CompleteMartialArts.com - The Power of Internal Martial Arts: Combat Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Hsing-I
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Manufacturer: North Atlantic Books
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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 796.8 EAN: 9781556432538 ISBN: 1556432534 Label: North Atlantic Books Manufacturer: North Atlantic Books Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 300 Publication Date: 1998-01-19 Publisher: North Atlantic Books Studio: North Atlantic Books
This book's primary focus is on the detailed descriptions of the three main internal boxing methods (Hsing I, Ba Gua, and Tai Chi), as well as many substyles. In-depth comparisons and analyses of the different arts in regard to their methods of movement, principles and philosophies, use of force and energy, body mechanics, and some practical applications, are also described. Frantzis also includes "Personal Odyssey" sections where he recounts many of his interesting encounters with famous martial arts masters. This feature recalls Robert W. Smith's Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods, from a previous generation of martial arts books. To make this book as accessible to beginners as possible, there are five appendices covering the different styles of tai chi (such as Yang, Chen, Wu, Tung, Hou, and Sun), a history of Ba Gua, energy anatomy of the human body, a summary of Mr. Frantzis's training and lineage, a chapter on Chinese terminology and transliteration, and an extensive glossary.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Interesting and Entertaining Comment: This book offers interesting stories about Frantzis' encounters with legendary masters and others. Also, it provides some food for thought on the internal Chinese martial arts. On the other hand, it can be a bit verbose and most of what you read probably won't make much difference to your everyday practice. This is definitely not a "how-to" book on any of these arts. Customer Rating: Summary: More scholarly than practical, but informative Comment: I think this is a book that would be most enjoyable to those who wish to add to their intellectual or theoretical knowledge of the internal martial arts. It may come as a disappointment to those looking for a "how-to" manual, and I doubt anything mentioned in the book really ranks as a true "combat secret." However, the book does contain a decent amount of information on a subject that normally does not see a lot of exposure (or at least not as much as many would like). While certainly not comprehensive (not all variations of bagua, xingyi, or tai chi are explored, which would no doubt be an exhaustive project spanning several volumes) it is useful as a comparative resource. I found the personal anecdotes charming and often inspiring, though perhaps lacking in credibility at times. Some things the author writes about may have to be taken with a grain of salt, but overall I enjoyed the text and found it useful. I would suggest, however, that those looking for actual techniques to practice look elsewhere. Customer Rating: Summary: Misunderstood, but great! Comment: Sadly there are a lot of people who are misled but the subtitle that says: "Combat Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Hsing-I." And I see how it can be, I don't think this subtitle should have been used. Otherwise it's a very informative book.
People who posted negative reviews on this book do have points. The book does have structure issues. The book seems a bit chaotic when you read it. Another thing people mention is author's "self-praise." While I do find that there could have been less of it, I don't find it horrible or obstructing your reading flow.
This book is packed with information. Not much for practical knowledge, but there's a lot of info as far as theory goes. But what some don't understand I guess, is that it's an axiom. Even book on strictly technique can practically help you only so much. The book cannot develop your fast-twitch muscles, cannot give you sharp reflexes, techniques, or supply you with Chi (Ki, Hei). No matter how attractive the word "secrets" in title sounds, there's no secret or magical way to improve. What "secrets" means in this book is an explanation of energy work, the other way to view human body for martial applications and such. Also "secrets" in this book are the knowledge and wisdom of the great martial artists the author had privilege to train with. If you can see this knowledge and apply it to your training or not is up to you.
This is not a book about techniques of internal martial arts, but rather it helps you understand what are you learning: all the energy, technical or mechanical works behind internal martial arts. Kind of like explaining you how the plane works rather than teaching you to pilot it.
All in all it's a great book which is rather misunderstood (partly because of subtitle). Customer Rating: Summary: Hmmm.. Comment: A wise man once said something akin to "Those who know, do not speak. Those who do not know, speak." Another wise man once said "A teacher is someone who started before you."
Undoubtedly mr. Frantzis is an intelligent, talented, well-trained, eloquent person, fluent in so and so many languages. However, I find the amount of excessive pride either attributed to or claimed by the author himself (i do not know what is the case) somewhat troubling. I prefer my teachers humble and modest. Boasting creates unnecessary boundaries and thresholds that merely obscure the arts. Besides, how much time and energy is waisted because of protocol? I'm sure many people can relate to this (though protocol can be beneficial too sometimes).
The internal arts mentioned in this book to me seem to be all the more interesting and profoundly inspiring because they are accessible to all. We are all beginners in a field that knows no point of arrival, no stage of absolute attainment of perfection. I guess every field needs its gospel and prophets. What a shame. I wonder whether this is really something mr. Frantzis really aspires.
Nonetheless an awesome book, very inspiring and informative. Customer Rating: Summary: Strength of the Blade is not in the sword, but in the Arm that Weilds it! Comment: This tome is of the Power within, recommended to those that follow Bushido and Chivalary.
To Thine I say these words
Be Strong, Be true
Never in Malice, Never in Hate , Never in evil shall this blade be raised. But in righteousness and Justice forever shall it shine
Be Victorious
Our time will come
