Pa-Kua: Chinese Boxing for Fitness and Self-Defense

Highest recommendation .Dan PsychicTeaz.com

This book came out during a time when martial art books in English were generally short on information. After myself spending a bunch of time learning both Baguazhang and Xingyiquan, I must say that Mr. Smith did a fine job. He learned much from an almost overwhelming number of teachers. Here, he concentrates on what we now know as Gao Yi Sheng's linear forms, and the Sun Lu Tang circling forms demonstrated ably by the late Paul Guo. While some newer books have advantages in that they present more material, or spend more time on translated segments featuring key concepts of the style, nonetheless this book still has wonderful pictures which give a very good feel for the body actions in this wonderful art. The opinions given by Mr. Smith are often presented quite bluntly, which can be difficult to take for a relatively inexperienced reader unable to see what is behind them. Some of Mr. Smith's opinions have changed a little since the book was written, but nonetheless, the presentation stands the test of time, still giving the key ingredient: authentic flavor.

A bit of a disappointment from Mr. Smith's original book on Pakua, where he went into detail of the application of several moves before putting them together into a longer form. But then, that is how I was taught Pakua and other kung fu for years: learn the form and figure it out for yourself. If you are a "quick fix, bust head now" kind of trainee, this book might not be for you.If you are the more patient sort, with some Chinese martial arts background, you might be able to appreciate the balance and concentration involved in the Pakua form. It really is meditation in motion. Well photographed. A good supplement to actual instruction.Doug Setter, Bsc.author of  Stomach Flattening  and  One Less Victim: A Prevention Guide

This is an excellent fundamental book for anyone seeking to study Pakua Chang. It is a 160 page book filled with more than 400 action photographs that are easy to follow. Philosophy, history, and background information are kept at a minimum. Although some Hsing-I forms are demonstrated in the 18 exercises and 20 self defense applications, Mr Smith was careful to separate the linear (Hsing-I) forms from the circular (Pakua) forms. The Single Palm Change and the Double Palm Change of the Sun Lu Tang method are well demonstrated with second and third variations to execute the "change" more fluidly. The birds-eye view of the foot placement walking around the circle I found very helpful. The author took pains to describe how the muscles of the whole body should react when performing a Pakua movement, while walking the circle. Being the first Pakua Boxing book written in English (1967), it is a well written and profusely illustrated instructional guide to a once lesser known Chinese internal martial art.

As the first book ever written in the English language on a then obscure Chinese Martial System,Robert Smith's book is complete in presenting Pakua Chang in its two different aspects,The post-heaven and pre-heaven methods.The first half of the book concentrates on the post-heaven straight line method with the latter half being devoted to the pre-heaven circling method,an excellent learning tool for any beginer,combine the material in this book with the material in Park Bok Nam's two books,then you have a very comprehensive beginer self-study course in Pakua.

In good condition.

Absolutely brilliant book - arrived in good condition and i was pleased to recieve as i need to focus on learning this system. Thanks

A good instruction manual of a difficult subject