Chinese Martial Arts Books

Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One: Foundational Practices presents the history, principles and essential training methods of Liang Style Bagua Zhang. Written by fourth-generation master Di Guoyong and translated, co-authored and edited by his disciple Byron Jacobs, this volume provides a structured introduction to the system and its traditional practice.

The book traces the origins and development of Bagua Zhang before examining the formation of the Liang style through its founder, Liang Zhenpu. It follows the transmission of the system through successive generations and includes Di Guoyong’s personal account of studying under the renowned master Li Ziming.

The instructional chapters introduce the fundamental practices used to establish the body method, stepping, coordination and principles required for further study. Particular attention is given to the Eight Fixed Posture Palms, an important foundational practice within Liang Style Bagua Zhang.

Clear explanations, detailed illustrations and supporting video references help readers study the movements and underlying principles. The material is suitable both for practitioners beginning their study of Liang Style Bagua Zhang and for experienced martial artists seeking a deeper understanding of the system’s foundations and lineage.

This volume includes

• The origins and historical development of Bagua Zhang

• The life of Liang Zhenpu and the formation of the Liang style

• The transmission of the Liang lineage through successive generations

• Di Guoyong’s experiences studying under Li Ziming

• Essential principles and foundational training methods

• Detailed instruction in the Eight Fixed Posture Palms

• Illustrations and supporting video references

Book details

• Authors: Di Guoyong and Byron Jacobs

• Language: English

• Paperback: 224 pages

• Interior: Black and white

• Dimensions: 156 × 234 × 14 mm

• Weight: approximately 480 g

• ISBN: 978-9925-8003-4-6

• Publication date: May 2025

Shipping and combined orders

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For orders containing multiple books, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit presents translations, analysis and extensive commentary on the classical texts of Xingyi Quan. These writings preserve the principles, training methods and technical understanding transmitted by earlier generations of the art.

Rather than treating the classics as abstract historical documents, author Byron Jacobs examines their relationship to the practical study of Xingyi Quan. Detailed commentary, explanatory notes and historical context help readers understand the terminology, concepts and methods contained within the original texts.

The book represents more than a decade of research and writing, supported by the author’s many years of martial practice and study under Master Di Guoyong. It brings together translated source material, technical analysis, practical guidance, biographies, footnotes and reference information in a single substantial volume.

This work is intended for serious practitioners, teachers and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of traditional Xingyi Quan. It can be read as a structured study of the classical literature or consulted repeatedly as a reference alongside regular training.

This volume includes

• Translations of important classical Xingyi Quan texts

• Detailed commentary and explanation of key principles

• Practical guidance connecting written theory with physical training

• Historical background and biographical material

• Extensive footnotes and supporting references

• Chinese martial arts terminology presented within its proper context

Hardcover edition

This premium edition features a gold-embossed, linen-wrapped hard cover, thread-sewn binding and a protective dust jacket. Its durable construction is designed for long-term use as a reference volume.

Book details

• Author: Byron Jacobs

• Language: English

• Hardcover: 388 pages

• Interior: Black and white

• Dimensions: 166 × 243 × 33 mm

• Weight: approximately 950 g

• ISBN: 978-9925-8003-1-5

• Publication date: 16 June 2023

Shipping and combined orders

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For orders containing multiple books, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit is a detailed study of the classical texts of Xingyi Quan, combining careful translation with technical analysis, historical context and extensive commentary.

The classical writings preserve the principles, terminology and training methods transmitted by earlier generations of Xingyi Quan masters. In this volume, author Byron Jacobs examines these texts in relation to the practical study of the art, helping readers understand how their ideas apply to physical training rather than treating them solely as historical documents.

The book represents more than a decade of research and writing, supported by the author’s many years of martial practice and study under Master Di Guoyong. It brings together translated source material, explanatory notes, practical guidance, biographies, footnotes and reference information in one comprehensive volume.

Written for serious practitioners, teachers and researchers, the book may be studied from beginning to end or consulted repeatedly as a reference alongside regular Xingyi Quan training.

This volume includes

• Translations of important classical Xingyi Quan texts

• Detailed explanations of technical principles and terminology

• Commentary connecting written theory with physical practice

• Historical background and biographical material

• Practical training guidance

• Extensive footnotes and supporting references

Paperback edition

This edition contains the complete 388-page work in a lighter, flexible paperback format. Its reduced weight and compact dimensions make it convenient for regular study, travel and use alongside training.

Book details

• Author: Byron Jacobs

• Language: English

• Paperback: 388 pages

• Interior: Black and white

• Dimensions: 156 × 234 × 20 mm

• Weight: approximately 580 g

• ISBN: 978-9925-8003-0-8

• Publication date: 16 June 2023

Shipping and combined orders

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For orders containing multiple books, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One: Foundational Practices presents the history, principles and essential training methods of Liang Style Bagua Zhang. Written by fourth-generation master Di Guoyong and translated, co-authored and edited by his disciple Byron Jacobs, this volume provides a structured introduction to the system and its traditional practice.

