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An annotated bibliography of books about Wing Chun Kung Fu. Authors names are listed last name first, including fully Chinese names without a comma.

Beall, John N. "The Fighter's edge, levels 1 & 2: Tsun Jo Wing Chun Kung Fu." Lux Et Veritas, 1998.

Chan, Stephen. "The Nucleus of the Wing Chun System 108 Wooden Dummy and weaponry techniques."

Chao, K. T. and J. E. Weakland. "Secret techniques of Wing Chun Kung Fu." 2nd ed. London: Paul H. Crompton, 1982. 3 v. : b&w illus. ; 22 cm. CONTENTS: vol.1: Sil Lim Tao (about the authors, preface, about the book, history, principles & maxims, techniques, Sil Lim Tao); vol.2: Second Level, Chum Kil (general remarks, centerline, shortened punches, luk sao turning, ting sao & parallel elbow punch, cheh sao, lan sao, fac sao & jum sao, bong sao, lap sao, corkscrew punch, diagonal sweep & chop, low wing, double snake hand, pushdown palm, charging stance with sliding step, charging stance with triangular step, Wing Chun kicks, front kicks, side kicks, conclusion, Chum Kil set); vol.3: Third Level, Bil Jee (preface; Shaolin and Wing Chun; miscellaneous principles and maxims; ch'i; techniques of Bil Jee; summary of punches; summary of blocks; summary of stances, steps, and kicks; a complete Wing Chun training program; Bil Jee set).

Cheng, Joseph. "Chong Woo Kwan Wing Chun." 2nd ed. London: Paul H. Crompton, 1979. [171] p. A general introduction, the wooden dummy form, with the last half of the book devoted to applications.

Cheng, Joseph. "Wing Chun: the art of simultaneous defence & attack." London: Paul H. Crompton, 1976. "Briefly covers system, forms, training methods. Demonstrates (via photo--no text) the 108 version dummy form. Majority of the text concentrates on free-fighting techniques." [Review by Jim Clover.]

Cheung, William. "Advanced Wing Chun." Burbank: Ohara Publications, 1988. 255 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: Principles of Wing Chun; Stances and footwork; Chum Kil form; Chi sao - one arm drills; Chi sao - two arm drills; Chi sao - wing arm, grabbing hand drills; Chi Sao - cross arm sparring drills; Self-defense applications. Like all books published by Ohara, this volume is easy to read and well illustrated.

Cheung, William. "How to develop Chi power." Burbank: Ohara Publications, 1986. "Overview of the "nature of chi", pressure points, and meridians. Shows breathing self-massage exercises for increasing chi and it's flow. Majority of book is spent on the first form, Shil Lim Tao, and it's techniques. Basic chi sao (single/double arm) is shown, some techniques demonstrated." [Review by Jim Clover.]

Cheung, William. "Kung Fu butterfly swords." Burbank: Ohara Publications, [1984]. 223 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: History - how it all started; Warm-up exercises; Stance and footwork; Basics of Bart Jarm Dao; Exercises with Butterfly Swords; Target areas; The Eight-Slash Butterfly Sword Form; Blocks, strikes and techniques. More illustrations than text. (ISBN 0-89750-125-X)

Cheung, William. "Kung Fu dragon pole." Burbank: Ohara Publications, 1986. 127 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: Exercises for the Dragon Pole; Basics of Dragon Pole technique; Target areas of the body; Louk Kim Book Kwun (Six-and-a-half-strike Form); Dragon Pole against shorter weapons; Chi kwun (sticky poles); Techniques and applications. (ISBN 0-89750-107-1)

Cheung, William. "Wing Chun Bil Jee: the deadly art of thrusting fingers." Hollywood: Unique Publications, 1983. 160 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: Profile of William Cheung; Forward; Wing Chun History; Basic arm movements of Wing Chun; Wing Chun training system; Wing Chun fighting system; Bil Jee form; Techniques; Conclusion. Well illustrated and laid out. (ISBN 0-86568-045-0)

Cheung, William and Ted Wong. "Wing Chun Kung Fu/Jeet Kune Do: a comparison, vol.1." Burbank: Ohara, 1990.

