The Spirit of the Five Animals-The Shaolin Martial Arts

This book is described as something of a martial arts instruction book. In this capacity, it reads quite well. It explains, with a great amount of clarity and detail, methods for various forms and excercises that leads the reader to a greater level of understanding for the martial arts form.

Show More

Focusing on different sub-styles within this style of Kung Fu, the book runs the gamut of techniques. The direct consequence of this kind of teaching is that any who reads and studies from this book will have a wide, diverse understanding of the art.

As a book of instruction, it works very well. However, Master Tak Wah is not solely concerned with technique. The book also details the philosophy and mindset of those who practice Kung Fu. Essentially, the book teaches not only the methods of attaining physical competence in Kung Fu, but also the paradigm that one must have to fully understand the art.

This book is a must-have for any who wishes to have a greater understanding of Kung Fu, and martials arts in general. -Michael Lee

This book is more than a manual of combat. The gigantic gap between using kung fu for fighting and using kung fu for creating peace is masterfully and poetically bridged in this book. Any martial artist should have this book handy as a constant reminder of why they are studying this mysterious art form.-H.Ma

Sifu Tak Wah Eng provides a very clear and easy to read account of Shaolin Kung fu as well as the separate animal forms of the temple. This book also provides nice warm up exercises as well as stretching to limber you up for the 5 forms. This book will go on my top shelf of books I collect that I consider very valuable and well worth the price!-M. Addison

Originaly I was looking for Master Tak Wah Engs book about Fu Jow Pai. I wanted to learn a bit more about the tiger style. I decided to get this book since it was written by Master Tak Wah Eng. The book is actually about the Shaolin 5 animals (I guess the title explains it). Overall it is a good book with illustration of the 5 animal forms. I think the only thing I would've of like is to see the applications of some of these forms/techniques. Sometimes the forms and the applications are not that obvious unless you are a student of the style. -FD

Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Testimonials
A trip to China
Chan and wu
Mind and bodiy
The basics
Stretching
Stances
The five animals-Dragon form; Tiger form; Leopard form; Snake form; Crane form
Master and student
About the autho

Show Less