Ba Gua: Hidden Knowledge in the Taoist Internal Martial Art

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic book by a FANTASTIC Teacher
Review: This book is ok, but it lacks the theory and applications that are present in most other books.

Although, this book seems to be a the top of the list, other books carry way more weight in the area of education, counselling, and knowledge.

This is probably why people may dislike these comments. But it is the truth. If you want to look at other books, look at the martial arts list in my about me area.

An addition:

Now, I know for many the area of teaching martial arts is a hard one. The ability to keep students for a business is very hard. So, Try just having another avenue for cash while the teaching of the martial art remains . . . just teaching martial arts. Charging students is not necessary. Instead, think like the old martial artists in China did. TRADE. Offer instruction in exchange for clothes, food, entertainment or custodial duties. This is the simple way.


-Calvin Newman

Rating:
Summary: A very good overview of Ba Gua theory and practice.
Review: This book was really good, it gave a great history section, overview of theory, and general explanation of what Ba Gua is about. There are very good explanations of internal power theory, the differences between the different levels of that theory(muscular effort to internal power, and what the differences are between each level). It also includes several two-man sets which are very good, and a section on applications. Strategy and actual applied fighting theory are elucidated to good depth, which made me quite happy. This book is a great overview, but don't buy it expecting to see tons of forms and the whole style laid out before you, there are a couple of chi-gung forms( with very good explanations), the aforementioned two man sets, and several applications. This book is a steal at 12 bucks and I would suggest it to anyone interested in Ba Gua- especially if you don't know anything about the style. This book presents the best introduction I have seen to Ba Gua, it's history and basic theory; one that clearly states what is esoteric and what is concrete, and is a very straightforward treatment of this style which is many times shrouded in obstrusity when discussed.

Rating:
Summary: Great book on Pa Kua (Ba Gua)
Review: This is one of the best books I've seen on Pa Kua. As a a teacher of Pa Kua, I enjoyed this book very much.