4 comments about Comprehensive Theory and Applications of Wing Chun Jin Kuen - Training Manual Volume One.

1. I've had this book for 2 weeks, I've read it twice and it's completely changed the way I think about Wing Chun. Testing out some of the concepts as the author describes them has shed new light on many aspects of my training and left me feeling that I've wasted years practicing drills incorrectly.



2. As a long-time Wing Chun practitioner I have to admire Kokkarakis for his intelligent, well-crafted, and mature book on the art. This isn't just another rip-off of Bruce Lee. This is a serious and (I hope) lasting book that will help students understand the science and philosophy of this ancient art.



3. The book starts out well, it has a healthy outlook to share with the reader throughout. But there are not enough details and the pictures are a little confusing.



4. This is a good read and has lots of difficult concepts explained well but you will still need to see demonstrations of the forms in order to comprehend them.

5 comments about Mastering Wing Chun Kung Fu.

1. Mastering Wing Chun is truly one of the best books, if not the best book. on the market concerning the Ip Family Wing Chun methods. This is the only book to be endorsed by BOTH of Ip Man's sons, Grandmasters Ip Chun and Ip Ching. It was honored by being placed into the Ip Man Museum in Foshan, China making this book an awesome feat in Wing Chun history.
   
   Master Kwok and Master Massengill write superbly to detail what makes the Ip Family method unique. From the history of Wing Chun to the detail of the empty hand forms, this work leaves you feeling like you have been able to train with all three Grandmasters at once. There are many citations from all three members of the Ip Family that help one to understand exactly what they taught. If you are serious about your Wing Chun, you need to get this book!!!



2. Pros:
   It covers all forms and short swords and pole weapons. This is the only Wing Chun book I could ever need on Wing Chun. Although it would be wise to buy a book on developing Ki. This is REAL Ip Man Wing Chun everything else different from this is something someone made up because they didn't know the proper way.
   Cons:
   I tried teaching Wing Chun to myself but you need to train with Wing Chun people. Unfortunately every place you go there's a different way of doing the forms and chances are you won't use anything in here there. If you get good at Wing Chun by training at a Wing Chun place you will be able to self teach this though.



3. Wow. This book is wonderful, that's all I can say. If you have some experience with martial arts--specifically Chinese--and want to learn an authentic style a Gong Fu, this is the book you should get. There are also some harder-to-find dvd companions. If you can't find them here, just go to Master Kwok's website.



4. I got this book because one of the other reviewers said that it had the complete Wing Chun System in there. The guy obviously doesn't have or hasn't even read through the book. It only has the 3 fist forms - Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Ji. It has nothing on the Dummy, Bot Jom Doa (8 Slash Knives) or the 6 1/2 point pole.
   
   The book was short and to the point which is the way of Wing Chun. There was really nothing new in the book. I have met Ip Ching and was really excited to learn more about his family's official version of Wing Chun, but I'm sorry to say this book didn't match my expectations.
   
   I found more details in the Wing Chun Compendium Vol. 1 & 2 than in this book. In Sifu Kwok's book, they had an interesting section on Fan Sao (Ch. 10) but that was short. Other insights were on Facing or Dui Ying, Fa Jing, Translation of the VTAA Code of Conduct, Ip Man's written history or Ving Tsun and Sifu Kwok's Personal Photo Album. They were all kind of short. After each form there are a few pages on applications of certain aspects of each form. There is also a short section on Chi Sao.
   
   This book isn't expensive so it's a nice addition to any collection. But if you have the Wing Chun Compendium, it's not necessary to get this book.
   
   To be a bit nit picky, there were some spelling mistakes and grammar mistakes. The writing style was also a bit of a chore to read. Instead of "Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma" the book says "Gee Kim Yeung Ma" It does that throughout the book! Big lack of detail.
   
   I'm sure Sifu Kwok is a great teacher and his DVDs are probably better. This book was just a bit of a letdown.



5. Mastering Wing Chun Kung Fu by Samuel Kwok is a book for all. After 26 years of Martial Art training - primarily BJJ, Kyokushin and Thai Boxing, I found this book refreshing and informative. The format of the book and layout of the material made it an easy read for a non Wing Chun practitioner. I appreciated the historical moments leading to the 1st form series and then application. This led the book into the next 2 forms making me more interested in delving further into Ip Man Wing Chun, seeing how it could compliment my current style of martial art training. Well informed and knowledgable books such as this, makes the progression in martial arts a never ending story. Thankyou Samuel Kwok and thankyou Ip Man Wing Chun. I highly recommend this book to both Non Wing Chun martial artists and Wing Chun practitioners alike.

