There is no other way to put it: there is always more happening at Plum than we have the time to talk about. And frankly, sometimes things just get away from us.

For instance, this small series of DVDs on XinYi LiuHe. We added these a few months back and just realized we never announced them. Sure, they’re findable on our site but wouldn’t it have been better if we had told you all?

This is a good, solid series on a style we don’t see very often. Click the picture and it will take you to these, along with some other notable material from the great George Xu.

Well, yes, Seven Star Mantis. Some people find it the original and most representative branch of the style. Some see it as foundational training to initiate  further Mantis growth.

For some unknown reasons we did not, till today, list the entire series of DVDs made by Jon Funk, Canadian Mantis practitioner and student of Al Cheng. The information in these DVDs  covers many Mantis forms with straightforward breakdowns and rather detailed applications. Also of interest is the fact that some of the forms associated with the Northern Style Mantis (which appears to be Wong Hon Fun’s term for his Seven Star Mantis with some possible  variations) are additionally represented in our ever-decreasing stock of Chinese books by Wong Hon Fun himself. We’ve included a link at the top of the page to those original texts. Kind of interesting as it allows for some cross-checking.

Two quick announcements: Long time student, teacher and enthusiast,  Nigel Sutton, has just published a very interesting book particularly if you are interested in the Cheng Man Ching style of Taiji. Though Cheng’s reputation has attracted its detractors in recent years, no one can deny the effect of his teachings in the United States, other non-Asian countries and even in regions such as Malaysia and Taiwan. There are a lot of stories mixed with a lot of thought and Mr. Sutton has created a book out of interviews of eight teachers, all in Chen’s lineage.

We have just posted the DVD edition of Chen Zheng Lei’s Lao Jia set, a newly remastered version with the narration added by Jack Yan. This fits in with Cheng’s popular set of books on Chen style Taiji, an authoritative and pretty comprehensive selection.

Liuhebafa seems to be growing in every direciton. This is the so-called “fourth internal style” and some people see it as having a more distinctly martial tone to its voice. We’re happy to add a nice representation to our already strong list. This is a peek directly into a lesson from a well skilled instructor to his Chinese student. Many details cleared up. Click picture for link to page.

Later this week we’re going to add the first Tong Bei book and DVD set in English, authored by expert Jack Yan. Here’s some background information to familiarize you with the style.

For some unknown reason, certain martial styles appear to capture a sudden, wider range of interest. In the case of Tong Bei, the interest seems pretty justified. It is a distinctive style that at times looks like Pigua, and in other circumstances resembles Xing Yi. Tong Bei is dynamic, relaxed, powerful and assembled from a huge range of movement beautifully blended. Its power can be fluid and loose, or solid and snappy.

Tong Bei boasts a lot of branches, but most of them are derived from one of two parent styles:  Qi family and Shi family. To name just a few of these branches we have HongDong Tong Bei, White Ape Tong Bei, Five Element Tong Bei, even Praying Mantis Tong Bei and, of course, Shaolin Tong Bei.

Most people, when they first see the style, are stuck by the loose, almost flimsy-looking strikes which seem to impact the practitioner’s body like a sand bag dropped from a skyscraper.

Tong Bei’s Daoist-inspired approach to training leads many people to think of it as an “internal” style. 

As far as my opinion goes, if we are going to continue this classification of “internal,” we need to add a “harder, faster” style, like Tong Bei, one that also meets the “internal” requirements. This will expand or stretch people’s definition of the category.

After all, many top Tai Chi practitioners identified as “internal stylists” such as Wang Pei Sheng (Wu style Tai Chi), Luo Jin Hua (Jiang style Bagua Zhang) all practice TBQ as their “back up” style (no pun intended).

For instance, Tong Bei limb training almost makes Tai Chi look stiff. The extended arm positions seem boneless and toneless, delivering power through ropey and whip-fast cutting actions. Even in the Long Fist Kung Fu community Tong Bei is a “Longer” Fist art, causing people to sometimes think of it as only a “haymaker” style. But TBQ counter-balances this inequity with some of the straightest and snappiest punches you have ever seen. Slamming the fight line door is the Tong Bei equivalent of yelling NO.

