The Shaolin Monastery

The Shaolin Monastery
Author: Meir Shahar
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
Total Pages: 298
Release: 2008-01-10
Genre: History
ISBN: 0824831101

This meticulously researched and eminently readable study considers the economic, political, and religious factors that led Shaolin monks to disregard the Buddhist prohibition against violence and instead create fighting techniques that by the 21st century have spread throughout the world.

Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals

Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals
Author: Brian Kennedy
Publisher: Blue Snake Books
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2008-01-08
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9781583941942

Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.

Chinese Martial Arts

Chinese Martial Arts
Author: Peter A. Lorge
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2012
Genre: History
ISBN: 0521878810

In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practised for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts.

A History of Chinese Martial Arts

A History of Chinese Martial Arts
Author: Fuhua Huang
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 220
Release: 2020-05
Genre:
ISBN: 9780367520298

Featuring contributions from leading Chinese scholars and practitioners, this is the most authoritative study ever written on this topic. Including numerous illustrations of artefacts, weaponry and historical drawings and documents, it offers unparalleled insight into the origins, development and contemporary significance of martial arts in China.

Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts

Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts
Author: Lu Zhouxiang
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 371
Release: 2018-06-12
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1351610031

Chinese martial arts is considered by many to symbolise the strength of the Chinese and their pride in their history, and has long been regarded as an important element of Chinese culture and national identity. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts comprehensively examines the development of Chinese martial arts in the context of history and politics, and highlights its role in nation building and identity construction over the past two centuries. This book explores how the development of Chinese martial arts was influenced by the ruling regimes’ political and military policies, as well as the social and economic environment. It also discusses the transformation of Chinese martial arts into its modern form as a competitive sport, a sport for all and a performing art, considering the effect of the rapid transformation of Chinese society in the 20th century and the influence of Western sports. The text concludes by examining the current prominence of Chinese martial arts on a global scale and the bright future of the sport as a unique cultural icon and national symbol of China in an era of globalisation. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts is important reading for researchers, students and scholars working in the areas of Chinese studies, Chinese history, political science and sports studies. It is also a valuable read for anyone with a special interest in Chinese martial arts.

Chinese Martial Arts

Chinese Martial Arts
Author: David a Ross
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2017-02-13
Genre:
ISBN: 9781543097832

Did Buddhist monks and Daoist priests really practice martial arts? Is the practice of Chinese martial arts religious? What are the White Lotus Sect and the Heaven and Earth Society? Did martial artists really think they could resist bullets using their internal power? What is the "internal school" of martial arts? These and many more questions are addressed and potentially answered by the new volume "Chinese Martial Arts, A Historical Outline." This is the first work of its kind in the English language. Beginning with the earliest historical records regarding the practice of martial arts, it progressively outlines the development of martial arts within the larger context of Chinese society. In doing so, it presents the many important events, issues and challenges which have shaped the traditions we now practice. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the concept of using "Qi" in the martial arts, the doomed Boxer Uprising, and developments during the Republican era. Designed to be an outline rather than an exhaustive work on any one particular issue, "Chinese Martial Arts" is 226 pages with over 340 footnotes and an extensive bibliography. Destined to change the way martial artists perceive and understand what they practice. Table of Contents includes "MILITARY METHODS" "THE FOUR STAFF OCCUPATIONS" "CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE" "THE WHITE LOTUS SECT" "THE HEAVEN AND EARTH SOCIETY" "THE TAIPING CIVIL WAR" "THE BOXER UPRISING" "NEI JIA QUAN" "NEW CULTURE MOVEMENT" "NATIONAL ARTS" and "SHAOLIN LEGENDS."

The Hidden History of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts

The Hidden History of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts
Author: Sal Canzonieri
Publisher: CreateSpace
Total Pages: 306
Release: 2014-05-17
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9781490430713

Today, the martial arts of Bagua Zhang, Taiji Quan, and Xing/Xin Yi Quan are the best known of the Neijia arts and are often practiced together. The origins of these so-called “Big Three Internal Martial Arts” are both mysterious and controversial. These convoluted origins are often interconnected and interrelated and span through many other Chinese martial arts. Often times some aspects of one style's boxing routines served as a root to the development of another style, though their relationship may have become long forgotten today. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912), many famous Chinese martial artists arose who practiced not only all three arts of Bagua, Taiji, and Xingyi, but also some form of Long Fist Boxing as well, such as Shaolin Quan and Tongbei Quan. It is important to understand the roots of one's style, so that one can see how the movements developed over time and perhaps learn why there are done the way they are now done. It is an interesting, long winding road exploring who taught what to whom, when and why. This book was developed from over 30 years of research and it is a book about what my opinion is that the research reveals. Hopefully it will lead others to do more research and many new books will arise tracing the historical and stylistic and often mysterious evolution of the Chinese Martial Arts. It is very surprising to find out how the different styles are connected to each other in many different ways.

Tao of Jeet Kune Do

Tao of Jeet Kune Do
Author: Bruce Lee
Publisher: Black Belt Books
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2006-11
Genre:
ISBN: 9780897501439

Book & slipcase. Compiled from Bruce Lee's notes and essays and originally published in 1975, Tao of Jeet Kune Do is the best-selling martial arts book in the world. This iconic work explains the science and philosophy behind jeet kune do -- the art Lee invented -- and includes hundreds of Lee's illustrations. Topics include Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. With introductions by Linda Lee and editor Gilbert Johnson, Tao of Jeet Kune Do is essential reading for any practitioner and offers a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the world's greatest martial artists. This limited edition features a slipcase and each copy is personally signed by Linda Lee Cadwell and Shannon Lee. Includes a signed, numbered certificate. Only 500 copies available.

A History of Chinese Martial Arts

A History of Chinese Martial Arts
Author: Fuhua Huang
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 381
Release: 2018-09-21
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1317239938

Chinese martial arts have a long, meaningful history and deep cultural roots. They blend the physical components of combat with strategy, philosophy and tradition, distinguishing them from Western sports. A History of Chinese Martial Arts is the most authoritative study ever written on this topic, featuring contributions from leading Chinese scholars and practitioners. The book provides a comprehensive overview of all types of Chinese martial arts, from the Pre-Qin Period (before 222 BC) right up to the present day in the People’s Republic of China, with each chapter covering a different period in Chinese history. Including numerous illustrations of artefacts, weaponry and historical drawings and documents, this book offers unparalleled insight into the origins, development and contemporary significance of martial arts in China. This is a fascinating read for researchers and students working in sports history, Chinese sport and Chinese Studies.