Chinese Kung Fu (3^rd Ed.) Introductions to Chinese Culture Series

Wushu, the Chinese martial art form known as kung fu in the West, embodies traditional Chinese culture and reflects the self defense and fitness practices of the Chinese people. The core philosophy of wushu is drawn from Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist principles and the Eastern philosophy that humans are an integral part of nature. In this illustrated introduction Wang Guangxi discusses the theory, schools, weapons and development of this distinctive and captivating branch of Chinese culture from ancient times to the present day, including its representation in literature and film.

Foreword; 1. The origins of martial arts; 2. Schools of wushu; 3. Weapons; 4. Three stages of Chinese wushu practice; 5. Characteristics of Chinese wushu; 6. Chinese wushu and Chinese culture; 7. Chinese and foreign wushu exchange; 8. The development of modern Chinese wushu; Appendix 1. Notes on wushu exercises; Appendix 2. Chronological table of the Chinese dynasties.

Wang Guangxi, also known as Lu Cao, was a Fellow in the Henan Research Institute of Culture and History, Standing Director of the Modern Chinese Literature Research Society and Deputy Dean of Wushu Culture Research Center, Physical Education Institute, Zhengzhou University. His life was devoted to modern literature and wushu research and he published widely on his research interests.