Northern-Southern Shaolin Synthetic Boxing Paperback – January 1, 1985

Author Chan Kin-man demonstrates a form he has created from his experience in both Northern and Southern Chinese boxing. An entire form in 84 fostures, Chan includes clear written direction and photographs with helpful movement arrows for self instruction. Chan describes the form as being composed of "boxing skills of the Tsai Lee Fo school and the second half being the integration of the essences derived from the boxing arts of the Northern Shaolin, Northern Mantis, Eagle Claw, Arhat Sect, and Tai Chi schools." (page 12)The first portion of the book includes a concise but well exectuted history of Tsai Lee Fo (also written as Choi Li Fut) and kung fu in general. Chan is direct, no tales of flying monks or secret teachings or absurd claims. This man doesn't need to pad his resumee or tell tall tales, he includes the photos of his involvement with mainland Chinese martial arts institutions, and his work in Hong Kong. It is interesting to see a number of diverse Northern & Southern elements combined to positive effect. Practical and artistic without losing too much to modern wushu. I would recommend this and Chan's other books, especially his work "Northern Shaolin Twelve Tantui Boxing Series", and his books on Tsai Lee Fo.