Publisher's Synopsis
Boxing manuals, known as quanpu (拳谱), are written records that document the techniques and principles of Southern Chinese martial arts. These manuals typically include illustrations and descriptions of various techniques and forms, as well as information about the history and philosophy of the martial art. Quanpu were used by martial artists as a reference for training and as a means of preserving and passing down the knowledge and techniques of the art. They were also used to share information between different schools and practitioners and to document the development of the art over time. Quanpu played a significant role in the development and preservation of Southern Chinese martial arts and continue to be an important resource for martial artists today.
This book primarily consists of a translation of a small, unillustrated quanpu called "Overview of Taizu Boxing," which was written by Zheng Jinbu (曾金卜) for his student, Zheng Lianlai (郑连来). The book was later annotated and published by Zheng Lianlai, adding explanations for terms and phrases specific to Quanzhou martial arts. These explanations, along with the author's training in Fujian Five Ancestor Boxing (which contains Taizuquan) form the basis for the commentary accompanying the original text.
