Learn the secrets of Shaolin Temple boxing also known as Shaolin Kung Fu with this illustrated matrtial arts guide. Shaolin Temple boxing is the father of all boxing forms in China and is a close ancestor of Japanese karate. Despite the widespread study of Shaolin kung fu, however, the true origins and history of this exciting martial art have been obscured by wildly fanciful myths and legends that have arisen over the centuries, leading martial-arts authority Robert W. Smith to remark, "There are no good books on Shaolin Temple boxing. There are only varying degrees of poor." In Taiwan, however, Smith had the good fortune to discover a short, anonymous work in Chinese that he believed revealed the essence of Shaolin. This kung fu book is the English version of that text. Abundantly and attractively illustrated, it is a fascinating account of the history of an ancient martial art, as well as a concise martial arts manual explaining the fundamental philosophy and techniques of Shaolin Temple boxing.

Master the northern style of Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu with this illustrated martial arts guide The Secrets of Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu: Pek Sil Lum is a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of the traditional Chinese art known to the West as Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu. It includes a historical overview, basic positions, and authentic forms and techniques. Pek Sil Lum is especially renowned for its repertoire of kicking techniques, ranging from simple front kicks to jumping twirling crescent kicks to the dreaded tornado kick, and includes open- and closed-hand strikes and a number of weapons forms.

Master the terrifyingly effective Phoenix Eye Fist style of Chinese Kung Fu with this illustrated martial arts guide. The Secrets of Phoenix-Eye Fist Kung-Fu depicts an enormously potent art, also known as Chuka Shaolin, that does not depend on strength or size. Instead, it utilizes a special striking technique, the phoenix-eye fist, aimed at vital points on the opponent's body. Phoenix-Eye Fist Kung-Fu excels at close-range fighting—an area neglected in many other martial arts—and employs a variety of lightning-fast strikes and kicks. Due to its deadly efficacy, there is no sparring in Chuka Shaolin, but instead complex two-person practice forms are employed—both for empty-handed fighting and for fighting with weapons—in which the practitioners fight all-out, and are protected only by a precise knowledge of the form. With hundreds of clear photographs, The Secrets of Phoenix-Eye Fist Kung-Fu reveals: The fundamental techniques of the empty-handed art A complete breakdown of the two-person empty-hand practice forms Detailed instruction in Chuka Shaolin pole fighting, including the practice forms An overview of the other weapons used in Chuka Shaolin, including the sai, the twin knives, the spear, and the farmer's hoe Special forms of Chi Kung designed to increase striking power, increase vitality, and aid in resisting and healing injuries

Born in the projects of Spanish Harlem to a disabled mother and an abusive father, Steve DeMasco spent most of his childhood lost and angry. Drifting from one job to another, he stalked the streets as a troubled youth, barely surviving while all of his peers were either dead or in jail, until he found himself on the steps of the Shaolin Temple. Originating more than 1,500 years ago in ancient China, the Shaolin monks were simple farmers and worshippers of Buddhism who learned to protect themselves from the constant danger of bandits and overlords with a kind of "meditation in motion," a nonlethal form of self-defense that didn't violate their vows of peace. As their legend grew, they became known as the Shaolin Fighting Monks, revered across the land for their spiritual dedication, enlightened message, and amazing fighting skills. DeMasco entered the Shaolin Temple to battle the demons of his past. But he got more than he bargained for. Besides learning how to wield weapons and take on multiple attackers at once, he discovered an ancient philosophy that helped melt away preconceived notions of the world, and gave him a powerful platform on which to live and grow. In The Shaolin Way, he adapts these teachings for the modern world, singling out ten secrets of survival that can help anyone live a more fulfilled life.

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.

The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu is the ultimate guide to Kung Fu, from theory to practical application. This unique martial arts book, by a renowned Grandmaster, is a complete and comprehensive introduction to Kung Fu and all other aspects of ancient Shaolin wisdom. You will learn the ancient art of the Shaolin monks from the famous Shaolin monastery. 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. Chapters include: What is Kung Fu?--Four Aspects of Kung Fu; The Importance of Force Training; Application for Combat and Daily Living; Kung Fu Philosophy for Deeper Understanding; The Benefits of Kung Fu The Historical Development of Chinese Martial Arts--Kung Fu in Prehistoric and Ancient Times; The Glorious Han and Tang; The Modern Period From Shaolin to Taijiquan--Shaolin Kung Fu; The Various Styles of Taijiquan; Soft and Hard, Internal and External A Comparative Study of Kung Fu--Contrasting Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu; Xingyi Kung Fu and Taoist Concepts; Tanglangquan or Praying Mantis Kung Fu; The Spread of Southern Kung Fu Defining Aims and Objectives--Setting Aims for Kung Fu Training; Personal Objectives; Course Objectives The Foundation of Shaolin Kung Fu--Inheritance from Past Masters; Various Shaolin Hand Forms; Basic Shaolin Patterns From Form to Combat Application--The Four Directions of Attack; The Principles of Effective Combat; Specific Techniques Against Kicks Combat Sequences and Set Practice--Relieving Injuries Sustained in Sparring; Composing Your Own Kung Fu Sets Shaolin Five Animals--Understanding Characteristics and Essence; The Five-Animal Set; The Names of the Five-Animal Patterns Five-Animal Combination Set--How to Improve Combat Efficiency; Spacing and Timing in Combat The Internal Force of Shaolin Kung Fu--The Relationship Between Technique and Force; The Compassionate Art of Qin-Na; The Internal Force of Tiger Claw Tactics and Strategies--Using Continuous Attack Effectively; A Tactic to Distract Your Opponent; Selecting Strategies to Suit Particular Situations Classical Kung Fu Weapons--Staffs; Whips, Knives and Other Weapons; Light and Heavy Weapons Understanding and Developing Chi--The Various Genres of Chi Kung; Lohan Embracing Buddha; Abdominal Breathing Shaolin Kung Fu and Zen--Culitvating Heart, Nourishing Nature; Bodhidharma and Taoism in Zen The Shaolin Way to Enlightenment--Attaining a Focused Mind; Meditation to Train Awareness; Shaolin Kung Fu for Spiritual Development