5 comments about Wing Chun Warrior: The True Tales of Wing Chun Kung Fu Master Duncan Leung, Bruce Lee's Fighting Companion.

1. As someone who knows little about martial arts besides what I've seen on film, I found this book to be accessible and not overloaded with too much kung fu jargon. The book tells the story of Duncan Leung, a Hong Kong boy who studied Wing Chun kung fu under famous master Yip Man in the 1950s, and then left Hong Kong to establish his own school in the US. Along the way, we hear about his friendship with Bruce Lee, his encounters with other martial arts masters, and various fights he has in the streets of Kowloon and in New York. The author ties each anecdote in with a Chinese proverb or teaching from ancient Chinese philosophers, and cartoon-style illustrations follow each fight story, making for an entertaining and educational read.



2. "Wing Chun Warrior: The True Tales of Wing Chun Kung Fu Master" is the paperback version of the large hard cover version bearing the same name.
   I found this book to be a excellent read, due to the fact that it contains so many stories of Sifu Duncan Leung's life while growing up in Hong Kong. Sifu Leung trained in the Wing Chun System of Kung Fu with his boyhood friend the late Bruce Lee. It was actually Bruce Lee who got Sifu Leung into training Wing Chun with the Late Great Grandmaster Yip Man.
   I think for anyone who trains Wing Chun whether beginner or advanced will for this book Inspiring as I did when I read it. There are many fascinating stories at times that I could not put this book down, I hope you will also find this book fascinating as well. Cheers!!!



3. Duncan Leung was introduced to Wing Chun Kung Fu by his childhood friend, famed screen star Bruce Lee. At the age of 13, after the ritual of 3 kneels, 9 kow tows in the traditional sifu worship ceremony, he became the formal disciple of Sixth-generation Wing Chun Master Yip Man. Between 1955-1959 he studied with his Sifu at home, where Yip taught him how to apply Wing Chun in actual fighting. Leung trained six hours a day, 7 days a week for 4 years, and used this knowledge fighting in the streets and martial arts studios in Hong Kong. In 1964 Leung befriended an old man who taught him rare secrets of close fighting, including the art of disarming a knife-wielding opponent. When he opened his Wing Chun studio in New York City in 1974, he was challenged by martial arts practitioners of every school but remained undefeated. Since moving to Virginia Beach in 1976, he has taught US Navy Seals, members of the FBI, and various SWAT teams. In 2002 Leung accepted perhaps the greatest challenge of his life: to train six chinese teenagers to become world-class professional fighters. To this end he returned to China to accomplish what many considered an impossible mission.



4. Ted Bell loves martial arts. I've been practicing various styles since the late 80's, with Wing Chun being one of said styles. I have read many books on Wing Chun, other Kung Fu styles, karate, etc. Wing Chun Warrior stands up with the best of them. While I expected to read only stories about Duncan Leung, I was pleasantly surprised that there are also stories about Yip Man and Bruce Lee as well. Ted Bell highly recommends this book, not only for fellow Wing Chun enthusiasts, but for martial artists of all styles. And for those who don't practice martial arts at all, you will still enjoy reading the tales of life on the streets and back alleys of old Hong Kong.



5. You will learn nothing about Wing Chun from this book. It is an interesting read by a Wing Chun master who learned from Ip Man during a time when you tested your martial arts on the streets. Sifu Leung talks about his life, some of his fights, and his philosophy on martial arts. An easy read but no secrets here.

5 comments about Wing Chun Martial Arts: Principles & Techniques.

1. I am a Wing Chun student. My master learned Wing Chun from a student of Yip Man. This book shows the way Wing Chun is practiced by Yip Man. It is a very technical book and has to be studied carefully to understand it. No one that has never practiced the art should try to understand the book without first having hands on experience. It is a very complicated art. To the reader from Kennesaw, GA United States: You probably were taught that the style you are practicing is the best. Regardless of what style anyone practice we have to recognize one of the best expositioners of the art: Sifu Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee was a student of Yip Man and it was his first martial art. From it he developed Yun Fan Kung Fu or Jeet Kun Do. Do not say that any style is sloppy. Remember the best fighters are always obscure. This book is great if you know the basics of Wing Chun taught by a master.



2. I wanted to learn and was expecting to learn Sil Lum Tao. I could not learn it from this book. Intellectually it was a good read and I truly like the translation of the Confucius Art of Mean. But if you want to learn to perform Sil Lum Tao purchase Wing Chun: The Science of In-Fighting DVD (excellent) and "Wing chun kung fu: traditional Chinese kung fu for self defense and health" by Ip chun (very good). These are much better introductory resources. I am still glad I own the book.



