Publisher Description

With a new foreword by historian and martial artist Alexander Bennett, Shaolin Kung Fu details the oldest form of this ancient Chinese martial art. Shaolin Kung Fu is prized for its elegant style, effectiveness as a fighting system and as an exercise that benefits both body and mind. Authors Donn F. Draeger and P'ng Chye Khim, both master martial artists and Shaolin experts, focus on the Lohan technique-believed to have developed from a form devised at the legendary Shaolin Temple some 1,500 years ago. This comprehensive book offers a practical introduction, including: 

• The history and fundamentals of Shaolin Kung Fu 
• The fundamentals of Shaolin 
• A complete description of the Lohan technique and how to master it 
• Detailed Shaolin training methods, including the use of weapons 
• Weapons used in Shaolin 

This book is intended as a supplement to a dedicated training program and includes detailed instructions explaining both the solo and partner practice forms. Accompanied by over 400 photos and sketches, this excellent introduction to the Lohan form is a must-have for every serious student of Shaolin and Kung Fu. Shaolin Kung Fu was intended to provide Buddhist monks in ancient China with an art that would not only act as an intense conditioning tool, but also arm them with a formidable system of self defense. Though the context for these skills has changed, modern readers can benefit from this method in much the same way as its original students.

Author Biography

Donn F. Draeger was one of the world's leading authorities on Asian martial arts and was a highly regarded figure in Japan. Licensed in Japan as a teacher of numerous martial arts, he wrote prolifically on the subject. His many publications include Judo Formal Techniques, The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia and the six-volume Practical Karate series.

P'ng Chye Khim trained in the Shaolin tradition, was a Kung-fu master and head instructor of the Penang Sao Lim Athletic Association (Malaysia); he was also a licensed acupuncturist.

Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial arts--Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan and Naginata 5-dan. His published works include Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai, The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works and Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan.

Review

"…The authors did an excellent job at going deep into the surface of the style, a helpful beginning for those interested and a further study for those with experience in traditional Chinese martial arts…Grayscale photos and illustrations also help paint a clearer picture as to what the written instructions describe." -- Martial Journal

Promotional

Tuttle Publishing

Long Description

With a new foreword by historian and martial artist Alexander Bennett, Shaolin Kung Fu details the oldest form of this ancient Chinese martial art. Shaolin Kung Fu is prized for its elegant style, effectiveness as a fighting system and as an exercise that benefits both body and mind. Authors Donn F. Draeger and P'ng Chye Khim, both master martial artists and Shaolin experts, focus on the Lohan technique-believed to have developed from a form devised at the legendary Shaolin Temple some 1,500 years ago. This comprehensive book offers a practical introduction, including: The history and fundamentals of Shaolin Kung Fu The fundamentals of Shaolin A complete description of the Lohan technique and how to master it Detailed Shaolin training methods, including the use of weapons Weapons used in Shaolin This book is intended as a supplement to a dedicated training program and includes detailed instructions explaining both the solo and partner practice forms. Accompanied by over 400 photos and sketches, this excellent introduction to the Lohan form is a must-have for every serious student of Shaolin and Kung Fu. Shaolin Kung Fu was intended to provide Buddhist monks in ancient China with an art that would not only act as an intense conditioning tool, but also arm them with a formidable system of self defense. Though the context for these skills has changed, modern readers can benefit from this method in much the same way as its original students.

Review Quote

"...The authors did an excellent job at going deep into the surface of the style, a helpful beginning for those interested and a further study for those with experience in traditional Chinese martial arts...Grayscale photos and illustrations also help paint a clearer picture as to what the written instructions describe." -- Martial Journal

Description for Sales People

Shaolin Kung Fu is practiced not only for its effectiveness as a martial art but also as an intense conditioning tool to strengthen the body and mind. The Lohan form is an ancient Shaolin technique, having developed from a style brought to China over 1,500 years ago. The techniques and training regimen outlined in the book are not only valuable to practitioners of Shaolin Kung Fu but also of anyone interested in this martial art form. This book contains over 400 photos and sketches including detailed instructions for essential moves from basic to advanced. The authors are acclaimed writers and teachers. Draeger was a world-famous martial artist, respected worldwide and held high ranks in many martial arts including Judo, Kendo and Aikido. Foreword writer Alexander Bennett is a leading martial arts historian who also holds black belts in several disciplines.

Details