Pai Lum Tao: Way of the White Dragon

Rating:
Summary: I have not read the book, but read my review
Review: Before you say "Useless review!", I want to explain. First off, I practice Wing Chun Kung Fu under a certified instructor, so I do know something about martial arts.

Next, I rated it 5 stars because everyone else has rated it 5 stars (with the exception of one) so by me rating it 5 stars and since the book already has 5 stars, I will not effect it.

I almost bought this book today at the bookstore. I held it, flipped through it and almost bought it. The system claims to be Chinese, using the term Sifu and Dragon. However, the uniform he wears is of Japanese origin, and the sword he holds is a Japanese katana. No other country in the world made a katana, and the katana was used by the Samurai and only the Samurai. This brings up the thought "Why does a Chinese martial art use a Japanese weapon and wear Japanese uniforms?"

Those things on his wrist are wrist guards, mostly associated with Hung Gar, a Chinese martial art. The stances used in the book are used in Chinese arts.

Another thing is that most of the reviews were written around April of 2001. In fact, with the exception of one person, 15 other people (excluding me too) voted this 5 stars. I find that unusual, that no one else read this and voted 4 stars, or 1 star.

I am merely curious about the book itself, and letting the reader know that while this might be martial arts and self defense, it might not be authentic Dragon style Kung Fu. Perhaps if I get around to reading it, then I will have an opinion of wheather or not this stuff works or if he is blowing air.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: First let me start by saying that I have been involved with Karate for over 30 years, I say this because last year I wanted to study Kung Fu but was not sure of what style to study. A friend of mine gave me Grand-master's Pai Lum Tao book and told me to read it without saying anything else about the authur or Pai Lum. The book blow me away, it was one of the best books that I have read regarding a Kung Fu style and I have read many and also attended many schools as a trail member. This book lead me to a Pai Lum school in my area and once again, I find myself in training with the gusto of my youth.
Thank you Grand-master Wilson.

Rating:
Summary: Pai Lum Tao: Way of the White Dragon
Review: Grand-master Wilson, thank you for creating one of the best books I have ever read regarding Martial Arts. I read your book in one sitting, I was not able to put it down. It was very clear and easy to understand and I really was very impressed that your student Don "The Dragon" Wilson was part of it. It really shows the love and respect for teacher and style when a world known celebrate like Don Wilson takes time from his busy schedule to help his teacher put together his love and passion.

I can't wait for your next book...please don't make us wait to long.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT MARTIAL ARTS BOOK
Review: Great book, no Martial Arts library should be without this book. The history of Pai-Lum is clearly demonstrated and you can feel the pride and love that Grand-master Glenn Wilson has for his art and most important, for his Pai Lum family. I highly recommend this book as well as Pai Lum training that is under the Pai Lum family lead by Grand Master Wilson.

Rating:
Summary: I don't get how you can consider this good
Review: Pai Lum has been studied and practiced for years without getting the recognition that this all encompassing and wonderful system really deserves. Thanks to this fabulous book, the rest of us are allowed an introduction to a Chinese martial art that has, before, been enjoyed by a very lucky few. Grandmaster Glenn C. Wilson shares, not only Pai Lum's techniques, theories, and history, but also, to a much greater level, his love for his teacher, Great Grandmaster Daniel Kane Pai, and his love for the incredible way of life that is Pai Lum Tao. This book is, indeed, an inspiration and I recommend it to anyone looking to find a martial arts system that will never let you feel like you're missing anything else.

Rating:
Summary: A Ripoff
Review: Pai Lum is a mish mash of various Japanese, Hawaiian, and some mimicked Chinese styles of martial arts. Most of the enthusiastic reviews presented here are from followers of Mr. Wilson and therefore not objective in nature. Anyone wanting to learn real Chinese martial arts should steer clear of Pai Lum, and do a little research into the subject before they buy this waste of paper and ink. Pai Lum has been and will remain the laughing stock of those who practice true Chinese styles.

Rating:
Summary: A Ripoff
Review: Pai Lum is a mish mash of various Japanese, Hawaiian, and some mimicked Chinese styles of martial arts. Most of the enthusiastic reviews presented here are from followers of Mr. Wilson and therefore not objective in nature. Anyone wanting to learn real Chinese martial arts should steer clear of Pai Lum, and do a little research into the subject before they buy this waste of paper and ink. Pai Lum has been and will remain the laughing stock of those who practice true Chinese styles.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!!!
Review: This book is absolutely one of the greatest ever written. It is such a wonderful introduction to Pai Lum Tao. I could not recommend it more.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!!!
Review: To say that Pai Lum Tao by Glenn C. Wilson is wonderful would be an understatement. I have trained in Hung Gar, Choy Lay Fut, and Shaolin for about thirty years. This book is a wonderful introduction to Glenn Wilson's style of Kung Fu. There is clarity and energy that leaps from the pages to the reader. It is my sincere hope that there will be more books written by Mr. Wilson.

Great job Mr. Wilson, this book is a MUST READ for all Martial Artist!!

Rating:
Summary: disappointment, I don't understand other ratings
Review: When I received this book I was all hype over what I had read here. Apon opening its pages and going through it one will discover sparse information as if it had been hastily written and pumped out. Most of the book (around half) is pictures. And being a practitioner of kung fu (pi lum tao, bak ga) I found some of the stances a little off. I know I never hit every stance perfect, but if I were making a book, then I'd make sure they were practically perfect. Either the authur isn't so good a writer or I was expecting too much from this book.