China was one of the first countries in the world to develop martial arts. Some forms are so old, the stories of their founding have become mythical. Many Westerners are familiar with Shaolin kung fu and tai chi, but fewer have heard of sanda, baguazhang, or wing chun. Westerners also frequently confuse Chinese martial arts with those from other countries, such as the Japanese karate or the Korean taekwondo. Through full-color photographs and in-depth sidebars, augmenting the engaging main text, readers gain a deeper appreciation for these ancient arts and those who practice them today.
