Shaolin Staff Techniques: Elucidating the Essentials. Issue 6

Author: Cheng Zongyou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The author of this book, Cheng Zongyou (1561-1636), styled Chongdou, was a native of Xindu, Sichuan, and later adopted the surname of Xiuying in Huizhou. He lived during the turbulent times at the end of the Ming Dynasty when the country faced numerous border issues. From a young age, he dedicated himself to military service and sought out masters to practice martial arts. Later, he went to the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song and studied Shaolin staff techniques under monks Hongji, Hongzhuan, Zongxiang, Zongdai, and Guang'an, spending over a decade in training. He then traveled with his masters for many years, mastering the essence of Shaolin martial arts and compiling his knowledge into this monumental work. The Explanation of Shaolin Staff Techniques (Shaolin Gunfa Chuanzong) describes Shaolin internal staff techniques such as Xiao Yejia, Da Yejia, Yin Shou, and Po Gun, comprising three volumes with 55 illustrations and 52 couplets. It includes sections like "Brief Records," "General Discussion," "Origins of Famous Staff Masters," and "Q&A," providing a detailed explanation of staff techniques and their practice methods. The characteristic of Shaolin martial arts is that three parts rely on staff techniques, while seven parts on spear techniques, with an emphasis on combining spear and staff skills. Upon its publication, the book immediately gained recognition. The Ming scholar Mao Yuanyi, in his military masterpiece Wubei Zhi, noted: "All martial arts originate from staff techniques, and staff techniques originate from Shaolin. The most detailed explanation of Shaolin can be found in the work of Cheng Zongyou of Xindu, The Explanation of Shaolin Staff Techniques," and he even included excerpts from this book and The Heart Method of the Spring-Loaded Crossbow. The secret manuscript of The Explanation of Shaolin Staff Techniques is distinguished by its meticulous annotations and completeness, which aid in accurately interpreting the book's illustrations and couplets. It is a complete and invaluable version. We have conducted a comprehensive punctuation and correction of the gold edition, striving to perfect it.