Wing Chun Kung Fu: Traditional Chinese Kung Fu for Self-Defense and Health

by Ip Chun, Michael Tse

Straightforward and efficient, Wing Chun Kung Fu is one of the most popular forms of Kung Fu because it emphasizes techniqu over strength. By using the skills of Wing Chun Kung Fu, a smaller and weaker person can easily overcome a larger strong opponent. With its focus on technique rather than force, it is suitable for both men and women, young and old, and for those of all levels of physical fitness.
Grandmaster Ip Chun is regarded as the world's leading authority on Wing Chun. Bruce Lee--Wing Chun's most famous student--was taught by Ip Chun's father, Grandmaster Ip Man. Michael Ise is also a highly respected Qigong and martial arts master. Together they demonstrate that first form of Wing Chun (Siu Lim Tao) and show how it can be used for self-denence. They also outline the history and the art of Wing Chun and discuss its many other benefits, which include

Increased Energy and Vitality
Greater Confidence and Inner Strength
An Understanding of the Skills and Benefits of Meditation

With expert instruction and more than 100 step-by-step photographs, Wing Chun Kung Fu makes it easy to master the power and grace of this ancient martial art.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Health, Self Help

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Janis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a pretty good overview. But doesn't explain the movements enough to learn by myself. Definitely leans more towards being a refresher for people who are in training.

[Kaska · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a kind of a soft spot for this book because my friend lent it to me. Also, I have not come across other Wing Chun books to make comparisons. Having Ip Man's son as a co-author is a strong selling point.

It is a good introduction for total Wing Chun beginners that goes hand in hand with practical training. Written in plain English, with plenty of pictures, it seems suitable for both adults and children. The latter may end up asking who a prostitute is though - thanks to an unforgettable Ip Man anecdote!

I had an impression that the book presents Bruce Lee as an avid Wing Chun practitioner, seemingly ignoring his Jeet Kune Do philosophy and his challenging attitude towards tradition. Having just finished Little Dragon's biography, I saw the chapter about Bruce as an ultimate gimmick to sell you on Wing Chun. Funnily enough, I slacked so much with writing this review that I managed to read two more books in the meantime, one of them focused on Bruce Lee's philosophy. After that, I changed my mind. Even if Bruce's martial art ended up being something quite different from Wing Chun, his philosophy was heavily influenced by Wing Chun principles.

The book is very well illustrated. Ip Chun presents the basic techniques and Siu Nim Tao as good as possible in static pictures. This book could have been better if the authors included some of the more advanced moves or the breakdown of the second form. But then they wouldn't have a reason to write and sell another book!

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only been practicing Wing Chun for a few months and this book has been a solid companion to begin with. It contains some history of the martial art, stories of grandmasters, basic philosophy and principles, a long chapter dedicated to Siu Lim Tao, wise tips for practice, and the beginnings of application. It also serves as orientation to the art in general, as the goal of martial arts is not simply to learn how to beat people up; the words for 'the art of fighting', in catonese 'wu su', means more accurately 'stop fighting skill'. In parallel terms, "When you practise you create more Qi."

[Trần Ngọc · Rating 5 out of 5]

nothing yet

[Rahmat Romadon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku ini selain menjelaskan sejarah, tradisi dan teknik-teknik yang ada pada Kung Fu Wing Chun juga memaparkan aplikasi dari Pattern I : Sil Lum Tao; padahal pattern ini tidak diperuntukkan untuk pertarungan; melainkan gerak dasar dan semua teknik/jurus yang ada di Wing Chun. Menguasai pattern ini sama saja dengan 90% menguasai kungfu ini secara keseluruhan; sisanya ditunjang dengan teknik Chi Sau (sticky hands techniques), Mok Yan Jong (wooden dummy techniques) dan teknik senjata.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful introduction to Wing Chun, obviously written for the novice, this book describes in a brief, clear fashion the history and philosophy behind the art, some of the physiological principles on which it relies, and the individual movements which make up the first form. As a reader who knows a bit about martial arts but almost nothing about Wing Chun, I found it accessible and informative.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

many of the instruction was clear and easy to follow, but some of the slighter movements required for the techniques weren't very well captured in some of the photos (only one or two) so the final verdict is: it was a good reference but martial arts might need to be a student teacher thing.

[Rajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the philosophy of Wing Chun. How this technique helps you keep yourself centered. Book mostly covers 3 sections of Siu Lim Tau and with defense tactics. What interesting for me is how techniques covers sensitivity over strength.

[Kevin Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, simple, easy to understand. It is really interesting!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am currently reading, but so far a good read. Useful information, well organized and demonstrated.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

good stuff, but kinda fluffy

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written by the son of Ip Man the legendary teacher of Wing Chun. It briefly covers many aspects of Wing Chun, however nothing profoundly in depth. The Sil Nim Tau form is shown.

[Raisal Ardianto]

aku mintak ajarin teknik teknik kung fu?

[Samo_best_171hotmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this game so i want it ok