Best tai chi & qi gong books according to redditors
We found 122 Reddit comments discussing the best tai chi & qi gong books. We ranked the 61 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 122 Reddit comments discussing the best tai chi & qi gong books. We ranked the 61 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
"The Art of Expressing The Human Body", by John Little.
You can find it on amazon here
If you are interested in these types of books, then I would also recommend "Zen In The Martial Arts" by Joe Hyams. (My personal favorite)
You can also find it on Amazon here
Enjoy!
Might not be popular advice, but this really helped me. I was reading a book called the dao of taijuquan and somewhere in the philosophy section, he says, even if you have a great master, ultimately it's you that's studying tai chi, not just the form, but the actual forces out there in the universe. So ultimately you have to teach yourself. It was pretty mind-blowing for me, and it got me out of the rut I was in of feeling like I needed to find some super high level master or I couldn't make any progress. No. Even if you do the opening move over and over, you're learning. Different people have different aptitude to extract knowledge directly from life itself, but once I realized that was possible life got very cool for me.
It all depends on what you are looking for in Tai Ji Quan. The Americanized version extols the meditative and health aspects of the form, but the original Chinese form is an extremely competent style of internal boxing.
If you are looking to become an internal boxer (a classification of Chinese Gong Fu "soft" martial arts; namely: Xingyi Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, and Tai Ji Quan), then Tai Ji is a long hard road. Competency in this style takes somewhere around twenty years of practice.
Here's the thing: if you are looking for the health aspects, in my experience, the path of the internal boxer is best. Training a soft style with martial intention teaches you the subtle body mechanics that strengthen your joints and better relax the tissues around your spine, among other things.
If you aren't interested in the martial aspect, but you still really want the health benefits, take disturbedandsexy's advice and look into Qi Gong. It is a moving meditative practice that unlocks some pretty cool physiological benefits. I have experience with the Wang Ji Wu Longevity Exercises and find them to be great introductory material. It's also a good Nei Gong you can teach to your grandmother to keep her joints healthy through daily exercise.
If you are looking for good reading material on Ta Ji, avoid the books targeted toward an American consumer. They tend to follow the McDojo philosophy toward transferring traditional knowledge. Instead, try consulting Chang Man Chi'ing, or for an easier read, his student T.T. Liang. Both come from the a taiwanese tradition of Yang style Tai Ji, America's first widespread experience with the internal arts, being as the Communists drove all of their artists underground.
A word of caution, there are a lot of bad teachers out there. Even if they are very skilled personally, use a discerning eye. The hall mark of a great teacher is a skilled group of students. Looking at the senior students in the class and ask yourself if that is where you want to be in 5-6 years.
Personally, I would recommend the North American Tang Shou Tao schools, but I am biased as I am an instructor with them.
Best of luck in your pursuits.
I made a list based on where you can purchase them if you want to edit it onto your post:
This Month's Book
January:
by Iain Banks]
(https://www.amazon.com/Consider-Phlebas-Culture-Iain-Banks/dp/031600538X)
by Aldous Huxley]
(https://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Aldous-Huxley/dp/0060850523)
by Ray Bradbury
by Oscar Wilde
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
by Jordan B. Peterson]
(https://www.amazon.com/12-Rules-Life-Antidote-Chaos/dp/B0797Y87JC)
February:
by Richard Matheson
by Frank Herbert
by Haruki Murakami
by Bret Easton Ellis
by Max Tegmark
by Friedrich Nietzsche
March:
by Ernest Hemingway
by Herman Melville
April:
(https://www.amazon.com/Dice-Man-Luke-Rhinehart/dp/0879518642)
https://www.amazon.com/Stoner-York-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1590171993)
(https://www.amazon.com/Crime-Punishment-Fyodor-Dostoyevsky/dp/0486415872)
https://www.amazon.com/No-Longer-Human-Osamu-Dazai/dp/0811204812)
May:
https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Snow-Sea-Fertility-1/dp/0679722416)
(https://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Horses-Sea-Fertility-2/dp/0679722408)
November
Books Pewds suggested but hasn't talked about in any of the episodes yet:
linking pewds to see this u/pewpewpewPEWdie
The main thing is that you should see if there's an instructor nearby. In general, doing taijiquan is relatively safe, but there are some movements which may hurt your knees if the movement isn't quite right.
