Kung Fu and Tai Chi: Chinese Karate and Classical Exercises

I did some web research on this book. Some folks, who were around in the sixties, say that Tegner adapted the Kung Fu material in this book from "Chinese Karate Kung-Fu, Original Sil Lum System" by T. Y. Wong and James Yimm Lee (friend of Bruce Lee). Here is an old quote from an online forum: "As for the late V. E. Christensen (the guy demonstrating in the Bruce Tegner book "Kung Fu & Tai Chi, Chinese Karate & Classical Exercises"), a former Tegner student once claimed that Christensen had trained in Los Angeles with Ark Yuey Wong. I do believe he was mistaken though. It's understandable, since the Kung Fu uniform Christensen wears is the same kind that Ark Wong wore (and rather distinctive), but if one compares the contents of the Tegner book with the contents of T.Y. Wong's Sil Lum book, it is VERY apparent that everything in Tegner's book was adapted from Wong's book. That's not to say that they are exact copies. Certain things which are only mentioned in Wong's book are expanded upon in Tegner's volume to create several basic, beginning-level forms, while the last two forms (which are just slight variations of the ones in Wong's book) are almost move-for-move the same, with certain changes, possibly to avoid copyright infringements." Tegner, after all, was a Judo blackbelt and champion -- not a Kung-Fu expert. T. Y. Wong had a school in San Francisco during the sixties. His style is said to be rare in the America (that is why another reviewer doesn't recognize it). Wong's book was released in 1961 and is one of the first English language books on Kung Fu. It seems to be something of a collector's item. It is hard to find and expensive. I am glad Tegner copped the material from the Wong book so that I can have a look at it (cheap). When I was a kid (60s), Tegner helped introduce America to the Asian martial arts when there wasn't much available. His books were a staple in school libraries. For that alone, he deserves credit. The Tai Chi material in this book is good. In his introduction to Tai Chi, Tegner states, "do not worry too much about little variations of posture; the main thing is to capture the attitude and essence of the movements. If you do that, you get the benefits of the exercise." This advice is similar to the advice given in the Official Manual of the People's Republic of China (see "Knocking At The Gate of Life" by Chang). The PRC manual even recommends making up your own Tai Chi-like movements if you can't learn traditional Tai Chi. Reviewers who give this book a low rating seem to be most upset with Tegner's comments (in the introduction) concerning the philosophical and mystical aspects of the Chinese martial arts as well as his words of caution concerning the extravagant claims about the health benefits of Tai Chi. In the Kung Fu chapter, Tegner wrote, "it is my feeling that ch'i can only be interpreted as confidence, determination or fighting spirit. Unless it is taken to mean that, I do not think that it

Hello. I am not a practicing martial artist in the sense that I attend professional classes. I grew up with Bruce Tegner books, practiced with them and then joined a professional Tae Kwon Do school because his books kindled an appreciation for the martial arts in me. I found Tegner's books complimented the real life classes in many ways. Even after I stopped taking classes years ago I fondly remembered his books. In my middle age years I found this gem on Kung Fu and Tai Chi. It is like having a teacher guiding me along the way while I learn and practice. I enjoy the movements and forms very much. Tegner is very clear and understandable. You can practice a martial art for many reasons and not have to also believe in one particular school's philosophy or religious background (and many such books assume you will accept their philosophy to practice their martial art). Tegner is very clear on safety and what martial arts can and cannot do regarding health and self defense. I recommend this book for anyone would like to gradually learn something about some of the moves and techniques of Kung Fu (and Tai Chi)as a form of personal exercise. That is Tegner's stated aim and this book performs this well. If a person expects to become another Jet Li or Bruce Lee from this book they will be disappointed but if they are looking for a fun and clear introduction to this martial art form then it really is worth the asking price. After all these years I still find books by Bruce Tegner to be well thought out and devoid of religious/philosophy hype that surrounds so many martial arts books. Kung Fu and Tai Chi is highly recommended because it lets the reader make up their own mind given Tegner's adequate information.

Originally published in 1968 this little gem of a book has stood the test of time. Teaches kung fu and tai chi in a clear concise manner without all the hype. Great basics and lots of cool forms. After all these years this book is still my favorite. Don't miss this one!