3. This book had a lot about nothing. Knowing that Wing Chun has lots of color and depth this book really doesn't do Wing Chun justice.



4. This reads more like an introduction to the art of Wing Chun ratehr than a book covering the "principles". So much is left out. It would be better presented as Vol I, and then have the authors do a more comprehensive series. Just a suggestion.



5. This is a good introduction into the style's philosophy for those new to Wing Chun.
   
   It is important for the beginner to know that this book represents a particular line of Wing Chun that may not reflect the style he/she is doing. Personally, I don't train in the same lineage as this book's author. But regardless of lineage this book is a good read.
   
   Also, this is not a book on forms, it will not teach you the forms.
   It will however discuss them briefly and give you some pointers.
   
   What I personally really liked about this book was inclusion of 'the Doctrine of the Mean', the Confucian-derived philosophical pillar of Wing Chun.
   
   Another great thing about the book is the interview with Yip Chun, it's refreshing how he makes his view clear that Wing Chun is not for show, like some martial arts, but is meant to be practical and effective.
   This realism is partly what attracted me to Wing Chun, it has a no-nonsense philosophy.
   
   If you want more extensive knowledge of the theory I can recommend this one The Wing Chun Compendium.

5 comments about Wing Chun Kung-Fu.

1. GREAT BOOCK ON THE FIRST FORM SI LIM TAO. THIS IS THE AUTHENTIC YIP MAN FORM. WITH SOME GOOD APLICATIONS TO. GREAT BOOK. IF YOU WANT THE REAL THING THIS IS IT. LOOK UP YIP MAN MPEG VIDIO CLIP THIS IS THE SAME FORM TOUGHT IN THIS BOOK! GET IT LERN IT APPLY IT!



2. Don't under estimate the contents and value of information in this book.
   After 20 years, I am still practicing the basics, because my
   current sifu made me realize I didn't practice the basics thoroughly.
   I didn't spend the time, as there were too many distractions in life.
   
   Learn the punches, practice the punches, from 100 repetitions, work up to 1000 punches every day if you can.
   Practice the blocks. My current wing chun sifu bruised my forearm with a light touch.
   
   Practice the basics thoroughly, daily, it will serve you well.



3. This was the first of many publications on Wing Chun that I had recieved. It's a very thorough book on the foundations of Wing Chun. It's been awhile since I've picked my copy up, but the information sticks pretty well. The diagrams for the blocking zones come to mind, when learning the basic defence manuevers. It gives clear and concise instruction on learning the first form of Wing Chun, Siu Num Tao. The trappying hands exercises and drills are fun to do, and are very precise in the illustations.
   
   The only thing I felt was missing was a better understanding of Chi-Sao (sticky hands) Most instuctors I've spoken with have said it's almost IMPOSSIBLE to learn sticky hands from a book. Perhaps a video series might be better in explaining the movements.
   
   I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for the basic steps to a Wing Chun program. Perhaps followed by some of William Cheung's books as well. For a more complete beginner to advanced series, I'd recommend checking out Randy Williams textbook series on Wing Chun. They are a bit more pricy, but well worth it.



4. I bought this book over 30 years ago & it remains THE ONE I refer to regarding preliminary technique, despite all subsequent purchases of high priced, tricked-out volumes. It is simple, to the point & a fine reference guide in case you've either forgotten or wish to confirm a concept. While you can't learn an art just from a book, no matter who the author studied/practiced with, you can refresh your recollections with this one. Buy 2, used, so you can carry one with you if the need to bone up on something becomes overwhelming while you're away from home.



5. I have read the book and I think it is recommended for someone who is begginer in Wing Chun. Very good pictures help you learn the sil lim tao form, main theory of WT is explained and it includes trapping methods as well as defence tactics. This is not a book with the whole WT system neither have fully detailed descriptions of the tactics and this is the basic drawback but it is the one with the vary basics and it is simple and helpful.

5 comments about 116 Wing Tsun Dummy Techniques.

1. This book contains Master Yip Man's complete 116 move wooden dummy kata. Each of the moves is shown with an excellent picture and clear instructions. This is probably the best way to improve one's infighting techniques. The book is written by the master's son, Master Yip Chun using photographs that his father had originally had taken to leave for his students. An essential book for kung fu students.



