understand and follow instructions. Martial Artists need to add this one to your library even if you don't intend to learn the form. It opens up the essence of Hung Gar which can greatly benefit those in both soft and hard styles. The illustrations in combination with the detailed instruction make it easy for anyone to enter a heretofore secret art.



2. This book contains excellent and detailed descriptions of every technique in the Iron Wire Set. I think it also very useful for people who have a background in Tai Chi, because this is a unique description of the most internal form of the hard style of Hung Gar Kung Fu.



3. Lam Sai Wing's, "Iron Thread," is a masterfully constructed instructional manual for the Hung Gar form, "Iron Thread." This form combines the elements of both the internal and the external, and is designed to promote physical strength and development of internal energy.
   The Author begins with the lineage of his own Masters, and the origins of Hung Gar Kung Fu. He also provides a few fitting and excellent stories about their exploits.
   The form itself is illustrated from one posture to the next, with careful descriptions of each move, as well as the feelings one should experience when the postures are executed correctly. The form is unusual in that specific vocalizations accompany many of the techniques, and are often combined with a sort of moving, dynamic tension. The form is also very economical in its use of space, and it should fit easily within the confines of the average apartment room. The movements are not too complicated at the surface, and won't prove to be too difficult for the studious practitioner. The true complexity of this form however, will only be grasped after long, diligent study, as its internal methods should prove quite challenging to master. There are also no kicking techniques in this form, and that may prove attractive to some. I also felt that this form would fit in well with many Karate systems forms repertoire, and it reminded me in some ways of Goju-Ryu or Ueichi Ryu.
   Generous Masters such as Lam Sai Wing should be held in the highest regard for works such as this, without which, many of us would never experience the wonders of Shaolin Kung fu. Master Wing claims that the strength of the diligent practitioner of the Iron Thread can increase by nine times. Whether or not that this is true will be up to the student who reads and then strives. Many Shaolin Arts and Kung Fu use the concept of a "continuous thread of energy," and I believe that the "Iron Thread," is supposed to be practiced in just such a way, never truly stopping from beginning until the end. I for one, can't wait to try it.
   
   Sincerely, Erik D. J. O'Brien The Drums of Doom: Part 2 of The Duaredheim Staff Saga

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

1. I am a teacher of Yoshinkan Aikido with 30 years of training in various martial arts, including Taichi and now Chin Na. I have been familiar with Dr Yang's works but never owned any of his books until last year. I finally had an opportunity to attend one of his seminars and now study with some of his students. I am also trying to collect as much of his works as I can.
   
   I found this book to be an excellent resource in my Chin Na studies and to help learn the techniques I am learning from the students of Chin Na and on the YMAA DVDs that I own.
   But, as the title suggests, this is for ALL styles.
   
   I am always looking at how martial arts are inter-related and share common techniques and principles. I also look for variations on techniques in my style and try to work them into my training and teaching.
   
   This book is not only helping me to learn Chin Na but has brought more depth to my Aikido.



2. The "Analysis of Shoalin Chin Na" is a great book. The author takes you throguh the beginning, starting with stretching and exercises to make the most of your chin na training. He goes through a complete chin na regime, beginning with the fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulder joints. The information taught in this volume, if studied intimately, can give the thoughtful martial artist enough insight and information to take what he learns about joints, to enable him to apply that knowledge in almost any situation. This is a fine instructional manual, written and explained in a very credible manner. I highly recommend it for any serious martial artist.



3. I believe that medium of a book form has certain limitations when it comes to explaining moving actions such as chin na techniques. I bought this book prior to buying the dvd of YMAA production on chin na. i would say that it is better to get a dvd than a book if one is more keen to understand the techniques than the related informations.



4. This was the first martial arts book I ever bought, I still learn from it. When you think you have a fair understanding of what is going on, and the book is mere basics, you find some true gold through practice and dedication, this is one of those must have books like that will be right there for you throughout your life as a martial artists. Here is wonderful instruction for beginners and advanced martial artists alike, I recommend a training partner to get the most you can out of this fine peace of work.



5. Chin Na means "seize and control" and is part of most Chinese martial arts.
   Many of the hidden techniques in the Taiji forms are actually Chin NA techniques.
   
   There is a DVD companion to the book "Analysis of Shaolin Chin NA".
   If you are reading the book, you should also get the DVD so that you can see demonstrations of each technique.
   which are shown in 1)slow motion 2)close up and 3)normal speed. Each technique in the DVD references the book numberings.
   The video demonstration is great when you are reading the book since the techniques need to be seen and experienced to be understood.
   
