China Books

The Taoist yogic discipline of Ba Gua is an internal form of the ancient art of kung fu - as are the much older t'ai chi and Xing I. Ba Gua is the most arcane and yogic of three sister arts - t'ai chi and Xing I are the others - and is distinguished by serpentine turning and circling movements. As more people study t'ai chi and Qi Gong, major interest has focused in the techniques of Ba Gua for keeping the joints loose and enhancing deep breathing. In this history and instructional guide, John Bracy and Liu Xing-Han, the oldest living master of Ba Gua, describe Ba Gua's relationship to the I Ching and the relationship of Taoist yoga to the martial arts. (For this item please quote stock ID 16728) ISBN: 9781556432767

Pa Kua is a vigorous and non-degenerative martial arts discipline that homes reflexes and cultivates the understanding of one's body. One of the three orthodox "internal" styles of Chinese martial arts, Pa Kua makes use of the eight trigrams found in the I Ching. This text offers a history of Pa Kua, profiles of its great practitioners, and exercises that illustrate the practice. (For this item please quote stock ID 20074) ISBN: 9781556434396

The first time being published in English. This treatise was written in China during the 1930s before World War Two shattered the world. A product of generations of bodyguard and mercenary fighting academies, this book recorded the training phrases and poems that guided the students of these fighting schools. The martial art of Xingyi was famous for its clear minded but unstoppable practitioners, many of whom graduated to become leading caravan guards or who entered private security businesses in pre-war China where police services were virtually non-existent. This treatise remains an interesting record and invaluable guide for contemporary practitioners of this traditional martial art. (For this item please quote stock ID 22867) ISBN: 9781556434730

This is a translation of Yin Yuzhang's two books, Baguazhang Jian Lun (A Simple Book on Baguazhang) and Kan Dao Shu Lianxi Fa (Practice Method of the Chopping Sabre Art). Both of these books were published by the Qingdao Martial Arts School in the 1930s. Yin Yuzhang is the son of the famous Bagua master Yin Fu. Baguazhang Jian Lun has descriptions of 8 palms from the Yin Fu system. Kan Dao Shu Lianxi Fa contains descriptions of two routines for practicing the two hand sabre. This type of sabre saw widespread use by the Chinese soldiers in World War II. (For this item please quote stock ID 25985) ISBN: 9781929047468

This is a translation of two works on Bagua Turning Sword. The first part is from Liu Xinghan's book You Shen Bagua Lianhuan Zhang. 'I learned a version of this form from Liu's student, Zhang Jie and I took the liberty of adding commentary here and there clarifying some of Liu's sparse text or indicating how what I learned differs from what is in Liu's book' (Joseph Crandall). The second part of the book is this same form, demonstrated by Huang Xin, a grand-student of Liu's. Again, there are some interesting differences in the performance of the routine. (For this item please quote stock ID 25986) ISBN: 9781929047482

This book was written in 1929 by Jiang Rongqiao. It contains essays on the nature, history, and principles of Xingyi Quan. It also contains pictorial descriptions of two long routines of Xingyi, Za Shi Chui (Mixed Forms Fist) and Ba Shi Quan (Eight Forms Fist). The illustrations are reproductions of very old photographs, and are not top quality (For this item please quote stock ID 25987) ISBN: 9781929047406

An ancient and 'internal' martial art, Hsing-I uses chi to achieve effective street fighting prowess. This seminal text deftly covers history, philosophy, training sets, and two-person fighting techniques. Also included are quotations from the ancient Chinese masters that detail the mental disposition of the boxer, along with ample photographs and illustrations. This primer about Hsing-I has been widely sought by collectors since the book's first publication almost 30 years ago. (For this item please quote stock ID 20073) ISBN: 9781556434556

This is a translation of a of Sun Lutang's two books on Baguazhang, Bagua Quan Xue (the Study of Bagua Boxing) and Bagua Jian Xue (the Study of Bagua Sword). Bagua Quan Xue is a new translation with copies of photographs of Master Sun instead of drawings. Bagua Quan Xue is translated into English for the first time in this edition. This volume supersedes Classical Baguazhang, Volume #7 (For this item please quote stock ID 19549) ISBN: 9781929047383