Why is TBQ coming to the front at this time, and will it last to the 22^nd century? Assuredly, its recent introduction to a wider populace shows the best face of this remarkable style. At the very least, I hope that Tong Bei’s distinctive and exceptional warm-up and loosening exercises are shared with more martial artists; they can only help in any style. After all, there are a lot of stiff shoulders out there needing a gentle and relaxed re-framing.

Plum has DVDs and VCDs galore on this famous Kung Fu method, and look for the new book and DVD in English (for the first time) coming soon. Here are a few links worth investigating now…

DVDS

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/dvd/dvdcoll_tongbei.htm

VCDS

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd4/coll_TB5element.htm

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd/coll_chitongbei.htm

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd3/coll_tongbeihong.htm

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd2/coll_tongbeichuan.htm

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd/coll_whiteape.htm

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd/coll_tongbei5element.htm

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/vcd4/coll_mantisTB.htm

BOOKS

http://www.plumpub.com/sales/taichi/collbk_TCusage.htm

Whirling like a windmill then zipping past as straight as a sparrow hawk, Tong Bei style Kung Fu is as distinctive as a green fire engine. The very name of the style, Through the Back Boxing gives a big clue manifested as whipping, circling and hooking arms. This is set off against TBQ’s tight, straight and snappy mid-line attacks.

Jack Yan, martial artist, teacher and musician, is a disciple of the world-famous Chen Zheng Lei and also an obvious expert in TBQ, demonstrates one a key 36 move form derived from the classical art. His new book offers THREE first-time-presented sets in English translation.

The first, Tong Bei, has the distinction of being the”back up style” of many practitioners known for their more popular and governmentally-backed styles such as Tai Chi or Bagua. Master teachers like Wang Pei Sheng (Wu style Tai Chi), Luo Jin Hua (Jiang style Bagua Zhang) and many other famous instructors share a background in TBQ. A secret style for a number of centuries, Tong Bei encourages loose arms, whipping and snapping strikes, and soft but explosive power.

The other two sets in the book are Eight Immortals sword based on beloved folk characters; and the Whip-Stick, a practical weapon that retains the charm of traditional Kung Fu.

The book containing the three sets is now available as is the companion DVD on Tong Bei. The second DVD—Eight Immortals Sword— and third DVD—Whip Stick—will be here soon. Each DVD covers one of these three forms so you need only buy the form you are interested in and the single book gives the instructions for all  three DVDs.

Aside from his good work in bringing so much material on Chen Zheng Lei’s work in Chen style Taiji, it is no wonder that teacher Jack Yan’s recent contributions have gained so much popularity.

First fact, he holds a Ph. D. in Chinese Martial Arts. He also holds a Master’s degree in English. He has more than two decades experience teaching in English. His presentation style is light and clear. In two of his newest additions he brings up two weapons sets, each deeply drawn from folk sources. The Whip Stick is a common herding tool brought, in this form, to a high level of sophistication. The Eight Immortals sword not only is a routine with practical and interesting techniques but captures some of the Eight Immortals, symbols to all Chinese of righteousness and independence. The Short Stick and its popularity has inspired us to open a new section just for this practical weapon and DVD instruction.

And remember: these DVDs—along with one on TongBei—are companions to Sifu Yan’s great book, Traditional Kung Fu Trio.

From a lifetime of teaching and writing about Martial arts, internationally known Adam Hsu has compiled many of his thoughts in this three+ hour discussion. Billed as a “debate” it would be more fitting to call this “debate points” like what you might rehearse with your own hometown debate team.

His approach challenges many ideas and cliches about martial training and particularly the subject of Chinese Kung Fu. He is one of the world’s authorities on the principles involved in authentic Kung Fu (becoming as rare as the dodo bird) and how to understand them. Listen to a person who has not only spent his life in the art but studied under instructors of top quality. A three-DVD package for a very reasonable price.

“If you ain’t got the basics, you ain’t got Kung Fu.”

Despite Carthage’s sleepy reception of Plum’s NEW book and DVD, we are excited to announce that “Kung Fu Spear: King of Weapons” is now available.

The books have arrived, the DVDs are spindled, everything is complete…except we’re in Taiwan for another two weeks*.