Chu, Robert, René Ritchie and Y. Wu. "Complete Wing Chun: the definitive guide to Wing Chun's history and traditions." Boston: Tuttle, 1998. xii, 144 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: Introduction; Yip Man Wing Chun; Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun Kuen; Gu Lao Wing Chun Kuen; Nanyang Wing Chun Kuen; Pan Nam Wing Chun Kuen; Pao Fa Lien Wing Chun Kuen; Hung Suen Wing Chun Kuen; Jee Shim Wing Chun Kuen; Other Wing Chun Kuen Styles; Conclusion. Includes glossary in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, with Chinese characters. An excellent volume, the first of its kind to research the history of Wing Chun and its many variations. (ISBN 0-8048-3141-6)

Clausnitzer, R. and Greco Wong. "Wing-Chun Kung-Fu: Chinese self-defence methods." London: Paul H. Crompton, 1969. 63 p. A brief introduction, "the first book ever published outside China on a unique form of self defence."

Cravens, James C. and John Shea. "Kai Sai Yim Wing Chun." Pompano Beach: Chinese Boxing Institute International, 1991. xi, 200 p. : illus. ; 23 cm. Available from the Chinese Boxing Institute International, 2301 W. Samople Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 6A, Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Crook, Timothy John. "Buddhist way of Wing Chun Kung Fu (or Wing Chun according to its original Buddhist principles)." 1999. Paperback. (ISBN 095359890X)

Deakin, Robert. "Wisdom of Wing Chun Kung Fu." London: Excalibur Press, 1998. (ISBN 1856549720)

DeMile, James W. "Tao of Wing Chun Do." 3rd edition. Sedro Woolley: Tao of Wing Chun Do, 1980. 3 vol. : b&w illus. ; 22 cm. By a student of Bruce Lee. Not strictly Wing Chun (it has "Wing Chun" in the title). (ISBN 0-918642-01-9)

Dunn Wah. "Advanced Wing Chun Kung Fu." Toronto: Champion Enterprises Martial Arts Supply, 1988. 183 p. Third hand form with applications. Sticking hands and kicking. Also: Paperback. London: Paul H. Crompton, 1991. (ISBN 1874250006)

Dunn Wah. "Wing Chun Kung Fu for young ladies."

Dunn Wah. "Pah Chum Do of Wing Chun: (double broadsword based on the Wing Chun Kung Fu)." Toronto: Champion Enterprises, 1984. 96 p. : b&w illus. ; 22 cm. CONTENTS: Introduction; About this book; Story of Wing Chun; The original techniques of the Wing Chun broadsword; About the broadsword and its usage; Acknowledgements; Note of caution; Applications of the broadsword; Form (Pah Chum Do). Lots of illustrations in proportion to text. (ISBN 9999074103)

Fong, Augustine. "The Complete system of Wing Chun Gung Fu." Tucson: Fong's Wing Chun Gung Fu Federation, 1982. 7 vol. : b&w illus. ; 28 cm. CONTENTS: vol.1: Siu Lim Tao (First Form); vol.2: Chum Kiu (Second Form); vol.3: Mok Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy); vol.4: Bue Gee (Third Form); vol.5: Chi Sau and Chi Gurk (Sticky Hands and Sticky Legs); vol.6: Lok Dim Bun Quan and Bot Jaam Do (Six and one half Point Staff and Butterfly Knives); vol.7: Wing Chun: Theories and concepts. Chiefly pictures of the forms with accompanying descriptions. These seem the same as the following entry, but in a larger format.

