Bruce Lee the Tao of Gung Fu: A Study in the Way of Chinese Martial Art

by Bruce Lee

Book Overview

In the months leading up to his death, Bruce Lee was working on this definitive study of the Chinese martial arts--collectively known as Kung Fu or Gung Fu. This book has now been edited and is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804831106
• ISBN13: 9780804831109
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A philosophical look at a physical art.

Bruce Lee was an amazing person, able to blend the physical beauty of the body with the philosophical beauty of the mind and create the true essence of martial art. In the Tao of Gung Fu, Bruce Lee devotes individual attention to philosophical and physical aspects of his form. His main attention is on Wing Chung, the style of Gung Fu that he himself studied under a Chinese master. Bruce devotes most of the first part of the book to basics and philosophical principles of Gung Fu, including the redirecting of the opponents energy to use it against him. I would recommend this book to most practitioners, and those that are considering getting into martial arts. The second half of the book covers some basic techniques, stances, stretches, exercises, and practices, while the last twenty or thirty pages include personal quotes, answered questions, and biographies of some of the old masters. This book is good for beginners because it gives them an insight into the art and some of the things it will take to be successful. It also allows them to understand some of the basic philosophies of the martial arts. Those with practice will enjoy this book because it goes into some of the more interesting aspects of the art and is written eloquently by one of the greatest martial artists in history. This should be added to most martial art libraries. I've practiced multiple styles for nearly ten years and find that this book is an invaluable resource to study and train with.

The JKD Primer

What can you say about a book written by Bruce Lee. This one is great. It was the basis for the 'Tao of JKD'. Here he is talking about what he really knows, the way of Chinese martial Arts.This book covers the technical gung fu as well as the philosophy as seen through Mr. Lee's eyes. One of the all time greatest Martial Artist. The diagrams are in his own hand, with his own thoughts. So read his words himself, and get the info direct!You will not want to put this book down. And will read it, over and over again.

Great book either if you're new in martial arts or not

This book from the martial arts' legend himself gives a broad view of martial arts basic principles as well as some insights on the oriental philosophy. Bruce Lee exposes his knowledge and experience accumulated throughout several years of practice and learning. A must if you are interested in martial arts.

From a Beginner

If anyone is just getting into any martial art, I reccomend this book mainly based on the fact that mentally you must know what your responsiblity is as a serious martial artist. You will save yourself a lot of time by reading this book and getting an understanding of your martial art and the proper training, mentally and physically, that is provided in this wonderful resource.

An easy to understand guide to martial art philosophy.

Bruce Lee's philosophy shines in this book. Mr. Little has done the world of philosophy a big favor by compiling Bruce Lee's thoughts in this volume. A great martial artist makes philosophy key to every movement in his or her art, and Bruce Lee is able to clearly lay the foundation for understanding kung-fu principles. This is a must for any martial arts library!