This ebook has excellent cost to quality ratio (the Kindle e-book edition is free). It's nice for filling in the background on the main styles and terminology.
So, there are a few different styles. Most common one is Yang family style, and within the different branches of what counts as Yang style, the shortened 24 postures form is probably the most common. If you really, really can't find an instructor, Ian Sinclair's video series on the postures can get you started here. There's also a few alright introductions into the shorter Chen forms on YouTube, but those do look like they just might be a bit piratey. For-pay, there's Ken Gullette's Internal Fighting Arts site (link) which offer a wealth of material, but if you rely only on master Ken (no, not that Master Ken) you'll essentially need Skype and/or a way to video yourself to get feedback.
There is also a wealth of literature; depending on your interests, there may be some literature which tells about the connection of the set to the traditional Chinese medicine theories or the applications embedded into the movements. (Though in the form, the actions are more or less mimed and applications may vary considerably on how the form is done.)
E: Added a note on Chen family style resources.
If you have a teacher, sure. On your own, it's much harder but theorically possible, even though you'll only get the health benefits. CMC has a book on that, you should check it out. My recomendation though is to find an instructor.
If you want to be historical both Col. Monstery and Allanson-Winn both recommend the whole fist with a slightly different type of jab where the fist is upside down and comes up slightly at an angle.
Both of these men had many fights behind them and had proven that their technique didn't end up with busted hands and also did account for grappling.
Col. Monstery Book
In the book he talks about his boxing system, conditioning your knuckles, and addresses different threats faced back then. He also has an biographical section and advice on weapons.
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Chengs-Method-Taichi-Self-Cultivation/dp/1883319927
I think this book should help.
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Chengs-Method-Taichi-Self-Cultivation/dp/1883319927
If it's just for health then I think it's possible to learn from a good book, the one above was pretty much written with that purpose.
Once you get stronger and defeat the health issues, you can find a teacher to understand the martial art side better.
That book combined with videos of Cheng Man Ching on Youtube and his other book which contains even more principles should get you very far.
The second book is unfortunately not written for beginners though and is very martial-arts orientated, but it has many pages of essays on Taiji which are helpful in understanding the Self Cultivation book even better.
Also this book by Chen Weiming is basically a giant Q&A on Taiji, which should keep you going in the right direction.
https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/answering-questions-about-taiji-taiji-da-wen/
Musashi's Book of Five Rings (Gorin-no-sho) is often referenced but many people do not know about Yagyu Munenori's Heihokaden, translated as The Life-Giving Sword.
Even less known is Chozan Shissai's Tengu-geijutsu-ron. I'm not sure if Chozan's Neko-no-Myojitsu was also translated but it's similar though a little more accessible.
Disclaimer: I've never read the translations so I can't comment on the quality but the content is interesting.
Here is most of my library, broken down, with links and some thoughts on each.
Karate Specific
Kobujutsu Specific
Other Martial Arts
Health and Anatomy
EDIT: I can't believe I forgot this one...
Some books:
Fairly sure that Qi Magazine can now be accessed online for free, and the Journal of Baguazhang.
Here are a few good titles that come to mind. Some are older:
They are fun to read, but no replacement for a good teacher.
Enjoy!
What about the principle of 'being rooted'?
For those interested, please purchase this book by Peter Ralston:
https://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Hsin-Principles-Effortless-Power/dp/1556433026
Ralston provides actual imagery and guidance for maintaining a center of gravity. With respect, the contents of Ralston's book are not what our learned OP is saying here. Straight back does not give one a root.
You should read the whole book it's from. It's incredible.
There are principles and techniques to apply. There is the yang Taiji bang vs the yin taiji ruler, and the postures for static zhan zhuang differ for each. The dynamic qi building exercises differ even more. You might want to do some research to learn from a master who actually teaches these techniques in depth.
