The Wing Chun Compendium

Rating:
Summary: Best Wing Chun Book I have ever read.
Review: Mr. Belonoha's book 'The Wing Chun Compendium" is outstanding. The writing is concise and very informative.
It is the most well thought out martial arts book I've ever seen. Mr. Belonoha starts exceedingly clearly, defining the core principles of the Wing Chun system within the first page and 1/2.
The next 100 pages or so then go into the expanded theory and technical aspects of the Wing Chun system. The
book is layed out in a fashion that it can be read cover to cover or, it can be opened randomly at any page throughout and the content makes sense. Nothing is left out. (Note: this book does not cover Wing Chun's wooden man dummy form or the weapons
forms - hopefully a subsequent book will follow shortly).
The next 300 pages deal in great detail with the first three (non weapon) Wing Chun forms: Siu Nim Tau, Cham Kiu and Biu Ji. Pictures of Mr. Belonoha, a previous gold medallist at multiple national and international level competitions show every detail of each form. Each photo is accompanied by equally detailed descriptions of proper technique and points to emphasize and, common mistakes to watch out for. His web site has live video of the forms. It is important to note that the videos are the exact same instances that the still photos were derived from so no gaps are left for a reader to figure out.
The final 100+ pages cover pressure points, health and fitness, and Wing Chun terminology (Chinese terms define into
English terms). The finale is a deeply revealing article called "Reflections of Siu Nim Tau After 30 Years by Grandmaster Sunny Tang". Grandmaster Sunny Tang has been Mr. Belonoha's Sifu since 1992 and, Mr. Belonoha is the Senior Instructor at the Sunny Tang Martial Arts Centre Headquarters School in Toronto. (All of this is in the book too).
I also like the sayings on the bottom of each page in addition to everything else. Again from the first page: "Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable", Mr. Belonoha has exhibited a phenomenal understanding of clarity and order. Each page has a similar relevant saying that applies to all of one's life, not just their martial art.
This is not a read it once and you know all it type book. It will give you all the information that you need and is very easy to understand. However, as your Wing Chun improves, the information within will have deeper and deeper meaning to you. Because Mr. Belonoha fully understands Wing Chun, the simplicity of the writing is also somewhat of an illusion - there is no limit to the lessons that can be learned. The book is meaningful to Wing Chun enthusiasts of every level. Anyone reading this book will get a lot out of it. Mine is already on the way to being well worn from the constant references that I am making to it either before or after most training sessions. In short, "The Wing Chun Compendium" is an excellent book from both a 'detailed reference manual' for training and a 'cover to cover reading book' to fully understand what genuine Wing Chun is all about. If you are training in Wing Chun and want to know the non-modified methods, this book is a 'must have'. I know that my copy will always be in use. If I ever happen to loose my copy, I will be replacing it right away.

Gord Oliphant,
Victoria, B.C., Canada

Rating:
Summary: Wing Chun Compendium
Review: Absolutely amazing in terms of the materials covered. The author could have easily charged at least double the price for such a book. I've found the instructions intelligently explained thus deepening my appreciation for Wing Chun. Well done Wayne! Looking forward to more books from you.

Rating:
Summary: Fully complete and VERY educational
Review: As a new practitioner of Ving Tsun, I have found this book to be incredibly helpful. It covers many aspects of the art, from functional and instructional guides to theoretical aspects of its motivations. In this way, I found it to be a very well-balanced source of information. It can be used as a reference (it has been by me!) and it can also be read cover-to-cover (which I have also done). Whatever you wish to know about Ving Tsun, you can find it in this book. There is even a section of how your diet can affect your growh as a martial artist, which was something I did not expect to see in the book!

Rating:
Summary: Finally everything in one book
Review: For anyone interested in Wing Chun Kung Fu, this book seems to have it all. The book takes an uniquely scientific and analytical approach to explain the theory and techniques, while also covering the history, culture and even the language. Finally a martial arts book that has everything.

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Summary: The Wing Chun world is very small and very large
Review: Most people who know Wing Chun are aware of its foundation and modern day disciples. If you are a follower of Wing Chun, you will find this to be an excellent companion for your journey.

After studying various martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do, traditional Kung Fu and Kick Boxing, I discovered Wing Chun, which managed to make me a more effective Marital Arts practitioner in one year that all the other arts could not do in many years (physical conditioning benefits aside).

If you are not a Wing Chun practitioner but practice other MA, you may be curious and find this book very different. Take it and compare the reasoning behind each 'move'. You will find the art extremely scientific compared to many other arts. My great Tae Kwon Do instructor once told me that eventually, the highest practitioners of most MA reach the same level...possibly true but Wing Chun is more efficient in getting you there, efficiency being one of its key tenets.

This book has other great tidbits which make it an excellent coffee table read whereas my other MA books don't have the same level of class...except of course Sun Tsu's - The Art of War.

Rating:
Summary: Guide to learning Wing Chun
Review: The Wing Chun Compendium is a comprehensive teaching guide and is clearly demonstrated for the student of Wing Chun Kung Fu. An invaluable aid to classroom instruction.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Source of Wing Chun Information
Review: This book is a must have for anyone interested in starting to learn Wing Chun or as a reference for veteran Wing Chun practitioners. The Wing Chun Compendium covers the core of the Wing Chun system, the theories, philosophies, three empty hand forms (Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kil, and Bil Jee) complete with applications and more.

Having, seen, read and owned other martial arts books, this book is a step above the rest. If you want a book that will help you understand the Wing Chun system, and provide you with an excellent foundation of knowledge and technique, and ultimately good Wing Chun, look no further.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: This is the definitive work, bar none. Brilliant, and painstakingly written. Profoundly thorough. I have canvassed the literature, and this is the best work on Wing Chun/Tsun, by far.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST WING CHUN BOOK EVER!!
Review: This really is an absolute MUST HAVE for anyone interested in Wing Chun. Fantastic pictures - totally comprehensive. Gotta get it for your collection!

Rating:
Summary: more than enough here to exercise the mind
Review: what set this book apart from the rest is it in depth research into the mindset and phrases of the wing chum system. It is a direct reflection of Sifu Wayne Belanoha's love for Wing Chun. For all those of have trained in another discipline and is thinking of looking into another system to experience. this book is a must, it has showed AND explained to me openings and counters to attacks, so simple I laugh at myself for not realizing them before. This book will truly open your mind and hearts to Wing chun.