Shaolin

Suggested Reading List

While there are no books that we have found that accurately and completely portray Shaolin history, philosophy, and technique, the reader will find the following books a step in the right direction. We have found that there tends to be more quality found in philosophical texts and histories than books on technique. If the book covers technique, we prefer books that cover both form AND application (as the techniques themselves are useless without a clear and concise explanation of the applications) and that constitutes the majority of the books we list. The ch'i section of this book list is still in work. We will update this section as soon as we can.

Please note that many of these books are out of print. Many of the them can still be found by perusing used book stores and through out of print book search services.

IChinese Styles

Wing Tsun Kuen, Leung Ting (International Wing Tsun Leung Ting Martial Arts Association, Hong Kong)

Richly illustrated text on Wing Chun. Completely demonstrates the first 2 forms, including application of technique. The discussion of ranks in Wing Chun and some of the stories about Kung Fu in general are less interesting than the technique sections. Hardback.

Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Leung Ting (International Wing Tsun Leung Ting Martial Arts Association, Hong Kong)

Excellent text describing the principles and theory behind Northern Praying Mantis. No forms, but does have numerous photos of technique and applications thereof. Most of the fundamentals of Northern Praying Mantis are covered in this book. Includes some work on the wooden dummy. Paperback.

Northern Praying Mantis - Bung Po, Paul Eng (Carroll Street Press)

Northern Praying Mantis - Steals the Peach, Paul Eng (Alpha Publication)

Northern Praying Mantis - Plum Blossom Hand, Paul Eng (Alpha Publishing)

All the above books are good references for these Northern Praying Mantis forms. Applications are shown.

Wing Chun Kung Fu, J. Yimm Lee (O'Hara). Bruce Lee, technical advisor.

Very well written text on Wing Chun. Fully illustrated first form, demonstrations of all basic techniques and some information on trapping hands, or ch'i sao. Bruce Lee was the technical editor. A very useful book for those seeking an introduction to Wing Chun. Paperback.

Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee (O'Hara)

This book is more about theory and philosophy of combat rather than technique. It is an outstanding text for the thinking martial artist and is replete with vast conceptual material. Few illustrations, no forms. Definitely a must-have book for the serious practitioner. Paperback.

Shantung Black Tiger, Tjoa Khek Kiong, Donn Draeger and Quintin Chambers (Weatherhill)

Northern Tiger. The only book on this style that we have found. Excellent drawings of basic techniques. A complete form is illustrated with photos that are at times hard to discern, but the supplementary text clears up any confusion. Well written and an interesting text on Northern Kung Fu. Paperback.

Shaolin Chin Na, Yang Jwing-ming (Unique Publications)

A book on White Crane and Eagle Claw ch'in na. The text is profusely illustrated with photos that are easy to learn from the accompanied textual reference. Massage and acupuncture points of interest to the martial artist are covered in some detail. History section more extensive than in most books. Paperback.

Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, Yang Jwing-ming, (Yang's Martial Arts Association)

A sequel to the text above with more ch'in na accompanied by excellent line drawings of anatomy. Paperback.

Kung Fu: History, Philosophy, and Technique, Chow and Spangler (Unique Publications)

Good general text on the history and philosophy of Gung Fu. The first part of the book is the most useful.

Infinite Insights into Kempo, Ed Parker

Six or Seven volumes. A useful treatise on how to take the theory of a style and apply it to a range of techniques. Could be rather difficult to find.

Hung Gar Kung Fu and Tiger/Crane of Hung Gar, Bucksam Kong

Very good texts on the techniques and applications of Hung Gar (a style derived from Shaolin Tiger and Crane).

Introduction to Ancient Chinese Weapons, Yang Jwing-ming (Unique Publications)

An excellent book on weapons. Extensive, superb line drawings of a vast array of weapons, with explanations of their evolution and use. Paperback.

Chinese Weapons, E.T.C. Werner (O'Hara)

Similar to Yang's book but with far less text explaining the weapons and fewer drawings. For those literate in Chinese, this text is filled with Chinese characters, while Yang's uses virtually none.

Skills of the Vagabonds II - Behind the Incredible, Leung Ting (Leung's Publications)

This is a book describing ways in which some ch'i gung "masters" fake their incredible feats. Examples covered are: breaking cement blocks over your body, bending spoons, and bending iron rods with your neck. Because it is published out of Hong Kong, it isn't an easy book to find, but it is very enlightening.

Non-Chinese Styles

The descriptions of the Judo and Aikido texts are included because they are outstanding treatments of arts that have corresponding elements in most of the Shaolin styles. Should the reader be interested in material describing the basic techniques that are common to virtually all martial arts (a front punch is a front punch, no matter what style you are studying!), the Karate books listed are excellent resources

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, A. Westbrook and O. Ratti (Tuttle Publishing)

Superb book on Aikido. Outstanding drawings of techniques with equally lucid explanations of details. Both theory and practice are described extensively. Hardback. A must-have text. Good introduction to some of the basic concepts that constitute dragon style.

Judo in Action: Throwing Techniques and Judo in Action: Grappling Techniques, Kazuzo Kudo, 9th dan (Japan Publications Trading Company)

The best books on Judo we have seen. The photos are clear and easy to follow, supplemented by precise written descriptions of the techniques shown. Counters are often described as well. The first volume goes into great detail about preparatory actions that precede one's throws. No forms or tournament ideas, just pure Judo.

Karate, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard Brown (Tuttle)

This book is extensively illustrated and shows virtually all of the most commonly used Karate techniques. Excellent primer to work on beginning Gung Fu moves/stances. Photos are excellent. Hardback.

Karate-Do Kyohan, Gichin Funakoshi (Kosansha International)

The master text by the founder, this book is an outstanding volume that illustrates the forms of Shotokan with excellent photos and line drawings, supplemented by extensive explanations in the text. Hardback

Master Karate, Mas Oyama (Grosset and Dunlap)

A good primer on Karate that shows the basic techniques, several of the beginning forms, and a Chinese Kempo form. Applied Karate moves are quite practical. Photos of the forms are a bit hard to follow at times. Excellent book that fills the same niche as Nishiyama's book at a lower price. Paperback.

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