2. 116 Wing Tsun Dummy Techniques demonstrates the authentic movements of Grandmaster Yip Man's wooden dummy form and offers explanations in a clear-cut format. Following the form demonstration, each section of movements is broken down and the method for applying these movements in fighting is shown. Prof. Leung Ting, who co-authored, edited, and published this book, produces some of the finest kungfu books available. This book is recommended for students of all ranks and levels who are interested in seeing the authentic demonstration by the late grandmaster, Yip Man.



3. THIS IS THE REAL DUMMY FORM OF YIP MAN! AUTHENTIC! LOOK FOR THE MPEG CLIP OF YIP MAN DOING THE DUMMY SET. THIS IS IT. HIS SUN DID A GOOD JOB FILLING IN MISSING PHOTOES. COMPLEAT EAST TO READ. I LERNED THIS SET IN 3 WEEKS IN MY SPARE TIME IT IS NOT EASY BUT WORTH IT TO MAKE YOU DEVELOP GOOD BODY MECHANICS. GET IT LERN IT APPLY IT!



4. This is from the main branch of the wing chun tree.
   Get a dummy and a good instructor, and follow this manual.



5. This a great book for someone who wants to learn the wooden dummy techniques. The book has many pictures of Grandmaster Ip man and Ip Chun. This book shows step by step of wooden dummy techniques and their applications.

2 comments about Wing Chun: Unusual Discoveries Behind the Common Belief.

1. Definitely good value for the money! The book offers a different and independent point of view, very down-to-earth written, and even me not being a Wing Chun adept, but just a martial arts enthusiast found it interesting and unconventional.



2. This is an excellent book for those that are searching for their path in the mist of martial art of Wing Chun. It gathers the essence of the principles of the martial art and puts them in simple and astonishingly surprising way in the form of pure practical wisdom.
   I would greatly recommend this book for those that would like to know about the view of a Wing Chun coach who traveled the difficult path of self finding in the mysterious ways of the art. If you are looking for answers of the everlasting questions about which subsystem or substyle is the one to follow. If you are looking for answer on the questions about the true descendant of the great Ip Man, you might be able to find it in the pages of this book ... or not ... but let's not take away the pleasure of reading it.
   Reading trough the pages you might find your own self as a Wing Chun trainee or find the missing link which would put for you on display the invisible secret of one of the most sophisticated among the martial arts.
   You would find explanation of the very basic principles and key concepts behind every of the training practices. It is something that you might not catch even in the training school of a great master. This book would give it to you and if you are open enough for this book's wisdom you will benefit from it.
   It was a very refreshing and breathtaking experience for me to read this book.
   I hope this book is just a beginning and definitely would read more from this author.
   Happy reading!

5 comments about Wing Chun Kung Fu: The Wooden Dummy.

1. I have been studying Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) in Hong Kong for over 30 years and this is the first book in English that has managed to explain the essence of Ving Tsun. My Si-Fu, even my Si-Kung, Ip Man, would have been proud that Ving Tsun is being taught and explained so well around the world. This book embodies the teachings of my Si-Fu and his Ving Tsun To Dai (Kung Fu brothers), probably due to Rawcliffe Sifu's studies in Hong Kong and incompasses the simple complexity that is Ving Tsun Kuen. Understanding the structure to Ving Tsun is key to understanding how Ving Tsun works so effectively and efficiently and a book like this was long over due. Including the Ving Tsun Kuen Kuit elevates the book even further by embracing the philosophy of all that is Ving Tsun.
   Leo T K Wong. Hong Kong 2003.



2. At last a book on Wing Chun rather than a book about the person behind the book. Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe has managed to do what so many others have failed to do, write a clear and concise book about the system of Wing Chun. So many other books seem to be promotional literature about the authors who happen to do Wing Chun. I found this book went in to great depth about the basics of the Wing Chun system and therefore will remain a great source of reference for students at all levels. It thankfully avoids the usual " this is how I do it" approach and refreshingly addresses the "this is what is behind whoever does it" approach.
   Excellent, I shall be recommending this to all my students.



3. I am deeply impressed by the format and content of this book. It manages to cover all the key aspects of Ving Tsun Kuen in great depth and detail without promoting one 'family' style or approach.
   As a Dit Dar doctor (bone healer), I am also very impressed by the depth of knowledge and understanding shown by the author and by the articles he included by 3 of his students. It is rare to find a westerner who can appreciate and understand the complexity of Qi energy, let alone it's use within Gung Fu.

   The publication of this book gives great reassurance that the teachings of Man Gung are at last being fully appreciated and passed on correctly abroad.
   Rawcliffe Sifu is a credit to his teacher, himself and to his Wing Chun brothers. His obvious years of studies, research and dedication plus his openness and willingness to share his acquired knowledge, without the need for self promotion is indeed a rare commodity.
   I am honoured to be able to review this book.