Fong, Augustine. "Fong's Wing Chun Kuen." Tucson: Fong's Wing Chun Federation, 1982. 3 vol. : b&w illus. ; 21 cm. Forms and drills. CONTENTS: vol.1: Siu Lim Tau and Chum Kiu (First and Second Forms); vol.2: Mok Yan Jong and Bue Gee (Wooden Dummy and Third Form); vol.3: Sticky Hands, Sticky Legs, plus Questions and Answers; ("a fourth and fifth" volume are to be published "in the near future") vol.4: Six and one half Point Staff and Butterfly Knives; vol.5: Wing Chun: Theories and Concepts. These seem the same as the preceding entry, but in a smaller format.

Fung, Jim and Karen Armstrong. "The Authentic Wing Chun weapons: long pole and butterfly knives." Adelaide: Armstrong & Fung, 1986. viii, 196 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: Preface; Introduction; Section 1 - Introducing the masters: Yip Man; Leung Seung; Lok Yu; Tsui Seung Tin; Wong Shun Leung; Section 2 - The Wing Chun Butterfly Knives: Preparation exercises; Form; Applications Realistic uses; Section 3 - The Wing Chun pole: Preparation exercises; Form Applications; Realistic uses. "This authoritative work is the first complete Wing Chun weapons book. It contains a thorough description of the preparation exercises, forms, applications and realistic uses of each weapon. Included is a unique section of interviews with top Wing Chun masters in Hong Kong." (ISBN 0-9594985-1-6)

Fung, Jim and Karen Armstrong. "Wing Chun Kung Fu." Adelaide: K. Armstrong and J. Fung, 1980. 119 p. A general introduction, including the Sil Lum Tao, theory and self-defense applications for women. "An effective and logical approach to self-defence. This fine manual outlines the history, theory and practical applications of Wing Chun. Included are sections on the Wing Chun principles, practical, self-defence, sticking hands and Sil Lum Tao Form. 'The author is so highly regarded in Wing Chun circles that this book was chosen as a training manual of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Association.' - Inside Kung Fu, USA."

"Genealogy of the Ving Tsun family." Hong Kong: Ving Tsun Athletic Association, 1990. 185 p. : b&w illus., portraits; 27 cm. Includes a good description of Wing Chun's development in Hong Kong under Yip Man. With lots of illustrations, followed by an extensive list of Yip Man's students and descendants. Unfortunately there's no apparent order to the listings. Like all publications edited by Leung Ting, it is poorly formatted. In the back is an application form from the Ving Tsun Athletic Association to have yourself included in the next edition.

Gibson, Alan. "Simple thinking: intelligent fighters." (Why Wing Chun works 2) (ISBN 184024299X) Available through www.wingchun.org.uk

Gibson, Alan. "Why Wing Chun works." Peacenik Press, 1998. Paperback. (ISBN 0953489507). New edition published by Summersdale www.summersdale.com (ISBN 1840242140). Available through www.wingchun.org.uk

Glover, Jesse. "Bruce Lee between Wing Chun and JKD." Glover Publications, 1976.

Goh, Austin. "The Breaking power of Wing Chun." London: Crompton, 1985. Enlarged edition. iv, 96 p. : b&w illus. ; 25 cm. CONTENTS: Preface; Systems and Forms; Chi Sau Techniques; Basic Kicking Form; Kicking Power Training; Kicking Applications; Punching Power Training; Inch Punch Training Methods; Wing Chun Pole Form; Chi and Breaking Demonstrations; Breaking-Power Training Systems; Sand-Bag Form; Final Remarks.

Goh, Austin. "The Secret of Wing Chun butterfly knives form." Boulder: Paladin Press, 1985. 77 p. : b&w illus. ; 27 cm. CONTENTS: Preface; Roots of Shaolin and Wing-Chin [sic]; Wing-Chun training systems; Butterfly knives techniques; Butterfly knives form (108 movements); Final remarks.

"Grandmaster Yip Man centenary birth." Hong Kong: [Ving Tsun Athletic Association, 1993] 119 p. : b&w illus. ; 29 cm. Text in Chinese and English. Some very good articles in this collection, if not very well formatted.

