Baguazhang: Emei Baguazhang Theory and Applications (Chinese Internal Martial Arts)
by Liang Shou-yu, Yang Jwing-Ming, Wu Wen-Ching

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Book Reviews of Baguazhang: Emei Baguazhang Theory and Applications (Chinese Internal Martial Arts)

Book Review: Beautiful, poetic, and historically complete introduction.
Summary: 4 Stars

This book, like pretty much everything from Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, provides almost more high-quality theoretical detail than we as readers ought to be able to expect. As usual, Dr. Yang and Master Liang take great care in illustrating the artistic aspects of the art through copious photographs. Another Yang trademark contained herein is the complete mismatch of photographs with textual explanation.

Almost invariably, one can expect to find the text corresponding to a given photo on a completely different page than the photo itself. He constantly uses the "see Figure 18-3" approach to technique illustration. This makes Yang's books very inconvenient to use for reference, and this one is certainly no exception.

Disappointingly, and also as per usual, very little technical focus is given to the actual combat application of the techniques contained in the art. What little is provided, is mixed in rather haphazardly with the solo practice form photos, rendering it out-of-context at best.

There is no systematized categorical structure to the organization of the combat techniques, which might allow a student to evaluate how Baguazhang would respond to standard forms of attack. Were this provided, it might also allow the reader to make easier contrasts and comparisons of Baguazhang to other styles with which they might be more familiar.

Overall, one can come away from this book knowing much about the theoretical, philosophical, aesthetic, and historical nuances of Baguazhang, but still not have learned a darn thing about how to actually fight. And where the rubber hits the road, that's still eventually what it's all about. And it's especially unfortunate given Baguazhang's extremely effective fighting methods; it's often referred to as a style designed to defeat martial artists.

Bottom Line: a must have book for martial arts historians. In that respect, it establishes a new and higher standard. For those looking for real self-defense skills, a nearly complete waste of time and a disappointing let-down, considering Master Liang's skill at Bagua.

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