Chinese Sword Art Book List.

[Bob Hubbard]

I'm looking to develop a comprehensive listing of quality books on the Chinese sword arts. Anyone have any recommendations?

[Xue Sheng]

Bob
The only book I know of (in English) off the top of my head that deals specifically with Chinese weapons is

Ancient Chinese Weapons, Second Edition: The Martial Arts Guide
By Yang Jwing-Ming

And I have not yet read it so I do not know how good it is.

If it helps the Chinese Broadsword is called a Dao and the straight sword is a Jain.

I did see a couple weapons books in China but I do not remember the title (and I had to ask my wife to translate that) but they were written in Chinese.

There is an author that wrote a lot of books specifically about Chinese weapons but it appear that outside of Beijing they may be hard to find but again they are not in English.

Also I just thought of this "Chen Zhenglei" has written about Taiji sword in one of his books but it is not a book specifically about Chen taiji sword.

Hopefully someone else can help better than I, to be honest I would like to read a book on Chinese sword arts.

[kaustabh]

I have read two books on chinese swords, both from YMAA by Dr Yang Jwing-Ming. I am impressed with both of them.

Northan Shaolin Sword, and
Taiji Sword, Classical Yang Style.

I am eager to know about more books on the sword. Thanks for this thread.

[East Winds]

The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship - A Manual of Taiji Jian by Zhang Yun
ISBN 0-8348-0412-3

and of course the classic

Taiji Sword and Other Writings by Chen Weiming - Translated by Barbara Davis
ISBN 1-55643-333-6

Both can be recommended

Very best wishes

[jonpalombi]

Greetings All,
I would agree with all of the about mentioned books. I have them all. I would like to suggest these two:

Chinese Swordsmanship .The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition.
ISBN 0-9743999-4-9

A Practical Guide to Test Cutting for Historical Swordsmanship
ISBN 978-0-9743999-5-9

Both books are authored by Scott M. Rodell. This is a link to ordering information: http://www.sevenstarstrading.com/booksvideos/cuttingbook/

Get free shipping for the month of July by adding the word shizhan to your order form (in the coupon box).

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

[jonpalombi]

Hey Guys,

Master Zhang Yun has just released his book: The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber. While I have never, ever recommended a book I have yet to read... this is a first! Based solely on the authority of his first ground-breaking book, The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship: Manual of Taiji Jian , I can wholeheartedly recommend this new publication. While I await the arrival of my copy, I just wanted to share the good news! Amazon has it at a fabulous discounted price: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Taiji-Dao-Chinese-Saber/dp/1583942270/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249310603&sr=8-1

I can hardly wait for mine to show up in the mail!!!

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

[jonpalombi]

While I have never, ever recommended a book I have yet to read... this is a first! Based solely on the authority of his first ground-breaking book, The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship: Manual of Taiji Jian , I can wholeheartedly recommend this new publication. While I await the arrival of my copy, I just wanted to share the good news!

Well Folks,

As is my nature, I have waited until my second read-through this fascinating book, The Complete Taiji Dao: the Art of the Chinese Saber, to give a definitive proclamation. I find this publication both, brilliant and pivotal in it's importance! Granted, being a big fan of Master Zhang Yun's first masterpiece, The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship: Manual of Taiji Jian, I am obviously an easy-going critic. Sifu Zhang Yun was one of Grand-Master Wang Pei Sheng's (Wu Family taijiquan) closest disciples. It's no wonder that this book is so powerful? Even so, this book is a wonderfully easy read, chock-full of clear photo-illustrations and quite a wealth of valid information. I give it two thumbs up! Overstock.com has it at an unbelievable price! Check out this link: http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/The-Complete-Taiji-Dao-Paperback/3481145/product.html?keywords=The%20complete%20taijidao:%2 0the%20art%20of%20the%20Chinese%20saber&searchtype=Header

You certainly won't be disappointed in this top-shelf martial arts publication. No complete library, of a seasoned Chinese sword enthusiast, should be without this tremendous learning tool (in it's esteemed company). I am more than pleased with my experience delving into this book's most charming depth.

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

[mrchan]

there is a book called "sword imperatives". its written by wang, ju rong and wu, wen ching. its available at the following site. www.waydragon.com/store.html
I havent read it myself but i own copies of "kung fu elements" and "qi gong empowerment" which were also written by wu, wen ching. those 2 books were cowritten with liang, shou yu. i have found the latter 2 volumes extremely helpful with my training. so i would assume that "sword imperatives" would be of the same quality. if anyone checks it out let me know how it is.