8 New Kung Fu Books Reshaping Martial Arts in 2025

What if everything you knew about martial arts training was viewed through a lens sharpened by decades under a master’s guidance? Eric Oram brings this fresh perspective to Wing Chun Kung Fu, revealing not just fighting techniques but a philosophy that permeates life beyond the dojo. Through detailed illustrations and stories from his apprenticeship under Grandmaster William Cheung, you learn defenses against punches, grabs, and even weapons, while also exploring principles like discipline and humility. This book benefits anyone eager to deepen their martial skills and apply Wing Chun’s strategic mindset to everyday challenges, whether you’re a martial artist or simply seeking personal growth.

Drawing from the rich heritage of Shaolin tradition, Liakaye Lainchard presents a guide that goes beyond physical movements to explore the philosophy and mental discipline behind Kung Fu. You’ll move through foundational stances and forms, gaining practical skills alongside an understanding of Chi and Zen meditation, which are often overlooked in beginner manuals. For example, the chapters on harnessing internal energy provide a unique blend of physical and spiritual training that deepens your practice. This book suits those eager to start their Kung Fu journey with a balanced approach that values personal growth as much as martial prowess.

This tailored Kung Fu book explores customized techniques and drills designed to help you master Kung Fu skills with precision and efficiency. It covers foundational movements and advanced forms, focusing on your specific interests and current skill level to ensure every practice session is meaningful. The book reveals cutting-edge insights from 2025 developments, matching your background and addressing your personal goals for rapid skill gains. Through a personalized approach, it examines emerging research and modern training methods, providing a unique learning experience that keeps you ahead in the evolving landscape of Kung Fu mastery.

Yìchén Chéng explores a lesser-known but captivating branch of Chinese martial arts in this concise work, delving into the art of Drunken Monkey Kung Fu. Drawing from historical roots attributed to Taoist priest Chu Mei Feng, the book breaks down the fluid, deceptive movements that challenge conventional combat techniques, emphasizing balance, agility, and coordination. You’ll gain insight into the unique philosophy behind mimicking an inebriated monkey's erratic motions, alongside practical methods for self-defense and conflict de-escalation. If you’re intrigued by martial arts that blend physicality with mental discipline and appreciate styles that defy orthodox patterns, this book offers a focused glimpse into an art form that’s as much about cultivating spirit as mastering technique.

Drawing from his academic background as a PhD scholar, James J. Counsilman offers a detailed exploration of Xin Yi Liu He Quan through this expanded edition of Ten Animals Kung Fu. You’ll find over 350 photographs illustrating 106 routines and variations, which help translate traditional movements into accessible, visual learning. The inclusion of martial arts poems and prose interspersed throughout adds a thoughtful cultural depth, inviting you to connect not only with technique but also with the philosophy behind the art. This book suits practitioners and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of this specific Kung Fu style, especially those who appreciate a blend of visual guidance and reflective text.

What started as a need for a more structured Kung Fu practice, Sifu Barber crafted this training journal to help martial artists document their progress with clarity and focus. You gain a dedicated space to log techniques, forms, sparring sessions, and meditation, allowing you to track frequency, intensity, and outcomes over time. Beyond just recording, the journal encourages reflection with prompts that deepen your understanding of personal strengths and areas that need improvement, making it suitable whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner. The inclusion of inspirational quotes and artwork ties physical practice to Kung Fu philosophy, enriching your overall journey.

This personalized book explores the evolving landscape of Kung Fu as it stands in 2025, focusing on contemporary principles and recent discoveries that shape practice today. It examines new training techniques, modern interpretations of traditional forms, and emerging philosophies that resonate with your unique interests and skill level. By tailoring content to your background and goals, the book offers a focused learning experience that highlights the most relevant advancements and insights in Kung Fu. This approach ensures you engage deeply with the material that matters most to you, bridging classic wisdom with cutting-edge developments in a way that feels both authentic and forward-looking.

After analyzing historical origins and traditional practices, Sifu Barber found that Monkey Kung Fu offers a distinct martial arts experience rooted deeply in Northern China’s heritage. With over 20 years of martial arts expertise and as the sole disciple of Master Ah Sang, Barber guides you through the foundational concepts, including the symbolic use of six monkeys and the style’s unique movements. This book not only explores the historical context dating back to 1911 but also teaches the basics essential for anyone serious about mastering this distinct form. If you seek to understand or begin training in Monkey Kung Fu specifically, this volume serves as a solid starting point, though it’s less suited for casual readers or those looking for broader martial arts coverage.

During their exploration of Kung Fu's rich legacy, Lian Shou and Michael Rocco developed a nuanced narrative bridging ancient martial arts and modern cultural expression. You’ll find detailed insights into the evolution of Kung Fu as both a physical discipline and a cultural phenomenon, including the art’s philosophy and its influence on pop culture. For example, chapters trace Kung Fu’s transformation from traditional combat techniques to iconic cinematic representations. This book suits those curious about how martial arts reflect broader societal values and anyone interested in the intersection of history, culture, and sport.

Sifu Joel Storm's experience as a martial arts instructor inspired him to create a space for practitioners to chronicle their progress and insights. This journal invites you to systematically document your Kung Fu techniques, thoughts, and personal growth, helping you track the nuances of your training over time. By focusing on mastery as an ongoing journey rather than a fixed endpoint, it benefits both newcomers eager to build solid habits and seasoned martial artists seeking deeper reflection. Specific prompts guide you through capturing technique details, mental focus shifts, and philosophical reflections, making it a practical tool for sustained development.