Specific to your question: the Taiji bang should be cylindrical, rounded at the ends, the length of your wrist to your elbow, and the diameter of your wrist. It can be held with palms flat against the ends for zhan zhuang, so a rolling pin might not work. It can also be held around the ends as you would a staff or baton, and the wrist like diameter is intended to strengthen your grip for qinna or grappling as well.
This is an image of both the bang and ruler. The shorter stick is the ruler.
https://images.app.goo.gl/geUZk5LQstrhfYQXA
Look for instructional material like this: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Taoist-Taiji-Stick-Qigong/dp/B0019TPE34
You should be able to find Master Wang Feng Ming's website if you want to purchase a copy directly.
Special note: there is a very cringe worthy video I've seen of someone teaching exercises he created himself while holding a home depot wooden ruler, probably because he's heard the term Taiji ruler. Be selective and discerning of the information you find on the net, including mine.
Yang Jwing-Ming describes them in his book, Taijiquan Theory, beginning on page 146. Jou Tsung Hwa describes them in his book, The Dao of Taijiquan, starting on page 220. I know they are mentioned in the classics as well as books by Yang Chengfu, although I don't have any in front of me. Would you agree that these people understand taijiquan?
I heartily disagree with your statement that they are borrowed from other arts. These energies are the core of taiji. Without sticking, listening, and understanding; you do not have true taijiquan. Without neutralizing, seizing, and issuing; you do not have solid martial skill.
They aren't really uechi-ryu books, but here is a list of my favorite martial arts books:
[Karate-do My Way of Life] (http://www.amazon.com/Karate-Do-Way-Life-Gichin-Funakoshi/dp/1568364989/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368043735&sr=1-1&keywords=Karate-do+my+way+of+life) by Gichin Funakoshi - definitely my favorite martial arts book. This is the autobiography of Gichin Funakoshi. He talks alot about the history and culture of Okinawa and karate in general. His life is clearly a prime example of the spirit of karate-do.
[Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Twenty-Guiding-Principles-Karate/dp/4770027966/ref=pd_sim_b_2) by Gichin Funakoshi.
Basically anything by Gichin Funakoshi
[Beyond The Known] (http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Known-Ultimate-Martial-Classics/dp/0804834652) - More abstract. Presents some wonderful philosophical ideas about the unity of martial arts, the unity of spirit, and the higher purpose of the martial arts. Perhaps a better read for later in your training.
[Zen in the Martial Arts] (http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Martial-Arts-Joe-Hyams/dp/0553275593/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368043973&sr=1-1&keywords=zen+in+the+martial+arts) - Everyone should read this once. It presents basic, but very important spiritual ideas relevant to the martial arts.
[Way of The Peaceful Warrior] (http://www.amazon.com/Way-Peaceful-Warrior-Changes-Lives/dp/1932073205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368044020&sr=1-1&keywords=Way+of+the+peaceful+warrior) - Absolutely fantastic (and entertaining) spiritual, development novel about a college age student seeking a higher meaning in life. Not exactly about martial arts, but the mindset and spiritual lessons are the same. I highly recommend this book.
[The Weaponless Warriors] (http://www.amazon.com/Way-Peaceful-Warrior-Changes-Lives/dp/1932073205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368044020&sr=1-1&keywords=Way+of+the+peaceful+warrior) - More of the mythical/legend type stories about many of the famous okinawan karate practitioners. None-the-less an exciting and entertaining read about the many legends of karate.
My top recommendations is "karate-do my way of life" by Gichin Funakoshi. My second recommendation would be "way of the peaceful warrior". Most of the books I recommended are not technique books. Honestly, I don't find technique books very useful. They have their places, but I think the spiritual lessons are better learned from books, and the motivation that can be derived is beneficial as well.
I vaguely recall references to an unusual smallsword manual in connection with the Colonial Williamsburg historical society.
Seconding the recommendation of Col. Monstery's self defense manual, which has recently been republished - http://www.amazon.com/Self-Defense-Gentlemen-Ladies-Nineteenth-Century-Quarterstaff/dp/1583948686.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Dao-Taijiquan-Way-Rejuvenation/dp/0804813574
This goes into it a good bit, in addition to being a fantastic book on Tai chi in general.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1583941290?pc_redir=1404977283&robot_redir=1 one of the best books I found
if you put all the technique type of books aside (which you would find plenty of recommendations on here already by searching old posts)
There's only a couple others i've read that I recommend.
Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo
The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Students
Or, if you are a Walking Dead or Akido fan
The Art Of Peace
"The Art of Expressing The Human Body", by John Little.
You can find it on amazon here
If you are interested in these types of books, then I would also recommend "Zen In The Martial Arts" by Joe Hyams. (My personal favorite)
You can also find it on Amazon here
Enjoy!
I picked up this book for a friend. Self-Defense for Gentlemen and Ladies: A Nineteenth-Century Treatise on Boxing, Kicking, Grappling, and Fencing with the Cane and Quarterstaff. It was neat to read. Have you seen it? Any thoughts?
https://www.amazon.com/Dao-Taijiquan-Way-Rejuvenation-Tai/dp/0804813574
Master Jou's book is a good one.
The one he let the kid borrow? It looked a lot like the Art of Peace which is an Aikido book (so would make sense).
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Peace-Teachings-Founder-Aikido/dp/0877738513/ref=sr_1_67?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477966943&sr=1-67&keywords=the+art+of+war
You might find 'The Life-Giving Sword' a bit interesting on an intellectual level then.
There's an interesting couple of pages at the back where there are plates and some poetic verses, just like how Talhoffer is set out.
At some point you have to decide whether you want to spend your entire life learning only what some teacher wants to teach you, or if you're going to explore past what you experience on the mat.
If nothing else, read the book "The Art of Peace" translated from the writings of Ueshiba himself. I also highly recommend "Aikido in Everyday Life" by Terry Dobson.
For good or bad, no sensei will be there to help you train in these ways. Again, sometimes the best training is what you end up teaching yourself.
Try the Yang Jwing-Ming books on it, or take a loook at the various manuals translated by Brennan.
Taijiquan: Classical Yang Style
Tai Chi Secrets of the Yang Style
There are also Yang Zhenduo videos on the long form.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
There is also Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan by Fu Zhongwen or the Taiji Saber. Here is a video of him performing the hand form, and saber.
There is good old John Chang, in the Magus of Java books. While John Chang is an interesting dude, don't expect anything practical from the books.
Chronicles of Tao is fiction, but an entertaining story. His writing is esoterically accurate in that he draws from other teachers. For example, the different planes described in Astral Dynamics are things he sees while in deep meditation. This absolutely blew my mind at the time until I read a little more about the guy who the books is about. Now I've come to the conclusion that he draws from other authors and teachers.
The author Hua Ching Ni writes a lot of books. He has an acupuncture school in Los Angeles called Yo San University. Some of his stuff is pretty esoteric, but not much practical instruction.
It's definitely worth it to learn some TCM theory.
I honestly haven't come across any good qigong books. I took a class with one of this guy's students, it had a good breadth of standard stances. The book would probably make a good introduction. I'm pretty sure that book is available online somewhere if you are willing to violate copyright laws.
I read a pdf of this book on Taoist Sorcery. It gave some insight to some of the esoteric spirit petitioning crazyness. A lot of ritual and burning of yellow paper.
Other than that it is a lot of meeting different teachers, learning their practices, then going home and working on that stuff. You shouldn't need to keep paying someone in order to keep practicing.
Here he is doing the form for you to use as a reference.
If you're willing to do books instead of videos I'd also highly highly recommend his book on the form as its super easy to follow along with yet still very good for learning with. Definitely worth your time
Actually I agree with you. That video doesn't appeal to me either. I only felt obligated to correct people's uninformed and knee-jerk reactions about the man's skills and huge body of work based on a random 6 minute video.
He's actually one of the best teachers I've ever come across, but his work is odd and he's very aware of it. Of the students I've exposed to his written works about half want to trash it instantly and half are blown away to the point of it being life changing. Last year I was training this ex-crack dealer who'd just gotten out of prison. He'd expressed an interest in both internal arts and figuring out what life was really about as he was very committed to changing his. I gave him a copy of Ralston's book for beginners 'Zen Body Being' and literally within 48 hours he was a changed man. Unbelievable and probably the high point of my year to see it and know I had a small part in it.