   You probably should watch the DVD with a remote control in one hand and the book in the other hand.
   The DVD demonstrates the techniques. The book describes why and how the techniques work. The book also describes escapes and counters which are not covered in the DVD.
   
   The book is divided into:
   1. Fundamental Training -- exercises to develop the hand strength and speed needed to effectively apply Chin Na techniques.
   2. Finger Chin NA.
   3. Wrist Chin NA.
   4. Elbow Chin NA.
   5. Shoulder, Neck and Waist Chin Na.
   6. Neck Chin NA.
   9. Muscle Grabbing Chin NA.
   10. Cavity Press
   11. Using Chin NA in a fight.
   12. Treatment of Injuries.

3 comments about Shaolin Qi Gong: Energy in Motion.

1. I can't believe I am the first to review this book. I have no complaints what so ever, the book is printed with quality good quality color pictures, the information is thorough each form is well explained, every benefit to each form is explained something you don't see many times in QiGong books. It is authentic, and the author has a well established background in Shaolin, well worth the 14.95 for this type of book and a DVD. Similar titles don't even come close to offering this. I recommend this for anyone interested in QiGong.



2. This book is absolutely OUTSTANDING - well-explained and easy-to-understand text along with full color pictures illustrating the moves.
   
   And it includes a beautifully produced, high-quality DVD that allows one to follow along as the author (a humble, experienced and well-educated Shaolin monk) demonstrates all the gentle moves that comprise the 45-minute routine. The soundtrack music on the DVD is worth the price of the book/DVD alone - as it provides very inspiring yet soothing music that is the perfect accompaniment to the routine.
   
   The first time I followed the entire routine on the DVD I just had to sit still for some time afterwards and enjoy the tremendous sense of inner tranquility these moves produce in both the body as well as the mind.
   
   I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewer surprised that there aren't more reviews on this wonderful book/DVD.



3. This book is worth the price of the accompanying DVD alone. Magnificently filmed without narration, the DVD of the Master's workout is pure universal poetry. Easy to follow along and get your chi moving in harmony with the Master's. I have several tai chi DVDs that I practice with, and this is one of my favorites. If you're a total beginner, this may not be the best to start with because of the lack of narration/explanation, but if you already have some experience with breathing and the slow movements of tai chi, this is may be just right for you. Enjoy! I hope this Master will prepare more such video teachings.

5 comments about Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Training Methods Of 72 Arts Of Shaolin.

1. The training methods described are out dated compared with todays standards. However, it's a nice book to have for historicle purpose. The secret to attaining any skill is Practice, Practice, Practice... You will notice this while reading the book.



2. This book teaches all the exercizes it promises. However, some of them could be made clearer by adding pictures or further explanation. Anyone that buys this book should be aware that the great majority of these exercizes should only be done under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Besides, all of them require patient and constant (daily) effort during at least 6 months to have some results, and from 2 to 10 years to master. I advice this book for anyone seriously engaged with studying any chinese martial art system.



3. Jin Jing Zhong's, "72 Arts of Shaolin," is an amazing compilation of training and conditioning techniques. It preserves much of the ancient Shaolin training knowledge that would otherwise have been lost after the Communist Revolution. I have added many of the techniques to my own training regimen, and I only wish that I had found this book when I was younger! Most of the practices are safe but highly taxing and require a 100% committment in order to achieve success. Others require special apparatus or setups, but none are insurmountable. I quickly discovered a few favorite exercises that I try to practice every day, and I am sure that any student reading this work will fall in love with some of them as well. A few of the exercises suggest training with "dead lead," and as far as I know, there is no way to train safely with lead. I would recommend using some of the other non-toxic heavy metal substitutes for those exercises that are readily available today. This book is truly wonderful, and contains much of the true spirit of Shaolin. I'll need to buy another one soon to replace my own dog-eared copy! Good luck-Erik.



4. This book explains alot of excercises and shows how to conditon parts that are thought to be unexcercisable. I have always admired shaolin skill, but i like thai boxing more so i bought this book on cross training my martial arts with shaolin training in order to better understand the fighting arts. Plus if your gonna do something try to be extraordianary instead of ordinary lol. This is a very good book to add to your repetoire of self improvement. Also, thank you reverand for being kick ass and shareing this incredible knowledge.



