Here is our selection of the best Chinese martial arts books. They are our favorite Chinese martial arts books and cover subjects such as Shaolin workouts, how to train with a Wing Chun wooden dummy, Qigong, Chinese joint lock techniques, Iron Palm training, etc. If you are looking for other books (i.e. books on Krav Maga, grappling or Japanese martial arts), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s Best Martial Arts Books section.
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Chinese Martial Arts Books
- Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na: Instructors Manual for All Martial Styles – This book looks at Chin Na techniques (or seizing controlling techniques).
- Chinese Martial Arts: From Antiquity to the Twenty-First Century – Well written book on the history of Chinese martial arts.
- The Complete Book of Shaolin: Comprehensive Programme for Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Development – This is a very highly-rated book on Shaolin Kung Fu.
- Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles – This book explores Chinese self-defense techniques such as joint locks and “seizing” techniques.
- Fundamental Iron Skills: Tempering Body and Limbs with Ancient Methods – This book looks at Chinese martial arts “hardening techniques” such as Iron Palm training.
- The Healing Promise of Qi
- Instant Fitness: The Shaolin Kung Fu Workout
- Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity – This Shaolin book “shows how to optimize energy, alleviate stress, boost the immune system, and achieve optimum health”.
- The Shaolin Workout: 28 Days to Transforming Your Body and Soul the Warrior’s Way – A popular fitness book that looks at Shaolin workout techniques.
- Tao of Jeet Kune Do – Very popular book on Bruce Lee’s martial arts philosophy and techniques.
Tai Chi
- The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind
- Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan
- Tai Chi for Beginners and the 24 Forms
Wing Chun
- Wing Chun Kung Fu: Traditional Chinese Kung Fu for Self-Defense and Health
- Wing Chun Kung Fu Bamboo Ring – How to train with a bamboo ring.
- Wing Chun Kung Fu: The Wooden Dummy – How to train with a Wing Chun wooden dummy.