The Complete Jian Shu: Chinese Combat Sword for Sport + DVD

This truly lives up to its title as a COMPLETE presentation of the art of the Chinese Kung Fu sword. The manual starts with basic warm ups, progresses through static postures to individual movements and finally to sparring. In ancient times weapons training, in Kung Fu history, often took precedence over empty hand. On a higher level there are many special skills which people can use in empty handed combat which originated in the weapons division of the art. Fencing will allow people to see these connections. This book is an important step not only in preserving a great tradition but also a contribution to setting a standard. Real movements, well explained, with both the Dragon and the Tiger sides shown, footwork clarified and strategy revealed. Not only important, but great fun!