Kung Fu Basics

Good book for the basics

Even though my more than 7 decades in the numerous martial arts methods (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kenjutsu, Tanto-Jutsu, Wakizashi-Jutsu, Kobudo) has been mainly in the Japanese systems; however, I also studied many of Asian arts such as Tai Chi and Qigong and some Chinese weapons.In fact, I even received a teaching certificate in Tai Chi and Qigong and now that I am well into my senor years, I still teach seated Tai Chi and Qigong. This is why when I saw this 190-page soft cover book (Kung Fu Basics: Everything you need to get started in Kung Fu from basic kicks to training and tournaments by Paul Eng) on Amazon I decided to purchase it.I found this to be an excellent text for beginning students who are seeking a reference source to supplement their hands-on training with an instructor (Sifu) in one of the numerous Kung Fu systems.This book presents the material in an organized systematic way that makes it easy to understand.This detailed book is organized into five parts covering the basics of Kung Fu. This includes the following: The history of Kung Fu, the philosophy, styles, choosing the right school, what to wear, etiquette, your first class, stances, footwork, kicks, hand techniques, warmups, participating in a workout, drills, and conditioning exercises, forms, internal training, safety, your training program, gauging progress and competitions and demonstrationsThis book gives a very good overview of the basic principles involved in learning Kung-Fu. One must always keep in mind that no matter how good a book on the martial arts might be, without hands-on training with an instructor to show you the essential fine points of any fighting technique, a book can only point the way and reinforce what your instructor has taught you.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Chair/Seated Tai Chi/Qigong/Yoga stretching for seniors and the physically challenged).