   Cheung
   Tai Po, NT, Hong Kong (SAR)




4. With over 40 years experience as student and teacher, I have not seen a better presentation of technique and philosophy. I am not a Wing Chun practitioner but Mr. Rawcliffe's diagrams and explanations have given me an excellent insight to this style.
   
   You will NOT learn Wing Chun from this book; you need a teacher for that. But if you are a Wing Chun student, I cannot think of a better reference volume to supplement your training. Other martial arts stylists can also gain valuable insights into there own brand of self-defense by a good reading of this book. Highly recommended and Mr. Rawcliffe is to be commended for setting a high standard for martial arts books.



5. Superb book! Unlike the majority of Wing Chun books which focus on specific techniques, lineage, and "trapping tricks" or "secrets" this book concisely and in my opinion accurately cuts to the heart of Wing Chun-- what makes it alive, devastating and flexible as a martial art. Rawcliffe writes clearly and eloquently, not trying to build himself up or impress. 5 stars for the information, plus another 1 star for the brevity, and yet another 1 star for the enjoyable style in which it's written. Not often you find a well deserving 7 star book!

3 comments about The Wing Chun Compendium, Volume Two.

1. An excellent addition to the first volume, providing more insights and direction for students looking to study outside the class. I highly recommend both this and the first volume. They are some of the most comprehensive books on Ving Tsun I have read.



2. It takes dedication, enthusiasm, courage and experience to write such a comprehensive book about the last three forms of the Wing Chun system. I bought the book to look for some drills to supplement my practice, but got deeply impressed by the other part of the Compendium that deals with many non-technical issues and values of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
   
   Petar Petrov,
   Author of "Wing Chun: Unusual Discoveries Behind the Common Belief"



3. Very well researched , with simplified instruction ...
   The author has gone through extensive study and research to put this together. I recomend it to anyone who practices Wing Chun or is looking to expand their arsenal or techniques and knowledge....

5 comments about Wing Chun Kung Fu: Traditional Chinese King Fu for Self-Defense and Health.

1. At first, I thought this book was kind of "basic". Having studied wing chun for a while under a competent sifu, I went back and the book has some really good stuff in it. First of all, it details the first form well. It also contains clear photos, and explanations from people who obviously have spent YEARS with this art (I can tell, because many of their insights can only be won after long study). I also liked the final section, which shows you the real "street fight" applications of the art, and of the techniques shown in the first form. I liked the discussion of Bruce Lee and his relationship with wing chun (to put it in a nutshell: Bruce never gave up on wing chun, and his Jeet Kune Do had wing chun as its core !). I liked the historical information on Yip Man in Hong Kong. This book really packs a lot into a short book. I really recommend it.



2. ...one might correct a few mistakes by following this book, notwithstanding the form being taught a little differently in every school. Good enough for a book, in my book. :-) The two photos on page 86 are in reverse order. Michael Tse brings a welcome combination of fluent English and unquestionable Wing Chun lineage. I also enjoyed the stories about the legendary Yip Man.



3. This is a good book for understanding what Wing Tsun (WT) is all about. This book explains where it originated why it was developed, who developed it, when it was deveoloped basically the history of WT. It also gives a little hindsight into how it has morphed into the WT the we have come to know through Bruce Lee and also how it has further developed into our day and age.



4. This was my Very First Kung Fu Book. It was what made me fall in love with Wing Chun. This is a great book for the beginner student. There are other books that go well beyond this one as it pertains to Wing Chun. But this book has a soft quality about it that gives the reader a pathway of Wing Chun that other books do not. If you are exploring Marital arts and want a "Taste" of Wing Chun, this is a very, very Good start.
   
   Suggested Books to read after this are:
   Mastering Kung Fu, by Garrett Gee and Benny Ming (DVD's of a MAJOR help also).
   
   Wing Chun Compendium by Wayne B.
   
   And any book on Wing Chun By Randy Williams.



5. I have read this book cover to cover. It has some good writing about Ip Man's life, and Wing Chun's principles, and the same story about the origin of Wing Chun that you can get from Wikipedia. Much of the book is a step-by-step description of Siu Lim Tao, the first form in Wing Chun. As a Wing Chun student I cannot imagine how someone could ever learn this form from a book alone. I find it interesting for the theory and history in the introductory chapters, and as a quick reference for the chinese terminology for each of the hand positions in the Siu Lim Tao form.