Coincidentally, on the day the books landed at Plum, I did get to practice with a class of Adam Hsu’s students drilling Big Spear.  I’ve always loved spear work. I had long ago decided that we needed some good basic texts on the four great weapons of King Fu. That idea was only strengthened when I started researching on amazon and found that there were no good texts on one of Kung Fu’s key weapons. Longtime king of the battlefield, the spear encompasses many of Kung Fu’s deepest tactics.

This is a book about training with a spear; heavy on basics, it also includes, in ovr 200 pages, historical notes, applications against another spear or saber, an excellent fundamental spear set, partner work and much more, plus almost two hours of detailed instruction for a Shaolin spear set (also known as the Cha spear) on DVD.

Want to follow our travels in Taiwan and Hong Kong?
Our school site with occasional updates

My newest article, “Training and Training” on Adam Hsu Kung Fu site

Why is it sometimes less difficult to write a book than to write the post announcing the publication of that book?

Well, for one thing, we spend years gaining the information and experience to put together a volume on—let’s say—the Kung Fu Spear. But we don’t (hopefully) spend even a fraction of that time putting the same energy into talking about ourselves and our work (for one thing, we are too busy!)

It is also difficult because, say, if you are writing a book about the spear, you have pages and pages to expound on the details and insights into spear handling, or the true place of weapons training in a Kung Fu lifetime. Announcements, on the other hand, are short, and for that reason tend to fall back on tired cliches, such as “doing this book was a labor of love” (it was) or “…it includes hundreds of photographs illustrating correct spear training” (it does) or “…there is no other book in English on authentic spear training” (there isn’t) or “Usage! Usage! Usage!” (Yes! there is usage!)

Maybe it goes back to what our 9th grade English teacher tried to pound into us when she handed back our essays, sadly shaking her head and pointing with a definitive finger at the red comment scrawled across the first page: “SHOW! Don’t TELL!”

Well, then, let the book (and did we mention the almost 2 hour DVD?) SHOW itself:

What more can we say?

(Oh yeah, click either picture to go to the page for more information, and to purchase.)

There is such a diversity and quality of materials on all major Kung Fu styles, that we sometimes can’t keep up with the new postings.

Here is a version of probably the most famous and popular of Xing Yi style two-person sets: An Shen Pao. Not only does it  pair up the two players from the first moment, but the step-by-step applications and counters makes this two-man form one of the simplest to learn under teacher Zhang JianPing’s careful instruction.

In addition we have added a book by the world-famous Chen Taijiquan teacher, Chen Xiao Wang. This text “The Five Levels of Taijiquan” gives you the entire floor plan for what it means to understand “how good am I in Taiji?” This dense text of only about 100 pages also adds commentary in English by one of Chen’s top students that effectively doubles the original translated text by Chen Xiao Wang. This is an in-depth description of all levels of expertise in the world of Taijiquan.

This new DVD by Sifu Adam Hsu takes a version of Tan Tui and shows three important ways of practicing, giving a new life to an old form. (Actually it could just as easily be performed with your particular version of Tan Tui; or any Chinese martial arts form for that matter.) This presentation discusses how Tan Tui can be made more “fightable.” Demonstrations of ways to alter  the form are mixed with lectures on principles in Kung Fu, all of which makes a new contribution to Adam Hsu’s goal of rescuing the core of Chinese martial arts from a thicket of misinformation and lost skills.

(Click picture for more information, and to buy.)

Three more DVDs from the latest workshop with George Xu, who seems an almost endless source of new ways to invigorate your study while nudging you gently toward higher skills. In this case the intriguing thing is that we have three levels of practice and George Xu is able to distinguish their complexity and features. On the highest we have power development exercises utilizing off-balancing and intent skills. Next is a series of movements perfect for the intermediate to advanced student, and especially focused on Tai Chi skills. Finally we have the camp/workshop with lots of practice methods and pretty much a bunch of exercises consistent with internal training but also with an external, anyone-can-do-it attitude. 

If you are going to hang around Chinese martial arts (CMA) for a while you should probably acquaint yourself with Chen Pan Ling. Well-respected and right there when the future shape of CMA was being hashed out, his work—interrupted too soon—would have sent the entire field in a different direction than it did go. Here, for the first time in our product list, is one of his most famous refinements, the 99 version Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. The differences in execution will be obvious, but so will be the similarities.

