Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Pa-Kua: Chinese Boxing for Fitness & Self-Defense by Robert W. Smith ISBN: 1-55643-439-1 Publisher: North Atlantic Books Pub. Date: January, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4 (4 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: the circular art of ba gua
Comment: This book presents the first descriptions in English of bagua methods transmitted by Zhang Juen-feng to the Hung family of Taipei. The Hung school became renouned and feared for their fighting prowess, so I agree fully with the previous 5-star reviews. Although such forms are posited on a line, there are many spirals and circles inherent to the movements as well, and the system does include a related set of circle walking and circular changes passed down from Zhang. So bagua is circular - true enough - and the author takes things to that level, as exemplified in the circling method of Paul Guo (along with footnotes on Wang Shu-chin, another peerless fighter; just ask the Japanese who met him). Mr Guo was a municipal police officer, also skilled in xing-yi, whose bagua was based on that of Sun Lu-tang. The book does not provide details on the many fighting functions inherent to the circular changes for reasons of time and space and those given by the author himself (i.e., linear methods more easy to grasp for Westerners at the time). Think about it. Given his vast experience, it is unlikely that the author would take the time to learn and publish a method that was devoid of fighting applications. In fact, he showed many of them in his regular classes, and importantly, also taught principles on how to look for other applications. Times being what they are today, it should be no problem for the uninitiated and perplexed to find someone also skilled at the circling methods in order to lend a convincing hand. But first, give the book a fair shake, try some of the methods, and then go out and find a teacher to help you along. Respectfully, even if you are an undefeated mixed-martial arts champion, a thorough study of these practices will surely improve your skill level and definitely change your outlook on these arts.
Rating: 5
Summary: put it in perspective
Comment: I found a tattered copy in a library many years ago. I was immediately interested in these movements and it peaked my interest to research the internal arts. Robert W. Smith succeeded in what he set out to accomplish: to expose the west to these fascinating and at the time little known arts. It really irks me when people can't obviously put things in proper perspective when dealing with older martial arts manuals. Finally, the so-called linear method IS combative pa kua. Experience it first hand.
Rating: 5
Summary: Classic first English text on Gao Yisheng Baguazhang
Comment: Mr. Smith presents the first ever English book on the linear Baguazhang of the notorious Gao Yiseng as taught by Hong Yixiang in Taiwan during the 1950's. Smith's teacher Hong was famous for his no hold's barred fighting skills, and was feared during a time when all out street fights were a common event and popular pastime. Many of his students went on to become expert bagua and xingyiquan practitioners and continue to teach today.
Mr. Smith never claimed to have attained his master's skill, but he did do his best to present the art for the benefit of those in the West unable to witness this extraordinary martial art first hand.
This volume inspired many to travel to Asia and many more to seek out teachers of the internal arts. You too will find lots of interesting instructional advice, history and presentation of classical linear and circular forms to enjoy.
Unfortunately there are a few ignorant souls among us who don't understand very much about the history and development of Bagua. This is understandable as there are many different branches.
I advise the innocent to go out and find a teacher of Gao style Baguazhang who can swiftly show you that the linear Bagua forms are very useful. When you recover consciousness you can begin to study them. In the process you will hopefully learn to keep your mouth shut about things you know so little about.
Sincerely, a fellow student
 |
Title: Pa-Kua: Eight-Trigram Boxing (Chinese Martial Arts Library) by Robert W. Smith, Allen Pittman, Allan Pittman ISBN: 0804816182 Publisher: Charles E Tuttle Co Pub. Date: December, 1990 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
 |
Title: Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods by Robert W. Smith ISBN: 155643085X Publisher: North Atlantic Books Pub. Date: June, 1990 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
 |
Title: Xing Yi Nei Gong: Xing Yi Health Maintenance and Internal Strength Development by Dan Miller, Tim Cartmell ISBN: 0865681740 Publisher: Unique Publications Pub. Date: October, 1998 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
 |
Title: Ba Gua: Hidden Knowledge in the Taoist Internal Martial Art by Hsing-Han Liu, John Bracy, Li Zhong-Quan, Liu Men-Gen, Liu Xing-Han ISBN: 1556432763 Publisher: North Atlantic Books Pub. Date: February, 1999 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
 |
Title: The Fundamentals of Pa Kua Chang: The Methods of Lu Shue-Tien As Taught by Park Bok Nam. by Bok Nam Park, Dan Miller, Park BOK Nam ISBN: 0865681724 Publisher: High View Pubns Pub. Date: January, 1999 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