Pa Kua Chang is one of China?s foremost internal martial arts, based on the pa kua or eight trigram symbol. In this book, world renowned pa kua chang master Park Bok Nam describes in detail the various components of pa kua chang?s basic training as it was taught to him by the legendary master, Lu Shui-Tien. Through in-depth discussion and detailed photographs, this book presents exercises which will help any martial artist improve footwork, body flexibility, internal energy circulation, and internal striking power. (For this item please quote stock ID 11680) ISBN: 9780865681729

'B.K. Frantzis is one of the few Westerners to comprehend the Taoist internal martial art system. For those seeking to understand energy principles in their own art, Frantzis has now opened The Way' - Robert Nadeau, Aikido Sixth-Degree Black Belt, Director of City Aikido, San Francisco, CA (For this item please quote stock ID 7118) ISBN: 9781583941904

Ba gua is one of the internal styles of the Chinese martial arts, a "circular" walking technique that helps train the mind and body to recognize and accept change. Characterized by its spinning movements and extremely evasive footwork, ba gua is often used as a means to protect others, much like a good mother holding her child?s hand as they cross a busy street. In this combination of philosophical treatise, health manual, and self-defense text, Allen Pittman details the history, philosophy, and techniques of straight-line ba gua zhang, which means eight trigram palm in reference to the seminal trigrams of the I Ching. The book contains eight parts corresponding to the eight sections of the I Ching, each representing a different elemental manifestation and martial arts principle. Descriptions of the symbology, cultural, anatomical, and tactical details of each set are taught as well as detailed instructions on the form practice. (For this item please quote stock ID 29876) ISBN: 9781583942147

This is the most complete book on the art of Ba Gua Zhang ever presented in English. It tells the story of the history and legends of the art and its most famous masters as well as presenting the basic training, forms, fighting and weapons of Ba Gua Zhang. The text also includes a new translation of the classic Ba Gua 36 songs and 48 Methods as well as the Daoist meditation roots of the art and the method in which Ba Gua becomes at its ultimate level a physical and energetic manifestation of the Chinese Classic of Change, the Yi Jing. This book will be of interest not only to practitioners and enthusiasts of Ba Gua Zhang, but also to everyone who is interested in the history, philosophy and methods of Chinese Internal Martial Arts. Frank Allen was an early student of BP Chan and the first person ever certified to teach the Beijing Lineage Ba Gua of B. K. Frantzis. Tina Chunna Zhang is an award-winning instructor of tai ji quan and ba gua zhang. They both train with Grandmaster Liu Jing Ru in Beijing every year. Frank and Tina teach weekly classes and monthly workshops and retreats around the USA and Europe. They live in the Lower East Side of New York City. (For this item please quote stock ID 29886) ISBN: 9781583941898

The Beautiful, complex movements of Bagua require a lifetime to master fully, but can be practiced with significant physical and mental health benefit at any level. In this highly illustrated guide, Master He, a fifth Generation practitioner, introduces the ancient Daoist principles on which Bagua is based, its place within the Chinese martial arts, and the approach to life it nurtures. Sequences of photographs set out a programme of study, showing the beauty of the movements, and the positions and transitions the practitioner is aiming for.

Bagua Daoyin supports and trains the body and the mind to promote balance and harmony. The external movements are echoed in the internal body, which promotes the flow of energy that leads to greatly improved health, a tranquil and focused mind, and increased longevity. Practitioners quickly report reduced stress levels and increased enjoyment of life.

This Fully illustrated introduction to Bagua Baoyin will be essential reading for Bagua, Xingyi and Taiji practitioners at all levels, dancers and indeed anyone interested in improving their physical and mental well-being

Bagua Daoyin emphasizes the perception and training of muscles (jin), bones (gu) and skin (pi), and combines elements of fitness, martial arts and medical science in order to promote harmony and balance in the body and mind. This fully illustrated guide to Bagua Daoyin will be essential reading for Bagua and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.

