A fair introduction to the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
I have been involved in mostly Japanese martial arts; however, I have also studied Tai Chi long enough to receive an instructor rank from my teacher. Though Bruce Tegner has been criticized by many traditional martial artists; nevertheless, he should be given credit for introducing the public to a non-mystical approach to the martial arts. This book provides a fair introduction to one system of Kung Fu as well as a standard Tai Chi form. No, this is not a great book to learn Kung Fu or Tai Chi, but it could serve as a supplement text in combination with training under a Kung Fu or Tai Chi master. One of the things I like about this and other Tegner books is the way he approaches the topic. He criticizes the mystical approach for a more rational and scientific explanation. This is especially true in the Chinese formal martial arts. When I was studying Tai Chi, I had heard many silly unscientific stories about so called martial art masters who could knock you down without touching you. In conclusion, this is a fair book that is entertaining and informative. Rating: 3 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and self-defense Myths, The Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Never Trust a Politician).
Historically Important English Language Kung Fu/Tai Chi Book And Useful Book On Forms -- Especially For Exercise
I did some web research on this book. Some folks, who were around in the sixties, say that Tegner adapted the Kung Fu material in this book from "Chinese Karate Kung-Fu, Original Sil Lum System" by T. Y. Wong and James Yimm Lee (friend of Bruce Lee). Here is an old quote from an online forum:
"As for the late V. E. Christensen (the guy demonstrating in the Bruce Tegner book "Kung Fu & Tai Chi, Chinese Karate & Classical Exercises"), a former Tegner student once claimed that Christensen had trained in Los Angeles with Ark Yuey Wong. I do believe he was mistaken though. It's understandable, since the Kung Fu uniform Christensen wears is the same kind that Ark Wong wore (and rather distinctive), but if one compares the contents of the Tegner book with the contents of T.Y. Wong's Sil Lum book, it is VERY apparent that everything in Tegner's book was adapted from Wong's book.
That's not to say that they are exact copies. Certain things which are only mentioned in Wong's book are expanded upon in Tegner's volume to create several basic, beginning-level forms, while the last two forms (which are just slight variations of the ones in Wong's book) are almost move-for-move the same, with certain changes, possibly to avoid copyright infringements."
Tegner, after all, was a Judo blackbelt and champion -- not a Kung-Fu expert. T. Y. Wong had a school in San Francisco during the sixties. His style is said to be rare in the America (that is why another reviewer doesn't recognize it). Wong's book was released in 1961 and is one of the first English language books on Kung Fu. It seems to be something of a collector's item. It is hard to find and expensive. I am glad Tegner copped the material from the Wong book so that I can have a look at it (cheap). When I was a kid (60s), Tegner helped introduce America to the Asian martial arts when there wasn't much available. His books were a staple in school libraries. For that alone, he deserves credit.
The Tai Chi material in this book is good. In his introduction to Tai Chi, Tegner states, "do not worry too much about little variations of posture; the main thing is to capture the attitude and essence of the movements. If you do that, you get the benefits of the exercise." This advice is similar to the advice given in the Official Manual of the People's Republic of China (see "Knocking At The Gate of Life" by Chang). The PRC manual even recommends making up your own Tai Chi-like movements if you can't learn traditional Tai Chi.
Reviewers who give this book a low rating seem to be most upset with Tegner's comments (in the introduction) concerning the philosophical and mystical aspects of the Chinese martial arts as well as his words of caution concerning the extravagant claims about the health benefits of Tai Chi. In the Kung Fu chapter, Tegner wrote, "it is my feeling that ch'i can only be interpreted as confidence, determination or fighting spirit. Unless it is taken to mean that, I do not think that it can have any significance for the Western student." In the Tai Chi chapter, Tegner states, "Tai Chi is good exercise and it deserves to be rescued from the bad reputation of cure-all quackery." Tegner had a common sense (Westernized) approach to the Asian martial arts. He taught that it is possible to practice these martial arts for exercise, sport, and self-defense skills without embracing the philosophical/religious traditions which helped give rise to them. He was a bit of a debunker. Those aspects of the Asian martial arts that he debunked (the extravagant claims and the mystical stuff) is what attracts many people to the Asian martial arts in the first place. So, obviously, he is the victim of anger and ridicule in martial arts circles. But, his books work for me.
The material in this book makes for good exercise. In Tegner's words, Tai Chi promotes "...flexibility, coordination, poise, balance and body-control..." And, "the Kung Fu form, done with maximum vigor, could be the complimentary activity to give you a complete exercise program."
If you are looking for a good book on self-defense you will be better served to buy "Bruce Tegner's Complete Book of Self-Defense" and "Self-Defense Nerve Centers & Pressure Points." On the other hand, if you want to leap twenty feet in the air or walk up the sides of buildings, like you see in the Kung Fu movies, this is not your book.
It is what it is: Kung Fu excercises for fitness and pleasure
Hello. I am not a practicing martial artist in the sense that I attend professional classes. I grew up with Bruce Tegner books, practiced with them and then joined a professional Tae Kwon Do school because his books kindled an appreciation for the martial arts in me. I found Tegner's books complimented the real life classes in many ways. Even after I stopped taking classes years ago I fondly remembered his books. In my middle age years I found this gem on Kung Fu and Tai Chi. It is like having a teacher guiding me along the way while I learn and practice. I enjoy the movements and forms very much. Tegner is very clear and understandable. You can practice a martial art for many reasons and not have to also believe in one particular school's philosophy or religious background (and many such books assume you will accept their philosophy to practice their martial art). Tegner is very clear on safety and what martial arts can and cannot do regarding health and self defense. I recommend this book for anyone would like to gradually learn something about some of the moves and techniques of Kung Fu (and Tai Chi)as a form of personal exercise. That is Tegner's stated aim and this book performs this well. If a person expects to become another Jet Li or Bruce Lee from this book they will be disappointed but if they are looking for a fun and clear introduction to this martial art form then it really is worth the asking price. After all these years I still find books by Bruce Tegner to be well thought out and devoid of religious/philosophy hype that surrounds so many martial arts books. Kung Fu and Tai Chi is highly recommended because it lets the reader make up their own mind given Tegner's adequate information.
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