I was wondering what hsing-i books you all have and which ones you might recommend?

So far I have"

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Robert Smith's "Hsing-I Chinese Mind/body Boxing"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1556434553/qid=1111592731/sr=8-1/r ef=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-2908634-6935934?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

It was the first one I picked up. The pictures looked informative and the text interesting. Well After readinging I decided this book isn't very good. The introduction was interesting along with the history and I really like the last section with words of advice from the masters, but In general not very helpful.

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Sun Lu Tang's: "Xing Yi Quan Xue: The Study of Form-Mind Boxing"

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0865681856/qid=1111592853/sr=2-2/ref=pd_b bs_b_2_2/104-2908634-6935934

I just picked this up the other day. Again Very interesting Introduction and background information. This book is definately a step up from Robert Smith's book and it gives a short brief "study" of each style/fist/animal but really again It doesn't seem to be that helpful a book to me. I still enjoy reading it and the theories and principles within but I still feel like books are nothing more than empty translations. Theres just no real substance to them.
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Dan Miller & Tim Cartmell's "Xing Yi Nei Gong: Xing Yi Health Maintenance and Internal Strength Development"

I came across this book also and from the reviews online and the look inside tidbit from amazon I decide what the heck I will give it a try. I still have yet to recieve it but It appears that this book will be the most helpful outlining Hsing-I specific Chi-Kung excercises.



I was wondering what books you all had in your library and which you thought were best. I know there is little martial ability to be gained through reading but I still enjoy studying books and reading about hsing-i even when I'm not practicing it.

I also have been working through Opening the Energy Gates by Frantzis to work on my standing position and improve my gains from it. I also have frantzis' water dissolving volume 1 but have yet to begin reading it yet. I hope to start it after I learn some more of the basics through opening the energy gates.

Thanks all.

Find a good teacher that you can train under regularly; if that is not feasible, find an adequate instructor that you can train under regularly; if that is not feasible, don't bother with books.

Even the best translations and expositions are only of limited use for developing a core understanding of an internal art.

By the way, written information that you dismiss when reading for the first time may have more relevance when you read it a year or a decade into your training.

Sorry I guess I should have said I am already taking Hsing-I.

I just like to supplement my training with books because I like to read...a lot :P

Tims book on Nei Gung is great. I also like the book by Dr. Jwing Ming because it has just about every song and explanation you can think of.

Also check out Crandalls works. I believe his website is smilingtiger.com

Holy crap. I just realized the Tim Cartmell of the book I just ordered is the same Tim from here...crazy.

Can't wait to check out the book.

Well Amazon just canceled my order on Tim's Nei Gong book. They said they are unable to order it and will not be able to for some time.....

that sucks.

FYI - I just had the same experience trying to order the book off Amazon. They cancelled it a few days after I ordered. Couldn't find it anywhere elese until I came across www.alibris.com

Ordered it from there and they have it in stock. Cost a few bucks more, but oh well...

I can't find it anywhere on alibris's site at all. They have a couple of tim's books but not that the Nei Gong Book...That I can see. They only have 4 of his books from a search of his name.

Sorry, think I may have gotten the last one. I also tried ordering the VHS tape that goes with this book, but that also got cancelled today. Seems as though these are becoming rare items....

I am going to find where you live and hunt you down..



Ah well. I am sure they will pop up again in print sometime in the near future or I will randomly find one. Thanks for the help and have fun with the book!

Ha Ha. From what I've read so far, the book is well worth hunting for.

I liked "Untraditional Hsing-I" by Rob Whitewood.

He lives in my home town but unfortunately does'nt teach anymore. (sigh)

Whitewood likes to generate power by stamping, it's only covers the 5 elements and some applications, but it's a good book besides.

Charlie, they have the book and video at www.plumflower.com

I think you can buy the video and book together and save money all at the same time.

I saw a book called Sum Yum Tit by: Ding Ling .

They were doing funny kung fu. I think they were practicing "Iron Finger"!

xing yi nei gong, not only a good book on xing yi, but also one of the best books written on internal martial arts, must have been done by some smart guys.

-Chris

I tried the Iron finger last night... she fought back with the twisting clam technique!

Any recommended Sun Lutang book translation aviable?