About the Author
He Jinghan is a fifth generation practitioner of the Bagua Quan lineage. At the age of 15, he started studying Yang style Taiji Quan and at the age of 23 was introduced to Master Gong BaoZhai and began to specialize in Bagua. He was a disciple of Master Gong for 23 years, until his teacher's death. He Jinghan now focuses on the cultivation of the arts and the promotion of Bagua Daoyin. (For this item please quote stock ID 30060) ISBN: 9781848190092

Huang Bo Nien?s Xingyi Fist and Weapon Instruction was the first manual to systematically adapt a traditional Chinese martial art for modern military training. When it was first published in Chinese in 1928, it was heralded as an exciting new approach to martial arts today, it remains an important work for close combat enthusiasts, traditional martial artists, and Chinese and military historians alike. While organised as a means of progressive training?from empty-hand fighting to combat with weapons?no actual applications are given in Huang?s original manual. Building upon a new translation of Huang?s text, The Xingyi Quan of the Chinese Army also expands and illustrates his instructions with xingyi training drills and combat applications taught to select units of the Chinese army prior to and during World War II. These applications are not speculative reconstructions, but are based on actual training methodology from the Central Military Academy at Nanjing, taught to the author by Colonel Chang Xiang Wu. Also included are theory sections and background material from the Chinese army training for empty-hand and two-handed saber?material never before published in any book on xingyi. About The Author: Dennis Rovere is an award-winning, internationally recognised expert in military close combat and Chinese military strategy, and the head of the consulting firm Rovere Consultants International. Chow Hon Huen, his wife, has worked as a translator for universities and in the private sector. They live in Calgary, Canada. (For this item please quote stock ID 30194) ISBN: 9781583942574

The ancient Chinese art of Bagua Quan combines internal cultivation - the training of the mind - with external application, strengthening and supporting the health of the body. The key functions of Bagua Quan, as understood through the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to the body, are to regulate Qi and blood, balance Yin and Yang, and regulate the flow of energy in the body. In this book, Master He explains the philosophy and techniques of Bagua Quan and provides the reader with an accessible approach to the practice of the art. The first part of the book provides an exploration of the basic concepts underlying traditional Chinese martial arts and goes on to explain the philosophical principles of the eight Bagua trigrams and their relationship to Bagua Quan. The book contains many exercises designed to improve stamina, strengthen bones and muscles, and fortify the mind, including training methods such as wrist and elbow rotation, leg and palm techniques and stances. A comprehensive chapter on internal cultivation skills explains how Qi and Li (energy and force) can be integrated through changes in limb and trunk movements Fully illustrated with over 200 photographs and diagrams demonstrating exercises, stances and postures, this book is the ideal guide for anyone wishing to understand the basics of Bagua Quan or develop foundation skills. (For this item please quote stock ID 31060) ISBN: 9781848190153

(For this item please quote stock ID 31647) ISBN: 9787535037961

Xingyiquan (Hsing Yi Chuan) is one of the best known Chinese internal martial arts. Xingyi means 'Shape Mind', and Quan means 'Fist' or 'Style'. The name derives from the style's imitation of the movements and inner characteristics of 12 animals. The style was created by Marshal Yeuh Fei, a famous general of the Chinese Song Dynasty. The practice of Xingyiquan, like Taijiquan, improves Qi circulation in the body and maintains health. In addition, the training builds up an abundant level of internal Qi so that both the physical body and the mental body can be strengthened. This book presents traditional Xingyiquan training, including two sequences with many of their martial applications, and the famous fighting set 'Ann Shenn Pau'. The most unique part of this book is the discussion of Xingyiquan theories and principles, drawn from many of the ancient poems and songs. Understanding these will enhance your training. Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught Taijiquan and Qigong for 40 years. He is the author of more than 30 books. Voted by Inside Kung Fu (1999) as one of the people who has Òmade the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 yearsÓ. Dr. Yang lives in Newton, Massachusetts. Master Liang, Shou-Yu is one of China's top coaches and a past judge for numerous national martial arts competitions in China. He is the chairperson & coach for the School of Physical Education at the University of British Columbia, as well as head coach of the First & Second Canadian National Wushu Team. Liang, Shou-Yu lives in Vancouver, B.C. This is the revised edition of Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory & Applications (For this item please quote stock ID 9689) ISBN: 9780940871410