Today, we add the last installment of our selection on the Chen Tai Chi exclusive branch named Hong style. Chen style has a well-known “short fist” version. And this style, developed by teacher Hong JunSheng, presents a smaller frame, demonstrating a soft, slow elegance. This last DVD shows many throws and takedowns with high emphasis on technique and low on brute force.

Our second new offering is the Chinese text of the teachings on Wu style Tai Chi, derived from the work of the famous Wang Pei Sheng.  This rendition from Zhao Qin, Wang’s disciple, includes a number of applications. Zhao Qin continues on the road of his teacher as a strong promoter of the Chinese cultural viewpoint, considering works like the I Ching to present profound truths very simply..

Ted Mancuso’s next book for Plum, adds the third to his four-book sequence on Kung Fu’s primary weapons.

Saber can explode your understanding of the more advanced weapons. A firm grounding in the “4-S” (spear, sword, staff and saber) actually helps in your empty hand practice. Even more than some of his earlier books, Ted is aiming to put the elements that make the saber the fiercest and—for some—most enjoyable of Kung Fu weapons.

As always, Plum has two goals with this series: first, to illustrate the heart of the art; second, to actually teach you how to operate the weapon. 

In this video (click image to see video) he took a break to explain his own fascination with the saber, and why it can be so useful to those who really want to understand the world’s oldest martial art.

Anyone who is not stamping their feet in anticipation of this encyclopedic 7 DVD set from Sifu Adam Hsu covering the principles and basics of the Bodyguard style—in addition to in-depth instruction on its first form, Xiao Baji—is probably not a Baji practitioner…at least, not yet.

This comprehensive offering is so detailed and thorough, it will remind you of only one experience in your martial career: the indescribable treasure of working with a master teacher, in person.

Whether you currently practice Bajiquan, or have always wanted to learn, there is now an authentic path to this fierce and elegant Tiger vs Bear style.

Keep an eye on Plum for an update…should be here within a couple of weeks.

On our last trip to Taiwan, Sifu Adam Hsu introduced us to Sifu Porf Jou, martial arts teacher.

We had long been interested in him, since we saw both teachers sharing some pages on YouTube. Now we are happy to announce that we are adding Sifu Jou to our list of top teachers. Like George Xu, Adam Hsu, Lorne Bernard, Paul Eng and others, he is an original; one of that rare group of people to whom Kung Fu has become a second nature. He is expert in Taizu, Praying Mantis, weapons work and more.

His DVDs are generous, each multiple hours long, with very clear explanations covering even how many moves per breath and subtleties of angles for exactly how the movements are applied. Like Adam Hsu, he encourages a living relationship between student and material.

We will be adding to our collection as the DVDs become available with English subtitles; the first few, here now, are on Taizu Quan, Praying Mantis and a special survey on the Art of Weaponry.

Here at last!

Anyone not stamping his feet in anticipation of this 7 DVD set from Sifu Adam Hsu on Baji Thunder, is probably not a Baji practitioner…at least, not yet.

This comprehensive offering is so detailed and thorough, it will remind you of only one experience in your martial career: the indescribable treasure of working with a master teacher, in person. Whether you practice Baji Quan now, or have always wanted to learn, there is now an authentic path to this fierce and elegant Tiger and Bear style.

Baji Quan is becoming popular right now. As often happens with newly popular subjects, people expect to conveniently find it wherever they go, so they can learn it. But there are only a few top-notch teachers who really know and understand Baji, and Adam Hsu is one of them, if not the main one. By all accounts his grandteacher, Li Shu Wen, was the best of this style’s practitioner.

This is an exhaustive presentation of seven DVDs covering everything from famous masters to how to work the Baji multiple posts. More like a whole course in Baji than just some lessons, this big series is probably the equivalent of two or three months school tuition, but at least a year of training. Like the best of all these presentations, Adam Hsu wants you to learn Baji Quan.

Regular price: $245, PLUM PRICE $210.00, INTRODUCTORY PRICE $195.00
(click link or image to go to order page!)