From: ninjam@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Marty)
Subject: Review: Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu
Originator: ninjam@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1992 01:23:24 GMT


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Title:  Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu               Author: Yang Jwing-Ming and
					   	        Jeffery A. Bolt

Publisher: Unique Publications (c) 1982         ISBN: 0-86568-020-5

Pages: 238                                      Rating: 10

Skill level: beginnner to advanced              Price: $11.50 (U.S. Dollars)

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This is definately one of the best written martial arts books I have
read, and thoroughly enjoyed every page.

The book starts with the usuall preface explaining the use of the book,
then continues with the following:

   Chapter 1 - General Introduction
   This chapter gives a pretty thorough history of Martial Arts in China,
specifically that of the Shao Lin.  It then goes on with Morality,
and concludes with Common Knowledge which describes various polular styles
in China, basic wu su concepts, wu su training, training habits, belt
explinations, Chi and cavaties, and Iron palm training.

I've seen books out there that would consist of Chapter 1 alone, but there
is far more:

   Chapter 2 - Fundamental Training and Practice
   This chapter starts out with Warm up and stretching exercises,
fundamental stances, theory and techniques on movement, hand techniques
(including forms, applications, and techniques on sandbags), leg techniques
(including forms), Power and speed training (hand/fingers, wrist/arms/shoulders,
eyes and hands, stability, punching and kicking), and last, atacking
zones.

Everything in Chapter 2 is illustrated with clearly shown photographs and
diagrams, with kicks and hand movments being shown applied to bags, and
theory behind certain techniques being shown applied to people.  The
section on attacking zones includes a photograph of the front and
back of an accupuncture/chi cavity dummy, all clearly numbered.
On the following page is a pretty complete description of each point,
including the Chinese name, English name, Attack forms reference
(which gives a picture number to correspond with preceding hand
and leg techniques), the ramifications of striking that point (numbness,
fainting, death), and what part of the nerve system is used.  Of course,
this is all meant as reference material rather than instruction, as is
pointed out in the preface.

   Chapter 3 Fundamental Sequences
   Includes the theory of the basic forms and three basic forms:
   Lien Bu Chuan (Continuous Step Sequence), Gung Li Chuan (power training
   sequence), and Yi Lu Mei Fu (First Way of Ambush).

Besides all of the lengthy prechapters listed earlier in this review,
I feel that Chapter 3 and 4 make the book the wonderful quality publication
that I feel it is.  The forms are CLEARLY shown in photographic sequence,
with each photograph numbered.  At the bottom of the page are the technique
numbers (groups of photographs througout the form are listed together for
the purpose of showing where they form techniques), a verbal description
of the movement involved in the technique, last and most importantly,
the solution.  The solution is the actuall applicaiton of the techniques.
Midpage is reserved for the photographs of the actuall applications of
the techniques.  This is one major reason that the book is appealing.
I've seen books that show photo sequences of the form, and sometimes 
descriptions, and MAYBE even a few applications in the back.  But the
author's have taken the time to clearly brake down each section of the
form to show the individual applications, while the form is being shown.
And it's done in such a way that neither area takes presidence over the
other.

   Chapter 4 - Middle level Sequences
   Includes purpose of the forms, and the forms of Shaw Fi Ien and
   Shih Tzu Tan forms.

More of the the same great photo's, descriptions, and applications.

   Chapter 5 - Free fighting Strategies
   Free fighting forms and strategies

   Chapter 6 - Conclusion

and it winds up with a listing of all the chinese terms and words in the
book, coincided with their respective written Chinese Characters.
About the only minor negative aspect, which is VERY minor, is they possibly
could have included an glossary in the back coinciding with the terms and
words.
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