Ancient Chinese Weapons; A Martial Artist's Guide

Boston: YMAA Publication Center, 1999. First Printing [Stated]. Trade paperback. Very good. xv, [1], 140, [2] pages. Over 130 illustrations. Appendix A, B, and C. Index. Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Kung Fu training at the age of fifteen under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. In thirteen years of study (1961-1974) under Master Cheng, Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts, which includes both the use of bare hands and of various weapons such as saber, staff, spear, trident, two short rods, and many others. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong. When Dr. Yang was eighteen years old he entered Tamkang College in Taipei Xian to study Physics and also began the study of traditional Shaolin Long Fist with Master Li, Mao-Ching at the Tamkang College Guoshu Club (1964-1968). He eventually became an assistant instructor. In 1971 he completed his M.S. degree in Physics at the National Taiwan University and then served in the Chinese Air Force of the Republic of China from 1971 to 1972. In the service, Dr. Yang taught Physics at the Junior Academy of the Chinese Air Force. After being honorably discharged in 1972, he returned to Tamkang College to teach Physics and resumed study under Master Li, Mao-Ching. From Master Li, Dr. Yang learned Northern style Kung Fu, which includes both barehand techniques, especially kicking, and numerous weapons. In 1974, Dr. Yang came to the United States to study Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. In 1978 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering by Purdue. Many martial artists, once they reach a certain level of proficiency with their barehanded fighting forms, choose to expand their knowledge to include weapons techniques. But what weapon to choose? Over the past 5,000 years, the Chinese have developed a vast array of weapons, built for a multitude of purposes. What are these purposes? What is the background of these weapons? What weapon is right for you? Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Artists Guide is an easy reference guide. Profusely illustrated, easy to navigate, and conveniently broken down into four main classifications: Long Weapons, Short Weapons, Soft Weapons, and Projectile / Thrown Weapons. Inside you will find weapons of many types, from swords and spears, sharpened coins to flying claws! Even if you're not a martial artist, but have an interest in history and warfare, you'll find this guide an invaluable resource. Includes techniques and fighting strategy; History and evolution of weapons; and Translations of Chinese terms.