This revised edition includes a complete redesign with an emphasis on reader usability and modern Chinese typography. Packed with over nine hundred photographs, this comprehensive text offers theory, martial applications, sequences, Qigong exercises, weapon training, and is an indispensable resource for those serious about Chinese martial arts. Translation of ancient Baguazhang documents >Baguazhang Qigong; >Basic Training; >Body Conditioning; >Eight Palms sequence and fighting set; >Swimming Body sequence and martial applications; >Bagua Deer Hook Sword sequence and martial applications. (For this item please quote stock ID 14000) ISBN: 9781594391132

This DVD is suitable for beginner to intermediate level practitioners of Xing Yi Quan. It contains the 5 Elements Basic Fists, 5 Elements Linking Form and Applications. Xing Yi Quan is one of the major internal Chinese martial arts. The term approximately translates to "Form and Ming Boxing". It is characterised by aggressive, generally linear movements and explosive power. The Xing Yi Quan practitioner uses co-ordinated movements to generate bursts of power to overwhelm the opponent, simultaneously attacking and defending. Learn & improve your techniques with this powerful DVD program presented by Master Shao

(For this item please quote stock ID 31436)

Xingyiquan (Hsing Yi Chuan) is one of the best known Chinese internal martial arts. Xingyi means 'Shape Mind', and Quan means 'Fist' or 'Style'. The name derives from the style's imitation of the movements and inner characteristics of 12 animals. The style was created by Marshal Yeuh Fei, a famous general of the Chinese Song Dynasty. The practice of Xingyiquan, like Taijiquan, improves Qi circulation in the body and maintains health. In addition, the training builds up an abundant level of internal Qi so that both the physical body and the mental body can be strengthened. This book presents traditional Xingyiquan training, including two sequences with many of their martial applications, and the famous fighting set 'Ann Shenn Pau'. The most unique part of this book is the discussion of Xingyiquan theories and principles, drawn from many of the ancient poems and songs. Understanding these will enhance your training. Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught Taijiquan and Qigong for 40 years. He is the author of more than 30 books. Voted by Inside Kung Fu (1999) as one of the people who has Òmade the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 yearsÓ. Dr. Yang lives in Newton, Massachusetts. Master Liang, Shou-Yu is one of China's top coaches and a past judge for numerous national martial arts competitions in China. He is the chairperson & coach for the School of Physical Education at the University of British Columbia, as well as head coach of the First & Second Canadian National Wushu Team. Liang, Shou-Yu lives in Vancouver, B.C. This is the revised edition of Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory & Applications (For this item please quote stock ID 30078) ISBN: 9781594391200

One of the three major orthodox internal styles of Chinese martial arts (along with Xing Yi Quan and Tai Ji Quan), Bagua Zhang (or Ba Gua Zhang) is also one of the most ancient and revered. The first volume in a series of two on the form, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One, is written from the perspective of a wise master who gives equal attention to Bagua’s historical evolution and to the art and practice itself. A disciple of famous master Liu Xing Han and one who honed his skills for over 20 years under the same trees in Temple of Heaven Park as the originators of Bagua, Professor Zhang Jie is ideally suited for the task. He presents the fundamental theories of Bagua simply and clearly, in such a way that they comprise both a martial arts manual and a guide for everyday living. The idea of balance in all things is stressed throughout, as is the ancient Chinese philosophy that underlies Bagua. In addition to illustrations of the Bagua movements, the book contains previously unpublished historical photographs. Equally useful for novice and seasoned practitioners, as well as students of Chinese culture and history, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang immerses readers in all aspects of this important martial art. About the Authors Professor Zhang teaches Chinese culture, calligraphy, chi gung, martial arts, and Tui Na massage in Seattle. He has published many previous books in Chinese. This is his first English-language publication. Richard Shapiro lives in Mesa, AZ, where he practices and teaches Bagua Zhang and Tai Chi, and practices Tui-Na bodywork. With a master’s degree in sports science/sports psychology, he has been training in martial arts since 1992. (For this item please quote stock ID 30197) ISBN: 9781583942185