Henderson, William. "Wing Chun: southern style Chinese Kung Fu." Van Nuys: William Henderson, 1988. "Covers basic stretching, exercises. Discusses backfist vs. straight punch [author endorses use of backfist in some situations]. Goes on to briefly cover chi gerk and trapping hands. Majority of book covers defense against armed and unarmed attacks. Some dummy moves also demonstrated." [Review by Jim Clover.]

Imamura, Léo Akio. "Wing Chun Kung Fu." [Brazil: N.A. Artes Gráficas e Editora LTDA?], 1987. 69 p. : b&w illus. ; 22 cm. Text in Portuguese.

Ip Chun and Michael Tse. "Wing Chun Kung Fu: traditional Chinese Kung Fu for self-defence and health." NY: St. Martin's Griffin, 1998. 144 p. : illus. ; 24 cm. CONTENTS: The History of Wing Chun; Ip Man; Ip Chun; The Philosophy of Wing Chun; The Principles of Wing Chun; Bruce Lee and the Principles of Wing Chun; Siu Lim Tao: The First Form and Its Applications; Using Siu Lim Tao for Self-defence; Chi Sau - Sticking Hands; Self-defence for Women; Qigong - Internal Training in Wing Chun; A Final Word. Includes glossary and index. (ISBN 0-312-18776-9)

Kernspecht, Keith R. "Vom Zweikampf." 350 p. Text in German.

Kozuki, Russell and Douglas Lee (Lee Moy Shan). "Kung Fu for young people: the Ving Tsun system." NY: Sterling Publishing Co., 1975. 128 p. : b&w illus. ; 21 cm. CONTENTS: Simplicity and the centerline theory ; Other meanings of Kung Fu; Stances; Kung Fu names and concepts; Blocking hands; Attacking hands; Kicking techniques and blocks; History of Kung Fu; Index. A general introduction to Wing Chun and one of the first books published on the subject in English. (ISBN 0806940948/0806940956 lib. bdg.)

Kwok, Samuel. "The Path to Wing Chun." London: Paul H. Crompton, 1994. 92 p. : b&w illus. ; 25 cm. CONTENTS: History; The author; Basic stance; Centreline theory; Sil Lim Tao; Notes on training; Seeds of Wing Chun; Basic applications; Final remarks. Lots of pictures, and a brief introduction by Yip Chun. (ISBN 0-901764-73-6)

Lau, Simon. "Masters' Kung Fu." London: Pelham Books, [1987?] "The book has sections on the history of Wing Chun, developing natural power (internal and external), basic techniques, sticking hands, free sparring, self defense, and a few chapters on philosophy at the end. It seems to be a relatively well-written book with many large photos that illustrate techniques quite well. He also adds in some non-traditional (personal) techniques of his own." [Review by Ken Kranrod] (ISBN 0-7207-1682-9, Pelham Books Ltd., 44 Bedford Square, London WC1)

Lee, James Yimm. "Wing Chun Kung-Fu." Los Angeles: Ohara Publications, 1972. 223 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: Foreword; About the author; The yin and the yang in Kung-Fu; A brief history of Wing Chun; Stances; Centerline theory; Immovable elbow; Four corners; Economy of movement; Theory of facing; Footwork; Sil-Lim-Tao; Straight punch and finger jab; Kicks; Simultaneous attack and defense; Chi sao; Trapping hands; Parries; Defending the inside high and low gates; Defending the outside high and low gates; Attacking the inside and outside gates; Training methods; Chinese terminology in Kung-Fu. Although James Lee is listed as the author, it is said to have been written chiefly by Bruce Lee, who was his teacher. One of the oldest books in English on Wing Chun, and still one of the best general introductions. There's a Chinese version which looks to be pirated from the English.

