Chinese Gung Fu The Philosophical Art of Self Defense

As mentioned before in my previous book, "Modern Kung Fu Karate", that the Brick Breaking and Iron Hand Training is not a necessary part of Gung Fu training - this book deals strictly with self defense. Unlike my previous books on Gung Fu, written by one of limited knowledge, I was very happy when Mr. Bruce Lee was persuaded to come out with this, his first of a series of books on the Ancient Art of Gung Fu. Bruce Lee, one of the highest authorities in the Chinese Art of Gung Fu in the United States today, came from China three years ago. At an early age, Mr. Lee started Gung Fu training from various instructors from both Northern and Southern schools of Gung Fu. At thirteen, he met Master Yip Man, leader of the Wing Chung School of Gung Fu, and since then he has devoted himself to that system. After years of daily training and engagements in competitive matches, he was awarded the rank of instructor - the youngest to achieve it in that school. Since his arrival in the United States, Mr. Lee has selected a few disciples and devoted his time to teaching them. Among his many followers are Judo and Karate Black Belt holders, Gung Fu students of other systems, boxers, etc. Aside from his knowledge of the various schools of Gung Fu, Mr. Lee is also well versed in Taoism and Ch'an (Zen). He has conducted a T. V. series in the U.S. on Oriental philosophy and Gung Fu. Mr. Lee will be one who will bring credit to the ancient and noble art of Chinese Gung Fu by his sincere effort to present a true perspective of the art of Chinese self defense. I was really impressed when in friendly sparring matches with Mr. Bruce Lee, I couldn't penetrate or land a telling blow or kick - even when he was blindfolded, once his hands are "sticking" to mine. I am sure this book will bring to the citizens of the U.S. a better understanding of the principles which make Gung Fu such and effective system in defense. Students of other Oriental systems will benefit greatly from this book. In well illustrated photos, it clearly explains all the steps to master the various techniques. Oscar Wilde once said, "Imitation is the most sincere compliment." If so, I have paid Mr. Bruce Lee a sincere compliment by changing all my Gung Fu techniques to his methods. When he demonstrated his type of striking, which is based on inner energy, I found it much more powerful than the power I had developed from previous Iron Hand training. The superiority of his Gung Fu is more refined and effective than that which I have learned in all my past years. Since his striking power is generated from the waist and the mind, I have always maintained that the power to break bricks is not the true test of actual application of energy in real combat. I always benefit greatly whenever we get a chance to train together. At present Mr. Lee, through his books, T. V. appearances and Gung Fu instructions to Americans, regardless of race, creed or national origin, is in the process of developing a nucleus of future Gung Fu instructors to keep the ancient Chinese art from being exploited and commercialized as evidenced unfortunately in some other Oriental systems. I am in complete accord with the author when he says, "When more and more Americans are instructed in the authentic techniques of Gung Fu, less and less people will be able to pass themselves off as self styled Gung Fu "experts". J. Y. Lee This is just a summation of my impressions as I observed Bruce Lee. His system is unique, precise and extremely practical. Its principles and concepts are logical and basically sound. It is based on simplicity, but yet it is intricate; the movements are sticky but yet slippery, soft but yet firm, obvious but yet deceptive, dual but yet having oneness, angular but yet circular, not to mention the incredible speed and snap executed by Bruce Lee. Not only is he highly adapt in his system, but as a conversationalist he is very interesting. His descriptive knowledge of other Chinese systems and their historical and philosophical background cannot help but make one an attentive listener. He is one of the very few that I have seen who is gifted with natural ability, a gift which he undoubtedly has put to work evidenced by his superb skill. I am glad to learn that he is writing books on Gung Fu. He confirms my faith in Gung-Fu and will be a great stimulant in present the art of Gung-Fu in its true and authentic light. Publisher's Note: Mr. Parker is the well known Black Belt Kenpo Karate instructor of Pasadena, Calif., author of "Kenpo", owner of several Kenpo Karate studios. "I highly recommend Mr. Bruce Lee's book on the Chinese Art of Gung Fu. This informative book will reveal an outstanding style of Chinese self defense. I have witnessed the teaching methods of the author and I find it concise and effective. I was also astonished with the vast knowledge this youthful Chinese Master possesses. His "Wing Chung" system is unlike any other system of Gung Fu that I have seen. I have never seen anything like it. I am convinced that this would be the system I would study if I were to begin my Gung Fu training again. Master Bruce Lee, who is a gentleman, can actually apply his seemingly gentle method in actual application. I have seen him perform with the grace and agility of a panther, and with lightning speed. He is truly a Master of a great style of Chinese fighting." Wally Jay Head Instructor "Island Judo and Ju Jitsu" club, Alameda, California. Black Belt 5th degree in Ju Jitsu - Black Belt 3rd degree in Kodakan Judo.Lee, Bruce is the author of 'Chinese Gung Fu The Philosophical Art of Self Defense', published 1988 under ISBN 9780897501125 and ISBN 0897501128.