I'd feel safe saying Ralston's work is some of the most powerful available for a person in a position of questioning, while those who are confident they have a firm handle on 'things' could well find him insufferable. If you are at all curious I'd suggest reading the reviews of his books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Hsin-Principles-Effortless-Power/dp/1556433026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483422780&sr=1-1&keywords=principles+of+effortless+power
They range from "This is the worst crap I've ever exposed my eyes to!", to "OMFG where has this been all my life?" Pretty funny really.
T'ai chi instruction is like going somewhere to find a Zen teacher but not quite as bad.
I warn you though and don't say I didn't: It's like tea.
Here is a very reasonably priced book on the subject:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1583948686/
And here is a lengthy online article about the history of cane defense, with an overview of, and links to, period sources:
https://martialartsnewyork.org/2016/08/16/a-history-of-cane-self-defense-in-america-1798-1930/
I hope this helps!
Disclaimer: I am a total gongfu noob, been studying and practicing for 4 months. That being said...
Anecdotal Evidence: I seen great improvements in my mood, level of relaxation around others, lower anxiety, and numerous improvements in my physical abilities. ROM of my knees(I'm recovering from surgery due to OCD in both knees, March2013/Oct2013 surgery dates), now at full ROM, even under support, I can perform tong zi kong(Shaolin Yoga) moves like Golden Tortoise Exploring the Way, with a less extreme angle of the ankles. Improved depth of my squats and horse stance. An unbelievable improvement in back and neck pain and flexibility. Major improvements in the functioning of my shoulder arm ball socket and surrounding structures, almost no more popping and improving each day.
I am teaching myself while I search for a teacher/instructor. Living in a small town makes it difficult, but that isn't a reason sit around doing nothing, get in there and study, experiment. No teacher can compare to your own body, if you listen to it.
The resources I've used have been youtube and books. The tools your need are patience and mirrors. The movements you make will always be wrong, but if you practice and study, practice and study some more, and watch your own movements you should be able to improve and be less wrong than when you started.
Ian's Youtube.
A few months ago he started streaming his morning 2hr workouts for 30 days. These were very motivating and he shared lots of really good information. I'm just now going back through each day and cataloging the information he shared. The series that explains each movement of the 24-form Yang Style is also full of extremely useful information and a great place to start.
Book: Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan
This book has been indispensable. It is full and great explanations of the internals and well enough detailed illustrations to supplement. Great explanation of the taiji principals. Would recommend 100% if you settle of studying anything in the Yang family.
I'm actively looking for a teach/instructor locally, but I'm about to give up and think about moving somewhere else to study under someone.
If you want to do an energetic style, do qigong, but if you want to do taiji, then do chen style. This book will make you practice the basics: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1583941452
First OYS post since I got my ass roasted in AskMRP. For all the guys who responded to my post, I really appreciate your help and advice.
Why I'm Here:
Reading: Finishing up WISNIFG and am in the middle of Bushido: Soul of Japan. WISNIFG really opened my eyes. I went hard Rambo establishing boundaries and communicating what I wanted to my wife after I read NMMG and it was disastrous. I now know about fogging, negative inquiry, etc. which would have been useful and probably wouldn't have driven her away.
Mental Health: I think I've been battling the black dog of depression for a while now due to my general unhappiness with my life. My ego has gotten in the way trying to rationalize or mask it (hamster gonna hamster) and I need to sort shit out in my brain, learn to forgive myself and others, stop worrying about shit I can't control, and stop over-analyzing things. To that end, I've started meditating again; twice per day, when I wake up and before bed. I've also scheduled a check-up with my doctor so I can get a referral to see a therapist.
Fitness: I will be restarting the 5x5 program on Monday. I've been quarter-assing it for the last few months and have seen no results because of it. I've also cut out crap from my diet and have reduced the calories I eat per day. My goal is to be down to 225 by the time my PRT comes up at the end of October; about 20 pounds in two months.
Hobbies:
Wife/Relationship:
Challenges:How do I build Abundance Mentality/destroy oneitis for my wife, while in monk mode?
