Wing Chun Books

[gavinmetcalfe]

I have recently started learning Wing Chun Kung Fu and would like to purchase a book or books to complement my learning. Can anybody suggest a good book. I would like something that explains the correct execution of techniques if possible. Looked in the local book shops and have not seen anything that looks worthwhile.

thanks

Gav

[Andy Murray]

'Complete Wing Chun' by Robert Chu, Rene Ritchie etc. for WC History.

Look for Samuel Kwok and Simon Lau also

[aikiMac]

Haven't read Ritchie's book "Complete Wing Chun" but I read his book "Wing Chun Kuen." It's the best I've read on wing chun. Definitely belongs in a m.a. library.

I also like Bruce Lee's book (credited to James Lee) "Wing Chun Kung Fu" for the pictures. The trapping patterns may be simple, but simple can be good, and this book has the clearest pictures that I've seen anywhere. You and a partner can actually practice the moves based on these pictures because they're so clear.

[Sporran]

The books that Rene Ritchie has been involved in are probably amongst the best ones out there. The big problem with WC books is that they generally just rehash the same format.

Siu Nim Tao, a couple of applications, and a basic description of dan chi sau.

IMO, the best series is "The Secret Techniques of Wing Chun Kung Fu" by Weakland and Chao. The pictures are a bit dated, but the text is good, and will serve you at all levels. It's a series of three books, covering the empty-hand forms. Well recommended, if a trifle obscure. You can easily get them through Amazon.co.uk though.

"Why Wing Chun Works" by Alan Gibson isn't too bad either. I haven't read his later editions or newer books, but the style is decent enough. A bit biased towards the Yip Chun point of view, but not in an overly preachy way.

Samuel Kwok's book is OK, but suffers by being imitated so much over the years that it no longer stands out. Again decent enough.

Avoid the series by Austin Goh, simply due to the astoundingly poor formatting and text. Only buy if you are a collector, or want to see a few variations in the forms. Really pretty poor though.


If I remember any more that stand out I'll let you know.
Weakland and Chao ...... :D

Cheers
Rich