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Rating: 
Summary: A good introduction for all levels.
Review: A good guide to the history and philopsophy of kung fu, but it doesn't really get a grip of the essence of the art. Descriptions of a few more styles could have been added, as well as a section on common fighting principles. The (large) part on chin na techniques is very useful, as are the descriptions of the several feats (I don't think many of them would prove harmful, if trained, on the contrary(the "leaping kung" for example could be extremely good for leg muscle development, and I doubt that one should have to contact a physician before training the "red sand palm", which is done by rubbing a handful of sand in hope that one may someday be able to do it without the hands), but I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone to try something as "head kung"(banging the head daily against a hard wall!!)). I must admit that it somehow felt throughout the whole book that the same things were repeated over and over again on almost each page, something that made it (for me)a little(just a little) bit boring. Nevertheless, I don't regret buying it.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Having, Worth Keeping
Review: Chow and Spangler actually did a good job here. They gave detailed history of various arts, depicting the distinguishing characteristics without trying to claim they could teach the arts themselves. In fact, the only mistake they made was in the crude techniques they presented at the rear of the book, outlining some of the basic techniques of Chin Na. Aside from that, however, this book was a good read, especially for beginning students trying to gather more detail in their perspectives.
Rating: 
Summary: An Overview
Review: David Chow was the technical advisor during the first season of the old "Kung Fu" television series. Many of the people who saw those shows commented on how much the techniques resembled judo. This book will show you why. Chow's background was in the grappling arts, and it is that orientation which he brought to both the show and this book. The first part of it deals with the history and theories of some of the more famous kung fu styles. The technique section contains some fairly effective responses to grabbing attacks. The poetry section could have been left out. This book is O.K., but nothing to write home about.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Kung Fu Book
Review: David Chow was the technical advisor during the first season of the old "Kung Fu" television series. Many of the people who saw those shows commented on how much the techniques resembled judo. This book will show you why. Chow's background was in the grappling arts, and it is that orientation which he brought to both the show and this book. The first part of it deals with the history and theories of some of the more famous kung fu styles. The technique section contains some fairly effective responses to grabbing attacks. The poetry section could have been left out. This book is O.K., but nothing to write home about.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, loads of info. Actually I give it 4 1/2 stars.
Review: I have been stuying Kung Fu for over 12 years now and learned some things from the book that I previously didn't know. The book covers Kung Fu origins/some history, philosophy, review of styles, including a section on Chin Na with pictorial. Most interesting were the different Kungs in the back of the book. The authors even told you how to practice them if you are dedicated enough to do it. The only thing I didn't like was the large section in the middle devoted to what looked like basic Chin Na. It would have been better without that section, but the descriptions of the Kungs made up for it. I still think though that this book is a must for every martial art library. VERY GOOD BOOK - 4 1/2 STARS.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, loads of info. Actually I give it 4 1/2 stars.
Review: I have been stuying Kung Fu for over 12 years now and learned some things from the book that I previously didn't know. The book covers Kung Fu origins/some history, philosophy, review of styles, including a section on Chin Na with pictorial. Most interesting were the different Kungs in the back of the book. The authors even told you how to practice them if you are dedicated enough to do it. The only thing I didn't like was the large section in the middle devoted to what looked like basic Chin Na. It would have been better without that section, but the descriptions of the Kungs made up for it. I still think though that this book is a must for every martial art library. VERY GOOD BOOK - 4 1/2 STARS.
Rating:
Summary: Good historical, philosophical overview of Kung Fu styles
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book -- it has something for everyone. I've re-read parts of it several times already. From historical background on many popular Kung Fu styles, to detailed descriptions and photographs of David Chow performing Chin Na techniques. From interesting reading on Kung Fu philosophy and wisdom to discussions on the Westernization of Kung Fu. An outstanding buy for the price, IMO.
Rating:
Summary: Very good info on Kung Fu
Review: This book was originally published in 1977 as a way to introduce Westerners to the complex history and traditions of Kung Fu. This book covers the history of the Chinese martial arts quite well, given the space they had to work with. The history goes all the way back to the bronze age, and is followed throught the centuries. Bodhidharma, the legendary figure who brought the movements of Kung Fu and the philosophy of Chan (Zen) to the Shaolin temple is given an entire chapter. The Taoist influence over the Chinese arts is mentioned, specifically when talking about the internal styles of T'ai Chi, Pa Kua, and H'sing Yi. The emphasis is on T'ai Chi. Several external styles of Kung Fu are featured as well: Northern Shaolin, Dragon, Wing Chun, White Crane, Praying Mantis, Monkey, Hung Gar, and Choy Lee Fut. Each style is given a one or two page description that includes history, techniques, fight strategy, and overall philosophy. There is also a chapter on Chin Na, but those familiar with other Chin Na works will find that the techniques covered here, while effective for self-defense, don't even come close to showing the complexities of the "seizing and controlling" art. There is also a chapter on how to perform amazing feats, with much of the text taken from an ancient Chinese book. I believe that this chapter has some value, though I can't verify the various Kungs that emphasise Chi power. The last bits of the book are on Kung Fu films, the Westernization of Kung Fu, and some neat little proverbs. Overall, this book is very good for introducing people to the Chinese martial arts, whith a very broad range of subjects covered. There are some weaknesses, though, notably that the text seems a little dated, and the photos are in awful condition. Still, the self-defense moves are fairly practical, and the insight into the history of Kung Fu and the different styles makes this book worth buying.
Rating:
Summary: Very good info on Kung Fu
Review: This book was originally published in 1977 as a way to introduce Westerners to the complex history and traditions of Kung Fu. This book covers the history of the Chinese martial arts quite well, given the space they had to work with. The history goes all the way back to the bronze age, and is followed throught the centuries. Bodhidharma, the legendary figure who brought the movements of Kung Fu and the philosophy of Chan (Zen) to the Shaolin temple is given an entire chapter. The Taoist influence over the Chinese arts is mentioned, specifically when talking about the internal styles of T'ai Chi, Pa Kua, and H'sing Yi. The emphasis is on T'ai Chi. Several external styles of Kung Fu are featured as well: Northern Shaolin, Dragon, Wing Chun, White Crane, Praying Mantis, Monkey, Hung Gar, and Choy Lee Fut. Each style is given a one or two page description that includes history, techniques, fight strategy, and overall philosophy. There is also a chapter on Chin Na, but those familiar with other Chin Na works will find that the techniques covered here, while effective for self-defense, don't even come close to showing the complexities of the "seizing and controlling" art. There is also a chapter on how to perform amazing feats, with much of the text taken from an ancient Chinese book. I believe that this chapter has some value, though I can't verify the various Kungs that emphasise Chi power. The last bits of the book are on Kung Fu films, the Westernization of Kung Fu, and some neat little proverbs. Overall, this book is very good for introducing people to the Chinese martial arts, whith a very broad range of subjects covered. There are some weaknesses, though, notably that the text seems a little dated, and the photos are in awful condition. Still, the self-defense moves are fairly practical, and the insight into the history of Kung Fu and the different styles makes this book worth buying.
Rating:
Summary: limited overview of chinese boxing culture
Review: This is a GREAT book. I originally picked up a copy half price in the bargain bin at a used bookstore. I would have purchased it sooner but didn't know if it was good or not. This is one of the greatest Kung Fu books I have ever found. It shows technique of defense/offense, talks about different arts origins (Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Mantis, Shaolin, Tai Chi, etc), media, and shows the old ways people trained years ago (digging a hole in the ground, punching sand, amongst others). I'd rate this higher if I could.
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