The Sword Polisher's Record: The Way of Kung-Fu (Tuttle Martial Arts)

Rating:
Summary: empty mind
Review: I enjoyed reading this collection of short essays on various aspects of kung-fu teaching, practice and history. I think students of any level would also find it interesting and worthwhile. However, I often had the feeling that after all the pretty images presented, I was left empty. Usually the author spends the entire essay talking about what is NOT true and NOT real kung-fu, but then fails to even mention what IS true and real.

Rating:
Summary: The book which made me become a student
Review: I found this book a few years ago, when I was researching martial arts. The authors conclusions matched many of mine perfectly, only he actually had credibility! This book will teach you volumes, I guarantee it.

Rating:
Summary: The book which made me become a student
Review: I found this book a few years ago, when I was researching martial arts. The authors conclusions matched many of mine perfectly, only he actually had credibility! This book will teach you volumes, I guarantee it.

Rating:
Summary: Begin here. . .
Review: In your quest to find good and traditional kung fu begin with this book. After you have completed this book begin to search for an artform that you will believe in and use your head and other resources to find what you have been looking for - real kung fu.

Rating:
Summary: precise and focused
Review: Master Adam Hsu has proven himself to be a master not only of the Chinese martial arts but of clearly projecting their essence through his writings. Sifu Hsu's unique prospective of these high-level arts is long over due. He seems to get right to the heart of the matter, to the very core /foundation of these high-level disciplines. But his prospective reflects his command of his subject. My meaning is " just because the art is complexed doesn't mean it has to be presented in a mystical fashion". If understanding is key to truth, education, and awareness, then sifu Hsu has made a contribution that we will only appreciate, fully in years to come.

Rating:
Summary: Beginning a study.
Review: Mr. Hsu has provided an often frustrated American public with an excellent introductory reference in the study of Chinese martial arts. His book is easy and enjoyable to read, but more importantly, he takes nothing for granted in terms of his readers' knowledge. Experienced artists and beginniners alike will find the reading fluid and helpful. Perhaps most valuble are the careful distinctions Mr. Hsu makes in areas such as kungfu/wushu, teachers/masters, etc. His experience acts much as the polished sword in separating fact from myth. Some may find Mr. Hsu's stance on more controversial issues inflamatory, but when researching such a varied subject, further reference should be a given.

Rating:
Summary: What IS true kung fu?
Review: Mr. Hsu takes a lot of time describing false Kung Fu, but as mentioned in other reviews here, he only sometimes tells us what true Kung Fu is. Is it what he does and only what he does? How does he know what he does isn't fake? He tackles issues about mixing styles and such (that it is not for the serious practioner), but does he realize that's what people have done for centuries? No! Praying Mantis blends monkey and mantis moves, White Crane mixes birds with the ape,etc. I've looked a long time for a good non-instructional Kung Fu book(with in- depth history and philosophy), and this proves to be a disappointment. Kung fu is way too diverse to generalize into a certain "way" like other martial arts. Mr. Hsu attempts to do way too much in so few pages. A noble attempt, yes, but the many flavors of Kung Fu are best left exposed by the many practioners of it.