Bought this immediately after playing Sekiro:
The Secret Traditions of the Shinobi
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WL0LDQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
One good book that might help give you some perspective:
Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey
by Brian Kennedy
A website with information that is slightly more scholarly than your typical kung fu "history" website:
Taiping Institute of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts
I do a lot of research into various styles and lineages that existed before and up to the time period you're talking about. PM me if you want to chat, and I can possibly lead you to some other good resources.
A little different from what you are looking for; but I have found this book to be a great teaching tool not only for Karate training but for life as well.
Zen in the Martial Arts
I see what you're saying…
Maybe my opinion is somewhat extremely colored by seeing the EWTO stuff…
Pure Leung Ting… OK.
But KRK is just clearly not Wing Chun anymore.
As for LT WT:
I'm using the Document "Wing Tsun Kuen" as a reference here.
The SNT, we can more or less agree on.
We put the main focus on the elbow here.
LT seems to be more concerned with "applications", we don't think that way about the form.
But Cham Kiu is where it starts to differ greatly.
We know that the motions, which are performed three times, tell us "hey, this is important!"
Cham Kiu turning, the pivot, is very important!
Both the Lan Sao turning, and the Bong-Jut turning.
For us the correct way is defined as such:
Please consider the following sources:
Observe how these three different lineage all coordinate the pivot the same way, while the LT way differs.
These three lineages are well separated, yet they are much closer to each other than WT's way is to any of them.
From a sort of "evolutionary" point of view we can deduce that LT's way is the "unusual" one.
What do you say to that?
There are a number of books like that. American Shaolin and Tapped Out by Matthew Polly are both entertaining reads about martial arts training. Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman is another. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams.
Hi! Of course it's possible to do Tai Chi for the reasones you said (health and stress relief). You just a good source (teacher or online), and put that into practice beginning from tomorrow xD. It has to be a simple thing: practicing the parts from the form once or twice a day, plus some song exercises (for relaxation and structure).
Let's start by searching for a good teacher. You said you are from north Texas. The Yang Family Tai Chi association (held by the lineage holder of the Yang family taichi, Yang Jun) has a center in Lewisville. Now I personally don't know how good are they. The fact they are the lineage holder is surely an up. But I don't know, you might it give a try if you want/can.
Other than that I personally don't know other centers.
Now, about online resources. Many will recommend you this Book by Cheng Man Ching (it has great reviews tho).
Another great master is Liang Shou Yu: this Book has great reviews. There's also a dvd version of this, at higher price.
There are also other materials, and also "online courses" (monthly pay), but for now I'd wait what others have to say.
Don't worry if many instructors seem to do the same movements in different ways. It doesn't matter which way you make the movements, the principles are what matters.
GRAPPLING and the SWORD. During the 19th century, Colonel Thomas Monstery was known to use seizures and disarms in both actual duels and contests with the sword. His rival, Regis Senac, once complained that during a private bout with Monstery in the 1870s, the latter had resorted to seizures and disarms when they came into close distance. On a similar note, an account of Monstery's duel with the Mexican General Bragamonte describes such techniques:
"At length Bragamonte tried his last secret trick, which would have puzzled any merely school fencer. Monstery made a light cut at his arm, outside, and Bragamonte threw up his own sword to bind his enemy’s blade there, quick as a flash threw forward his left foot and clutched for Monstery’s sword-wrist with his left hand. It was the end of the duel. Quicker than even the Spaniard, the American threw forward his own left foot, drawing back his sword out of danger, and in an instant had reversed the trick. Bragamonte’s sword-wrist was in his grasp, and he plunged his own blade deep into the Spaniard’s vitals, so that the point came out behind Bragamonte’s back, and the hilt struck his breast."
At another time, during a fencing bout with Monstery at the latter's academy, student Francis Wilson recounted how he momentarily caught the Colonel off guard, and succeeded in disarming him.
Wilson described what happened next:
"When I tried to follow up the advantage, he deftly disarmed me with his bare hand and turned the point of my sword against me."
My favorites
Two birds, one stone:
CK Chu's Book of Nei Kung.
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Nei-Kung-C-Chu/dp/0961658606