The ideas introduced in this book shattered my conceptions of the historical origins of southern Chinese Kung Fu. This book provides a fresh, accessible history of Wing Chun kung fu that debunks the folkloric, mystical origins of the martial art as being developed by survivors of the alleged Shaolin Temple destruction during the Qing Dynasty.
The book tells the story of how Wing Chun co-developed with other martial art systems in southern China (namely, Guangdong and Fujian provinces). The book examined the ecology of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries that shaped the social, political and economic interests of the southern Chinese peoples and ultimately fostered the development of Wing Chun and other martial arts.
The authors include fascinating interludes into the background of several systems of kung fu including: Bak Mei (White Eyebrow) Choy gar, Fut gar, Hung gar, Li gar, Mok gar, Choy Li Fut, Dragon, Southern Mantis, White Crane and many other styles. These abbreviated backgrounds were interwoven with the story of Wing Chun to illustrate how the influences of both Punti (Cantonese "original local") and Hakka (Han "guest families") martial arts mixed among the systems, resulting in more than just a passing resemblance among them in their practice. This cross-influence and co-development of the diverse southern systems of Chinese martial arts is the true origin story of Wing Chun and southern Kung Fu. Interestingly, nearly all of these southern systems share the same mythical Shaolin origins motif. Similar traditions are recounted by some customary family lineage associations in southern China and in the initiation rites used by Triad organizations.
The later part of the book recounts the transmittance of Wing Chun to Ip Man and his systemization of the art in the 20th century. This modern history retells how Ip Man's instructors learned Wing Chun and instructed him in the martial art. Ip Man's learning and teaching of Wing Chun is told through the lens of Chinese history, focusing on the social institutions that shaped southern Chinese opinion of martial arts during the Republican Era, Japanese Occupation and ultimately, the Communist takeover of China. This historical outlook showed the personal stresses and social influences experienced by Ip Man that ultimately shaped his Wing Chun kung fu and led to the popularization of the system throughout the world.
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Top reviews from other countries
G. Barlow
Much more than just the history of Wing Chun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2020Rémi Deroy
Very good book with serious history
Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2016Nico
incontournable pour tous les pratiquants de 詠春
Reviewed in France on August 11, 2016
Luke
Well researched and detailed book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2018