Leung Ting. "Dynamic Wing Tsun Kung Fu." Hong Kong: Leung Ting Co., 1985. 210 p. : b&w illus. ; 22 cm. CONTENTS: The photo-story; Activities of Grandmaster Leung Ting & the I.W.T.M.A.A.; Leung Ting's philosophy of fighting; Theory on footwork; Intermediate course; Special techniques to deal with kicks; Chapters on kicking techniques; Advanced course; Chapters on elbow a & knee techniques; On the edition of this book. A good text on principles with lots of illustrations, but the design and layout make it a little difficult to read.

Leung Ting. "Roots of Wing Tsun." Hong Kong: International Wing Tsun Leung Ting Martial-Art Association.

Leung Ting. "Wing Tsun Kuen." 5th edition. Hong Kong: International Wing Tsun Leung Ting Martial-Art Association, 1982. 324 p. : illus. (some color) ; 29 cm. Poorly formatted and idiosyncratic but a fairly complete text on Wing Chun. Lots of illustrations. Good glossary with Chinese characters; a diagram of the wooden dummy in the back but without dimensions. There's also a Chinese language version.

McCully, Emily Arnold. "Beautiful warrior: the legend of the Nun's Kung Fu." New York: Scholastic Press, 1998. [40] p. : color illus. ; 26x32 cm. This is a children's book (reading level ages: 4-8) about the "legend" of Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun (though the Mandarin forms Wu Mei "the beautiful warrior" and Mingyi "who later took the name Wing Chun" are used). Nicely illustrated by the author, although the martial arts techniques depicted look nothing like what you might consider present-day Wing Chun. (ISBN 0-590-37487-7)

McKee, Robert. "The Original Wing Chun staff form." Reno: Castle Guarde, 1987.

Meng, Benny. "Voice of Ving Tsun." [Dayton?]: np, 1996. 160 p. The first of three projected on Moy Yat's teachings. Review

Millet, Rob. "Ving Tsun Enzyklopädie." 1998. Text in German. (ISBN 393257608X)

Moy Yat. "Dummy: a tool for Kung Fu." np: Vedova, 1998. "Grand Master Moy Yat's new book contains a complete series of pictures of him playing the muk yan jong (wooden dummy) form. Accompanying the historical photos are a selection of his observations about the form as well as the text from the classic 1974 book '108 Muk Yan Jong,' a history of the dummy, and diagrams of its construction. You can order this book online or by mail through The Moy Yat Ving Tsun Kung Fu Video Shop. Visit us on the web at http://kungfu-videos.com to view sample photos from 'Dummy.'"

Moy Yat. "108 Muk Yan Jong." Hong Kong: Tak Shing Printing Co., 1974. 79 p. Mostly illustrations of the form [performed by Lee Sai-Jow] with very little text. Includes, in the back of the book, detailed plans for the wooden dummy from all angles.

Moy Yat. "Ving Tsun Kuen Kuit." Tallahassee: Moy Wo Tin, 1982. vii, 116 p. : illus. ; 23 cm. Parallel title in Chinese on title page: Yung-ch'un ch'üan chüeh. English and Chinese. Illustrations of fifty seals, carved in stone by Moy Yat and Kwong Chi-Nam, giving some Kuen Kuit, or "idioms of Wing Chun", with accompanying translations. Originally published in Chinese.

Moy Yat. "Ving Tsun trilogy." Brooklyn: Winners Sports, 1990.

Protheroe, Ian. "Wing Chun theory and composition." Brisbane, Australia: Protheroe Family Trust, 1998. [389 p.] (ISBN 0-646-35638-0) Review