5. The book gets you back at the beginning of the 20th century, when kung-fu was for real martial purposes and when you didn't train for fun.
   
   There is a short introduction plus a highlight on the different exercices you should do every day (qi-gong), then there is 2 to 5 pages for each training method. They are mostly "hard" (and hardcore!) training, such as trying to pull nails from a plank or beating yourself with hammers, plus also training methods for speed and flexibility.
   
   There are a couple of exercices which are extremely difficult, if not impossible, such as running on walls or hitting yourself in the groin. Lots of good info though for those who want to push themselves in their kung fu training

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

1. I'm a 65 year old woman and still loved this book because I LEARNED some things about a subject that originally didn't even interest me. Great insights into a geographical neighbor and economic competitor we all need to inform ourselves about. This book does it in an entertaining way, and is cool enough to send to young relatives and have them think you are awesome.



2. This is the story of an insecure young man and his search for enlightenment and the ability to really kick righteous a$$--maybe more of the latter than the former. Matthew Polly has written a funny coming-of-age memoir that sheds light on a crucial point of modern history: China's re-emergence in the modern world.
   
   Don't be mislead by Polly's nervous habit of charting his progress by making little lists of his shortcomings. This is splendid writing worthy of a Twain travelogue with all of Twain's prowess of observation. Matthew Polly comes to grips with a small part but crucial part of China and manages to gain experience that goes deep into the psyche of this fascinating country. His explanation of the Chinese drinking game of Playing Hands (a more complex version of Scissors, Paper, Stone) elucidates an aspect of Chinese thinking that should make this book required reading for diplomats and business people who must deal with the Chinese.
   
   But if deep cultural insight is not enough, read this book for the riveting account about the nice Ivy League boy going to the fabled Orient to become a kung-fu expert. The traditional Chinese proverb the author quotes at the very beginning of the book sums up the story well:
   
   "To suffer and learn a lesson, one pays a high price, but a fool can't learn any other way."
   
   In this case, the author's pain is the reader's gain. I found this book absolutely riveting and stayed up way too late in order to finish reading it. Enormous fun!



3. Not much I can say that hasn't been covered in these other reviews. The greatest part of this book is that the author goes to one place and stays there, getting deeper and deeper into the Shaolin culture-- yet the excitement never lets up. To the modern traveler, who wants to get to know the world he sees, he presents proof that the more you try, the more you'll learn. I'll always remember the brilliant kung fu master he met working as a janitor underneath the stairs. Highly recommended.



4. Most people think of "thrillers" as page turners but this memoir of this young man's time in China in the early 90s was a page turner for me. Interesting and funny, the very modest author (fluent in Mandarin and tough enough to train and fight with very experienced martial artists)provides page after page of cultural insights as well as honest assessments of his own shortcomings. The writing is in an easy conversational style. I really felt like I was listening to a friend recount a fascinating trip abroad.



5. Being a martial arts buff and having lived in China for 5 years myself I found this story to bring back some great memories about China. While I didn't actually live in Shaolin myself since by the time I arrived in China Shaolin had become a foreign tourist trap, I did end up in a small city and some of the stories he shared from the 90s were very similar to those I experienced in the early 2000s. China's economy may be the fastest growing economy in the world, but the Chinese mentality has barely changed in all its years of history, and thus most things have remained the same.
   
   It's funny that in retrospect a lot of the things which then caused stress are now great anecdotes filled with humor. I think a lot of his views and understandings are universal and anyone who has ever lived in a foreign land will probably appreciate the stories found in this book. For that matter any expat living on China, or any person who has lived in China will be able to relate to some of his stories.
   
   The author is funny, witty, curious, and has an incredible understanding of Chinese culture. This book is a great, nice, quick (in short bite-sized chapters) and pleasurable read and i highly recommend it.
   
   In short, if you're into foreign cultures, buddhism/daoism, Martial Arts, Zen buddhism, live abroad or have ever lived in a foreign culture, or if you're just into a great story, then you should read this book.

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 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.



2. 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.



3. I began practicing Eagle Claw Kung Fu only a couple of months ago. I bought this book during my first month. I found it very useful as a means to introduce myself into the art, and to learn about related practices such as Chi Kung and Tai Chi. Tne book also talks about Zen and the Spiritual aspects of Kung Fu.
   