The book traces the origins and development of Bagua Zhang before examining the formation of the Liang style through its founder, Liang Zhenpu. It follows the transmission of the system through successive generations and includes Di Guoyong’s personal account of studying under the renowned master Li Ziming.

The instructional chapters introduce the fundamental practices used to establish the body method, stepping, coordination and principles required for further study. Particular attention is given to the Eight Fixed Posture Palms, an important foundational practice within Liang Style Bagua Zhang.

Clear explanations, detailed illustrations and supporting video references help readers study the movements and underlying principles. The material is suitable both for practitioners beginning their study of Liang Style Bagua Zhang and for experienced martial artists seeking a deeper understanding of the system’s foundations and lineage.

This volume includes

• The origins and historical development of Bagua Zhang

• The life of Liang Zhenpu and the formation of the Liang style

• The transmission of the Liang lineage through successive generations

• Di Guoyong’s experiences studying under Li Ziming

• Essential principles and foundational training methods

• Detailed instruction in the Eight Fixed Posture Palms

• Illustrations and supporting video references

Digital EPUB edition

This product is a downloadable EPUB e-book. It is intended for compatible e-readers, tablets, smartphones and EPUB-reading applications. Please confirm that your preferred device or application supports EPUB files before purchasing.

This is not a PDF, and no physical book will be shipped.

Book details

• Authors: Di Guoyong and Byron Jacobs

• Language: English

• File format: EPUB

• Interior: Black and white

• ISBN: 978-9925-8003-5-3

• Publication date: 15 June 2025

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit is a detailed study of the classical texts of Xingyi Quan, combining careful translation with technical analysis, historical context and extensive commentary.

The classical writings preserve the principles, terminology and training methods transmitted by earlier generations of Xingyi Quan masters. In this volume, author Byron Jacobs examines these texts in relation to the practical study of the art, helping readers understand how their ideas apply to physical training rather than treating them solely as historical documents.

The book represents more than a decade of research and writing, supported by the author’s many years of martial practice and study under Master Di Guoyong. It brings together translated source material, explanatory notes, practical guidance, biographies, footnotes and reference information in one comprehensive volume.

Written for serious practitioners, teachers and researchers, the book may be studied from beginning to end or consulted repeatedly as a reference alongside regular Xingyi Quan training.

This volume includes

• Translations of important classical Xingyi Quan texts

• Detailed explanations of technical principles and terminology

• Commentary connecting written theory with physical practice

• Historical background and biographical material

• Practical training guidance

• Extensive footnotes and supporting references

Digital EPUB edition

This product is a downloadable EPUB e-book containing the complete work. It is intended for compatible e-readers, tablets, smartphones and EPUB-reading applications. Please confirm that your preferred device or application supports EPUB files before purchasing.

This is not a PDF, and no physical book will be shipped.

Book details

• Author: Byron Jacobs

• Language: English

• File format: EPUB

• Print-edition length: 388 pages

• Interior: Black and white

• ISBN: 978-9925-8003-3-9

• Publication date: 16 June 2023

The Xingyi Notebook is a purpose-designed martial arts training journal created to help practitioners record their sessions, reflect on their progress and preserve important insights for future study.

Each training log provides space to document the session and record technical notes, followed by a structured reflection page containing questions and progress metrics. This framework encourages practitioners to assess what they trained, what they learned and what requires further attention.

The journal can be used for solo practice, instructed classes and partner training. Although designed around the study of Xingyi Quan, its structure is equally useful for practitioners of Bagua Zhang and other martial arts.

Consistent note-taking creates a detailed record of instruction and personal development. Over time, this makes it easier to identify recurring challenges, monitor improvement and revisit observations that may otherwise be forgotten between training sessions.

The journal includes

• 94 structured martial arts training logs

• Space for session information and detailed notes

• Dedicated post-training reflection pages

• Questions and metrics for assessing each session

• Xingyi Quan imagery throughout

• A practical format for solo, instructed and partner practice

Construction and details

• Created by Byron Jacobs

• Language: English

• Hardcover: 200 pages

• Embossed PU leather cover

• Elastic closure

• Interior: Black and white

• Dimensions: 213 × 147 × 20 mm

• Weight: approximately 380 g

Shipping and combined orders

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For orders containing multiple books or journals, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

This discounted two-book set brings together substantial studies of Xingyi Quan and Liang Style Bagua Zhang in paperback format. Together, the books provide historical background, translated source material, traditional theory and detailed guidance for foundational practice.

