Great Wing Chun Basics Reference, November 25, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from Down by the Bayou
This is a very well planned and executed attempt at laying the foundations of Wing Chun in book format. In case you are wondering the lineage stems from the W. Cheung school of Trad. Wing Chun via Phillip Holder. This book is well worth the money as the production and content are of high quality. I am not of student Sifu Wannish, but I do practice TWC in the Cheung style. This book contains essential theory and philosophy of Wing Chun, including body mechanics, and mental attributes to hone your Wing Chun skills. All (or most) stances, footwork and hand positions are covered in enough detail to give you confidence in your own execution of the movements. The basic and most important form of Wing Chun (Sil Lim Tao) is illustrated in painstaking detail, with nothing left out and includes a rare movement I've never seen of executing tarn (tan) sao between the fook sao and huen sao to wu sao in the 3 prayers to buddha section. Wing Chun punches and kicks are then dissected with great accuracy. Then comes the good parts of some basic essential Wing Chun drills (6 pak sao, and a few bong sao and bil sao drills) done usually with a partner. The book ends with common situations in which you might need to defend yourself (chokes, headlocks, and wrist grabs.) Each chapter ends with pages to write your training notes and personal observations to make the book your own training manual. Overall the best Wing Chun basics book in current distribution. Highly recommended. I hear there are more volumes containing more advanced material underway, I can't wait.

An invaluable resource for the Wing Chun student, September 25, 2003
Reviewer: Amy Solomon from Brooklyn, NY USA
As a beginning Wing Chun student, I am finding this book to be invaluable in my practice. The theory and forms are clearly and carefully explained, with numerous step-by-step photos accompanying the text. Sifu Wahnish's love and respect for his art and his students is apparent on each page.

Strongly recommend!, August 25, 2003
Reviewer: harry3688 from new york, new york United States
This book is extremely clear and well done. It lays out the basics of this intricate style in a way I was able to understand and absorb. The pictures are great and combine with the text to make it a clear and easy read. I finished the book feeling I had received a comprehensive and accurate understanding of Wing-Chun basics. I look forward to more books in the series.

The Foundations of Wing Chun - Volume 1, August 24, 2003
Reviewer: junkergeorge from New York
The Foundations of Wing Chun Kung Fu-Volume 1, is the most informative and practical introductory volume I have read on art of Wing Chun Kung Fu. With a forward by Grandmaster Philip Holder and an introduction with training tips by Sifu John Wahnish, the book is divided into several helpful chapters for dedicated Wing Chun practitioners. Chapter 1 is a basic history of Wing Chun along with practical encouragement for the various lineages of the art and lastly, a basic overview of the ways in which the Wing Chun practitioner trains. Chapters 2-4 are an extremely informative overview of the key principles, footwork and positions that help to make the system so effective. There are in depth descriptions for each principle, culminating in a demonstration and explanation of the Sil Lum Tao Form in chapter 5- the basic dictionary of the system. Sections 6 and 7 examine the details for effective punching and kicking and section 8 teaches some beginning exercises which will aid in learning the other aspects of Wing Chun training later within the system. Finally, section 9 gives detailed examples of what Wing Chun is so strongly suited for, self-defense. Here you will learn how to use Wing Chun to protect yourself against the front choke, the headlock and various wrist grabs. I am very thankful for this tremendous, introductory volume on the growing art of Wing Chun and would encourage you to make this book a foundational part of your ongoing Wing Chun library.