Tiger-Crane Form of Hung Gar Kung-Fu

Rating:
Summary: Thin, pricey, and incomplete
Review: After seeing the Tiger/Crane form demonstrated to me, I noticed this book leaves out about 1/3 of the actual movements, transitional postures that are only held briefly. The power needed for Hung gar is not at all demonstrated in this book and does mention at all the isometrics involved when performing these movements. Not a bad book for reference, but don't even begin learning this form until you are taking classes, or at the least have gotten a video of the form demonstration. Applications are basic and weak, with none of the mayhem which Hung gar can be, like hair pulling into a knee slam to the face, and ripping out an attackers throat and groin at the same time.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource on traditional Hung Gar kung fu.
Review: As a student of Sifu Kong, I have studied this book for several years as I have progressed in this style. This book does an excellent job of showing proper technique, stance, and application. It shows some application of the techniques, and also leaves the reader with the sense there is more to learn, which is true. Sifu Kong cautions at the beginning that true mastery and understanding cannot be obtained from a book, but must be sought from an experienced teacher. As such, this book can be an excellent training guide, or introduction to the beautiful and efficient art of Hung Gar.

Rating:
Summary: A true master
Review: I bought this book because I was taking Tiger-Crane from Sifu Ed Lane, who was a student of Sifu (Sorry, I forgot what I should call a master's master) Kong and thought it would help me. Being only a beginner I sought to have something on-hand to refer to while at home. It presents a deep understanding on movements, and I agree it leaves you wanting more. Sifu always taught us that a student was expected to practice this form for a year to root the proper techniques and applications inside your mind. I most definatally give this a 5 star review for being a book on Form.

Rating:
Summary: A true master
Review: I bought this book because I was taking Tiger-Crane from Sifu Ed Lane, who was a student of Sifu (Sorry, I forgot what I should call a master's master) Kong and thought it would help me. Being only a beginner I sought to have something on-hand to refer to while at home. It presents a deep understanding on movements, and I agree it leaves you wanting more. Sifu always taught us that a student was expected to practice this form for a year to root the proper techniques and applications inside your mind. I most definatally give this a 5 star review for being a book on Form.

Rating:
Summary: well-presented, no concepts
Review: Step-by-step demonstration of the set accompanied by application of the form. Not much on history, etc.--this is first and foremost an exhaustive technical guide to the Hung Gar Kung Fu Tiger Crane Form. Includes transition photos which document the entire technique.

Rating:
Summary: Form & Application
Review: Step-by-step demonstration of the set accompanied by application of the form. Not much on history, etc.--this is first and foremost an exhaustive technical guide to the Hung Gar Kung Fu Tiger Crane Form. Includes transition photos which document the entire technique.

Rating:
Summary: well-presented, no concepts
Review: The techniques are described only in terms how to move, not why. None of the concepts of hung gar are introduced. Even the most basic principles are left out. The structure of the form isn't discussed. Combinations are not highlighted. Although there are ample "applications", in many cases they are fairly obvious. Fu Hok deserves a deep and detailed publication. Once again, this is not it.

All that being said, this book is a good, inexpensive reference for the the outward gestures of the form. Although without details regarding these gestures, its usefulness is severely limited.

I've heard that the video doesn't include the form, so "caveat emptor"

Rating:
Summary: Classic form
Review: The Tiger/Crane form of Hung Gar kung-fu is one of the great forms, both technically and historically. Many authorities consider Hung Gar, of all the extant styles, to be the one closest to the original Shaolin Temple boxing (and depending on which authority you consult, the total number of kung-fu styles ranges from 300 to 1000). While we may never know for sure which style is the most authentic or the closest to the original style, this form is certainly an important contribution to the art.

Kong is an outstanding exponent of this style of kung-fu, and he presents the form with very clear photo sequences. Another plus is he includes photos showing the practical self-defense applications of the more important sections and sequences. Overall, an excellent book and the only one on the subject, and even if you're not a kung-fu practitioner, an interesting addition to your martial-arts library.