I read this book as a scholar during 1976. I was fit and playing rugby for the schools 1st team. My heart rate was measured at a steady 60 beats per minute (bpm) and during the end of year break before beginning my then compulsory military training, I began performing the basic exercises as described in the book. Within the month, I reported for my stint and was medically examined for health categorisation and was astounded to find my heart rate had dropped to 48 bpm.

Now at age 42, I am desparately looking form a copy, if not new then a used copy of the book that served me so well back then. My original copy has been lost along the way.

You don't need to be a devotee of martial arts to get tremendous benefit from the techniques shown in this book. Simple powerful exercises that will make you stronger and healthier without stressing your joints or risking damage to yourself. I read the book 20 years ago and still do the exercises daily. You can see results in a very short time.

I highly reccomend this book to anyone interested in the philosophies of ancient China. This book has all the greats such as Kung Fu (Confucious) himself and Lao Tzu. It provides interesting insight into the history and tradition of various temples and it explains many forms of the art of Kung Fu. An entire half of it is devoted to quotes from the masters. Buy it, and read it several times.

Contains great history of kung-fu, weapons and techniques in the first half, followed by quotes from great Chinese philosphers in the 2nd half.