|
|
|
[Chapter 1] From the days of 'Return of the Condor Heros' to 'Journey to the West', I have always thought the martial arts were fascinating. These old style Chinese movie series, where almost everyone knew kung fu and can fly around bouncing off trees and having the power to heal others by pressing on their backs, was probably my first experiences with the martial arts. To be able to freeze somebody in their tracks by pressing a pressure point above thier clavicle. To be able to initiate the 'dragon 18 hand attack' by focusing energy and specific movements of the body. These were the things martial arts dreams were made of. In hindsight, I sort of wished my parents would have pushed me to take lessons in the martial arts. Kung-fu or not, it might have allowed me to start my development much earlier. Perhaps it is too sterotypical for Chinese kids to like the martial arts. I can't remember how many times people asked me if I knew kung fu or karate. The extent of my martial arts knowledge came from movies. I would try to imitate the moves I've seen in these old-style movies, often getting into fights with my brothers as a result. Now, I don't think I was an aggressive kid or a bully of any sort. My interest in the martial arts was probably purely on the wonder and exquisitness of the movements. And of course, the adventure... much like those taken by the characters in old kung fu movie series. Cover | Foreword | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|