The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu: The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-Defence, Health and Enlightenment

Description

This is the ultimate guide to Kung Fu, from theory to practical application. This unique book, by a celebrated Grandmaster, is a complete and comprehensive introduction to Kung Fu and all other aspects of ancient Shaolin wisdom. It will prove invaluable to everyone interested in martial arts, chi kung and meditation, showing how Kung Fu and other Shaolin arts can bring you health, vitality, mental focus, and spiritual joy. It includes: * A comparative history of the various forms of Kung Fu * An in-depth study of all aspects of Shaolin Kung Fu, including the construction of patterns and sets, the training of internal force, traditional Kung Fu weapons, and strategies for victory * Practical exercises and meditation techniques * Stories of Shaolin wisdom and healing Wong Kiew Kit has practiced and taught Shaolin arts for more than 30 years and has trained over 2,000 students. He is the fourth generation successor to monk Jiang Nan of the Shaolin Monastery and Grandmaster of Shaolin Wahnam Kung Fu Institute. He is the author of several books including 'The Art of Chi Kung', 'The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan', 'The Complete Book of Zen', and 'Chi Kung for Health, and Vitality'. The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu Contents List of Illustrations Preface 1 WHAT IS KUNG FU? Four Aspects of Kung Fu The Visible Aspect of Form The Importance of Force Training Application for Combat and Daily Living Kung Fu Philosophy for Deeper Understanding The Benefits of Kung Fu Mind Expansion and Spiritual Development 2 THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS Kung Fu in Prehistoric and Ancient Times The Glorious Han and Tang The Song, the Yuan and the Ming The Modern Period 3 FROM SHAOLIN TO TAIJIQUAN Kung Fu and Quanshu Shaolin Kung Fu Changquan or Long Fists Yan Qing, Deceptive Movements and the Monkey Style The Various Styles of Taijiquan Soft and Hard, Internal and External 4 A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KUNG FU Contrasting Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu Internal Palm of Bagua Kung Fu Xingyi Kung Fu and Taoist Concepts The Philosophies of Wudang Kung Fu Wuzuquan or Kung Fu of Five Ancestors Tanglangquan or Praying Mantis Kung Fu The Spread of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu Major Southern Shaolin Styles 5 DEFINING AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The Importance of Theoretical Knowledge The Three Requirements for Attainment Direction and Purpose Setting Aims for Kung Fu Training Personal Objectives Course Objectives 6 THE FOUNDATION OF SHAOLIN KUNG FU Inheritance from Past Masters The Significance of Form and Formlessness Various Shaolin Hand Forms Horseriding and Other Stances Basic Shaolin Patterns 7 FROM FORM TO COMBAT APPLICATION The Four Directions of Attack An Imaginary Opponent in Skill Training The Principles of Effective Combat Specific Techniques Against Kicks Felling and Holding Techniques 8 COMBAT SEQUENCES AND SET PRACTICE Linking Patterns to Form Sequences Various Sequences for Practice Relieving Injuries Sustained in Sparring Linking Sequences to Form Sets Composing Your Own Kung Fu Sets 9 SHAOLIN FIVE ANIMALS Understanding Characteristics and Essence Some Preliminary Information The Five-Animal Set The Names of the Five-Animal Patterns 10 FIVE-ANIMAL COMBINATION SET How to Improve Combat Efficiency The Fascination of Kung Fu Application Spacing and ‘Timing in Combat Advanced ‘Techniques to Clinch Victory 11 THE INTERNAL FORCE OF SHAOLIN KUNG FU The Relationship Between Technique and Force The Art of One-Finger Shooting Zen Developing Forceful Punches The Compassionate Art of Qin-Na The Internal Force of Tiger Claw 12 TACTICS AND STRATEGIES Techniques, Tactics and Strategies The Legacy of Past Masters Using Continuous Attack Effectively A Tactic to Distract Your Opponent Selecting Strategies to Suit Particular Situations 13 CLASSICAL KUNG FU WEAPONS Why are Classical Weapons Still Being Used? Staffs Whips, Knives and Other Weapons The Spear Family Light and Heavy Weapons Common Implements as Weapons 14 UNDERSTANDING AND DEVELOPING From Combat Efficiency to Spiritual Development The Various Genres of Chi Kung The Three Elements of Chi Kung Lifting the Sky Lohan Embracing Buddha Abdominal Breathing 15 SHAOLIN KUNG FU AND ZEN Cultivating Heart, Nourishing Nature Discipline and Wisdom What is Ultimate Reality? Bodhidharma and ‘Taoism in Zen 16 THE SHAOLIN WAY TO ENLIGHTENMENT Attaining a Focused Mind Meditation to Train Awareness Investigating Cosmic Reality? The Zen of Bodhidharma and Hui Neng Shaolin Kung Fu for Spiritual Development Different Attainments for Different Needs Notes Further Reading Useful Addresses Index