Rawcliffe, Shaun. "Simply ... Wing Chun Kung Fu." [England]: Crowood Press, 2003. "This book is a technical, illustrative and diagrammatical analysis of the core theories and principles of Wing Chun. It aims to exemplify and define the musculoskeletal structure that every Wing Chun student and instructor utilises in the practice and deployment of their Wing Chun. Rather than containing glamorous photographs of the author, the book contains computer generated illustrations by the author based upon the hand drawn illustrations that he uses in his daily teaching and those included in a published article within the 'Grandmaster Yip Man Centenary Birth Book' (1993). 'In order to progress and develop in Wing Chun, it is vital to understand what you are doing, how you should do it and the reason and theory behind each technique and position. Therefore, throughout this book each technique and position is illustrated with its triangulated structure and support shown to reinforce the idea that the correct skeletal structure, combined with minimal and efficient muscular energy can create a shape that can withstand and redirect a much greater force. In addition, by utilising correct, efficient body mechanics, a small movement can be fast, effective and extremely powerful without undue stress or risk to the muscles, tendons or bones.'" [Anonymous review] (ISBN 1-86126-596-4)

Ritchie, Rene. "Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun Kuen: history & foundation." Hollywood: Unique Publications, 1999. 160 p.

Shaolin Gung Fu Institute. "Wing Chun." 1st ed. SGFI, 1998. (Shaolin Interactive Instructional Series; v.2) CD-ROM (ISBN 1891590014)

Smith, Joseph Wayne. "Wing Chun Kung-Fu." Rutland: Tuttle, 1992. (Chinese Martial Arts Library) CONTENTS: vol.1: Basic forms & principles; vol.2: Fighting & grappling; vol.3: Weapons and advanced techniques.

Williams, Randy. "Wing Chun Gung Fu: the explosive art of close range combat." [Singapore: Clean Ace Printing Press, nd] CONTENTS: vol.1: Siu Leem Tao and Basic Theory; vol.2: Chum Kiu and Footwork; vol.3: Mook Yan Joang and Mui Fa Joang; vol.4: Biu Jee and Sticky Hands; vol.5: Weapons and Iron Palm; vol.6: Combat Theory and Drills: An Instructor's Manual. Review

Wong, Douglas L. "The Deceptive hands of Wing Chun." Hollywood: Unique Publications, 1977. 111 p. : b&w illus. ; 23 cm. CONTENTS: History of the art; The Wing Chun family tree; Body zoning and gates; Blocks and strikes of Wing Chun; Hand fighting and sensitivity; Kicks of Wing Chun; Cham Kui - Searching for the Bridge Form; Free sparring techniques; Wing Chun other aspects weapons and dummy training; Conclusion. (ISBN 0-86568-002-7)

Wu, Y. "Nanyang Wing Chun Primer Vol. 1-3."

Yip Chun. "116 Wing Tsun dummy techniques: as demonstrated by Grandmaster Yip Man." 2nd ed. Hong Kong: Leung Ting Publication & Distribution, 1982. 130 p. : b&w illus. ; 22 cm. CONTENTS: Preface; Content; Yip Chun the author; A description of the origin & development of the Wing Tsun dummy; Illustrations of the wooden dummies; The 116 Wing Tsun dummy techniques; Applications & explanations of the W.T. dummy techniques; Story of my father - Yip Man the Great Grandmaster of Wing Tsun style; Terminology. The glossary with Chinese characters is the same as in Leung Ting's book "Wing Tsun Kuen." Includes a poster-size fold-out photo of Yip Man using the dummy, with a diagram (without dimensions) of the dummy on the reverse. Yip Chun warns that the last two sections of the form as shown in this book were mistakenly transposed during publication.

Yip Chun and Michael Tse. "Wing Chun Kung Fu: traditional Chinese Kung Fu for self-defense and health." St. Martins Press, 1997. 114 p. (ISBN 0312156952)

Yip Chun with Danny Connor. "Wing Chun martial arts: principles & techniques." York Beach: Samuel Weiser, 1993. 128 p. An excellent text on principles. (ISBN 0877287961)

Yip Chun. "Wing Chun: skill and philosophy." Stanley Paul. 128 p. (ISBN 0091750229)

Yip Chun and Yip Jing, edited by Arthur Chan. "Wing Chun Wooden Dummy techniques." [1977?] 2 vol. Review


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