Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods

by Robert W. Smith

Distilling the martial art known in the West as kung fu, Robert Smith presents Chinese boxing (ch’uan shu) as an art “that combines the hardness of a wall and the softness of a butterfly’s wings.” His lively, pragmatic account conveys the discipline and insights acquired in ten years of study and travel in Asia. Smith describes his work with t’ai chi master Cheng Man-ch’ing, and connects ch’uan shu with the softer aspects and inner power of that popular practice. Fifty black and white photos illustrate this informative and personal account of the Chinese boxing tradition.

Genres: Martial Arts

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

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Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book which highlights the differences between tai chi teachers.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview, partially of different styles of kung fu and partially of different teachers of kung fu. A good book for anyone interested in what it's like to learn true kung fu (or, as Smith points out, Quan Shu, as it was traditionally called, translated literally as "the art of the fist"), Chinese Boxing details the three years Smith spent in Taiwan during the period when some of the best Chinese boxers had relocated there after fleeing the cultural revolution in China. Chapters are organized mainly by teachers, giving a continuity to the narrative of each individual martial art that Smith learned.

[Lshapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of Robert Smith's travels around Taiwan studying with some amazing old-school martial artists.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Describes real-life encounters with a variety of Chinese martial arts masters.