   If you are interested in learning how to practice Kung Fu, definitely this is not your book. (Perhaps it is impossible to learn a martial art from a book.) This book, however, provides you with good tips to focus your training,and introduces you to the art, its philosophy, and other related and also very important practices.
   
   I strogly reccomend this book, as well as Kiew Kit's other books on Chi Kung. The author writes very clearly and his books are entertaining. He appears to master Kung Fu holistically and to be well developed in the external and internal aspects of it.



4. This book is a solid introduction in to they hows and whys of kung fu. However, reading the book and viewing the illustrations reminds you that Kung Fu is so much more... It makes you realise the need for a skilled and wise instructor. This is in itself an invaluable lesson.



5. Very comprehensive and well-written account of the Shaolin way of life. Might be a little esoteric but it is to be expected of a book intended for westerners who are eager to connect mind and body through a rigorous training and spiritual nurturing. Carefully illustrated but would be equally eloquent without the many drawings illustrating the various exercises.

4 comments about Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity.

1. Well written and interesting. Good for anyone wanting to gain health and longevity. Shifu Yan Lei tells of his own training in temple and now shares with you the reader his years of experience. The exercises can be performed by any adult regardless of what shape you are in. If you like the book I would suggest getting his video "Shaolin Warrior Qigong workout 1". The two together will make it much easier to understand what's going on and watching Shifu on his videos is really an inspiration. Great book Shifu it was worth waiting for.



2. one of the finest books on Qigong (and I have them all, plus 3 decades of practice)
   inspiring pictures, easy to follow - profound, honest, modern AND clear: a gem!



3. I have been practicing qigong for over 5 years and this is a great book to inspire continued practice. Great photos and nice easy to follow writing style. If you have never done qigong before, I would recommend the authors videos that are easier to learn from, but the book is great on its own if you have done qigong for a while. Highly recommended!



4. Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout for Longevity is a step-by-step guide to the physical stretches, stances, self-massage, and exercises practiced by generations at the Shaolin Temple of Zen in China for 1500 years, as explained by author Shifu Yan Lei, a 34th generation fighting disciple of the Temple. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from the healthful practices described (not just expert martial artists!); the plain-terms text and easy-to-follow illustrations make Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout for Longevity the next best teaching resource short of actually seeking personal instruction from a Shaolin Qigong master. An excellent, inexpensive way to improve the health and quality of one's daily routine.

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

1. I have recently purchased this wonderful book that I have been waiting for to arive, and in less than a week I got it! I was amazed how fast the book arrived even with standard shipping:D god bless all, this is an amazing seller 5stars!!!!!:)



2. When I received this book and opened it to read the first pages, I felt quite sure this book had much to offer. The pages are entertaining and inspiring, and Sifu knows his stuff. Doing the workout and stretches very lively and enjoyable. My flexibility has grown and I've only been training for about 13 days. This book encourages us to be good at life, and enjoy every moment. It helps us stand up straight and tall and face the world and be relaxed and confident.



3. Easy to follow steps, the pictures are definitley a plus. Basics are extremley important and this book teaches and reinforces the basics. It also provides a good amount of Kung-Fu philosophy that you can't find on [...] !



4. I took a whole day work shop with the Shifu. He's definitely a master at what he does. I was so inspired I bought the book... I live no where near any of his temples so I thought the book would be a good way to keep practicing kung fu... and it is... the program is designed in such a way that you get to add on and review what you practice every day. I cant give it a full 5 stars though... you've got to be extra dedicated to learn practicing from a book- nothing beats being in the presence of a master.
   Exceptional however for what it is- an introduction to the art of shaolin.



5. This book is amazing. It is the best BOOK without any other help necessary. I am on day 9 and feel so good. I am standing up taller and generally feel so much better. I am joining a kung fu class in Los Angeles now because of the confidence this book gave me.
   
   Sifu is a Shaolin Monk and no doubt a great one at that. He is the real deal and this book has me under his spell. The photos and language are so easy to follow. I have never done any martial arts in my life. I am a very heavy set Football Linemen so I'm sure some of you light weights will get more out of this book then I. I really recommend this book to anyone.
   
   What I Like:
   
   Easy to read and very interesting.
   Great Photos that are simple to follow.
   Everything is explained.
   It is cheap.
   Works
   
   What I Don't Like:
   He is in New York only.
   
   
   Good Luck and I hope you enjoy this one. There is no reason not to try it out for a month. Will change your life.