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit – Paperback

By Byron Jacobs, Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit presents translations, analysis and extensive commentary on the classical texts of Xingyi Quan. The book connects the written principles preserved by earlier generations with the practical study of the art.

The 388-page volume includes technical explanations, practical guidance, historical context, biographies, footnotes and extensive reference material. It is intended for serious practitioners, teachers and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of traditional Xingyi Quan.

Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One: Foundational Practices – Paperback

Written by fourth-generation master Di Guoyong and translated, co-authored and edited by Byron Jacobs, this 224-page volume introduces the history, lineage and foundational training methods of Liang Style Bagua Zhang.

The book examines the development of Bagua Zhang, the life of Liang Zhenpu and the transmission of the Liang lineage through Li Ziming and Di Guoyong. Its instructional material includes essential practices and a detailed study of the Eight Fixed Posture Palms, supported by illustrations and video references.

This set includes

• One paperback copy of Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit

• One paperback copy of Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One

• A combined total of 612 pages

• English-language text

• Black-and-white interiors

• A discounted combined price

Packed dimensions and weight

• Packed dimensions: approximately 175 × 260 × 50 mm

• Packed weight: approximately 1.2 kg

Shipping

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For multiple sets or additional books, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

This discounted two-book set brings together substantial studies of Xingyi Quan and Liang Style Bagua Zhang, pairing the premium hardcover edition of Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit with the paperback edition of Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One: Foundational Practices.

Together, the books provide historical research, translated source material, traditional theory and detailed guidance for foundational practice.

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit – Hardcover

By Byron Jacobs, Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit presents translations, analysis and extensive commentary on the classical texts of Xingyi Quan. The book connects the written principles preserved by earlier generations with the practical study of the art.

The 388-page volume includes technical explanations, practical guidance, historical context, biographies, footnotes and extensive reference material. This premium edition features a gold-embossed, linen-wrapped hard cover, thread-sewn binding and a protective dust jacket.

Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One: Foundational Practices – Paperback

Written by fourth-generation master Di Guoyong and translated, co-authored and edited by Byron Jacobs, this 224-page volume introduces the history, lineage and foundational training methods of Liang Style Bagua Zhang.

The book examines the development of Bagua Zhang, the life of Liang Zhenpu and the transmission of the Liang lineage through Li Ziming and Di Guoyong. Its instructional material includes essential practices and a detailed study of the Eight Fixed Posture Palms, supported by illustrations and video references.

This set includes

• One hardcover copy of Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit

• One paperback copy of Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One

• A combined total of 612 pages

• English-language text

• Black-and-white interiors

• A discounted combined price

Packed dimensions and weight

• Packed dimensions: approximately 175 × 260 × 65 mm

• Packed weight: approximately 1.5 kg

Shipping

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For multiple sets or additional books, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

This discounted hardcover set pairs an in-depth reference work on traditional Xingyi Quan with a structured journal for recording and evaluating regular practice.

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit provides the historical, theoretical and technical material, while The Xingyi Notebook helps practitioners apply a consistent process of observation, reflection and review to their own training.

Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit – Hardcover

By Byron Jacobs, Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit presents translations, analysis and extensive commentary on the classical texts of Xingyi Quan. The book connects the principles preserved by earlier generations with the practical study of the art.

The 388-page volume includes technical explanations, practical guidance, historical context, biographies, footnotes and extensive reference material. This premium edition features a gold-embossed, linen-wrapped hard cover, thread-sewn binding and a protective dust jacket.

The Xingyi Notebook – Hardcover Training Journal

The Xingyi Notebook is a purpose-designed martial arts journal containing 94 structured training logs. Each log provides space for session information and technical notes, followed by questions and metrics for post-training reflection.

The 200-page journal can be used for solo practice, instructed classes and partner training. It features Xingyi Quan imagery, an embossed PU leather hard cover and an elastic closure.

This set includes

• One hardcover copy of Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit

• One hardcover copy of The Xingyi Notebook

• A combined total of 588 pages

• 94 structured martial arts training logs

• English-language text

• Black-and-white interiors

• A discounted combined price

Shipping

If your delivery destination is not available at checkout, please contact us directly. Expedited delivery options such as FedEx may also be arranged on request.

For multiple sets or additional books, contact us before purchasing so that we can confirm the most suitable combined shipping rate.

A combo pack of the book “Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit” (Paperback Edition) and “The Xingyi Notebook”. Purchase together at a discounted price!

For further information on each item, please see the individual listings in our online shop.

NOTE:

Should your country of delivery not display at checkout, please do contact us directly to process your order.

Should you wish to use expedited delivery such as Fedex etc. please do contact us directly to process your order.

Should you want to order more than one copy of the book in a single order, contact us directly to confirm your shipping cost.