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The Fundamentals of Pa Kua Chang, Vol. 1
Book by Park, Bok Nam, Miller, Dan
- GenresMartial Arts
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 30, 2010
Really well thought out introduction to Ba Gua Zhang. Provides great foundation of the philosophy and theory of the art and a clear set of exercises to help get those ideas into the body.
April 17, 2022
Exceptional book. I have read plenty of books on the internal arts, and the majority spend the first couple of chapters selling their art as life changing and explaining every possible benefit. But when they get to a discussion of the exercises, the results are typically underwhelming.
In this book, the author and Park Bok Nam intentionally omit a discussion of any benefits gained by practicing. Instead, the earlier chapters are devoted to a brief discussion of the history of Pa Kua Chang and a background of the author. This book is targeted towards teaching the fundamentals of the art, which are regarded as a prerequisite before learning forms. That is, in my opinion, the sign of a true instructor, as many authors on the subject provide plenty of information without placing emphasis on understanding of the fundamentals. The companion DVD is important, as it is difficult to learn solely from the discussion of the individual moves and corresponding pictures in this book. However, I would not suggest only purchasing the DVD.
There are two books on the internal arts that I have read thus far which are regarded as vital (this one and The Way of Energy by Lam Kam Chuen). I am thankful to Dan Miller and Park Bok Nam for providing their guidance and look forward to reading the second volume.
In this book, the author and Park Bok Nam intentionally omit a discussion of any benefits gained by practicing. Instead, the earlier chapters are devoted to a brief discussion of the history of Pa Kua Chang and a background of the author. This book is targeted towards teaching the fundamentals of the art, which are regarded as a prerequisite before learning forms. That is, in my opinion, the sign of a true instructor, as many authors on the subject provide plenty of information without placing emphasis on understanding of the fundamentals. The companion DVD is important, as it is difficult to learn solely from the discussion of the individual moves and corresponding pictures in this book. However, I would not suggest only purchasing the DVD.
There are two books on the internal arts that I have read thus far which are regarded as vital (this one and The Way of Energy by Lam Kam Chuen). I am thankful to Dan Miller and Park Bok Nam for providing their guidance and look forward to reading the second volume.
January 23, 2012
This book is an exceptionally good explication of the Pa Kua Chang system. The writing is clear and engaging- it balances the best of a "how-to" manual with insights into the principles and history of the system.
January 22, 2010
A good book on the history, basic principles, theories, and techniques of Pa Kua. Very well written and easy to understand.
April 1, 2012
- loan from TK.
- good revision book for serious BaGuaZhang practitioners.
- good revision book for serious BaGuaZhang practitioners.
March 6, 2015
Interesting overview and honestly written but the bagua style is a completely different matter.
Think not to become practioners thanks to this book, just enjoy the reading for personal interest.
Think not to become practioners thanks to this book, just enjoy the reading for personal interest.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews