Written by the author: This guide is written by Sifu Kendra Mahon (Kung Fu Kendra), who wrote this book. It describes what the book covers and who it suits. It is not an independent review.
At a glance
- Series: Masters of Kung Fu, Book 4
- Type: Biography of Huo Yuanjia with life lessons, workbooks and a group guide
- Formats: Kindle and paperback (coming soon)
- Best for: Readers who want the documented story of Huo Yuanjia and Jingwu (Chin Woo), separated from the films and legend
- Not for: Anyone looking for Mizongquan forms or technique instruction
What the book covers
Part One, The Sickly Child of Jinghai, covers his 1868 birth in Xiaonanhe near Tianjin, his father Huo Endi, the family art Mizong Yi, childhood asthma and jaundice, the traditional stories of secret training and acceptance by his father, the escort trade, and his wife Ms. Wang and their children. Part Two, Tianjin, follows his move to the city around 1896, work as a porter and at the Huaiqing pharmacy, his friendship with Nong Jinsun, the Boxer year (his role is unknown), the Russian strongman challenge of 1901 or 1902 that ended without a fight, and his teaching of outside students such as Liu Zhensheng. Part Three, Shanghai, covers the 1909 Hercules O’Brien challenge and Zhang Garden, the 1910 founding of Jingwu and the debate over who founded it, the reported judo match, and his death on September 14, 1910, with a careful look at the poisoning question and the 1989 arsenic finding. Part Four, The Philosophy, explores weakness into strength, courage while afraid, openness, many styles under one roof, the lost track, health and martial virtue. Part Five, Legend and Legacy, covers Jingwu’s builders and women, the Five Envoys, Sun Yat-sen’s inscription, Xiang Kairan’s novel, the films from Fist of Fury to Fearless, common myths and links to Wing Chun. Extras include a conclusion, a group guide, a timeline, recommended reading and viewing, and a glossary.
Who should read it
- Newcomers to martial arts: no prior knowledge is needed, and a short introduction explains Mizongquan and the northern martial arts.
- Martial artists of every style: including Jingwu and Chin Woo members, Mizongquan practitioners and Wing Chun students curious about the link through Bruce Lee and Jingwu.
- Film fans: readers of Fist of Fury, Fist of Legend and Fearless who want to know which scenes are invented.
- Readers starting from weakness: anyone who feels weak, anxious or overlooked, and groups who want lessons and workbooks to discuss.
How to use it
Each part makes a natural session, and the book suggests reading one part between weekly meetings. Every one of the 58 chapters ends with a short lesson, and each of the five parts closes with a workbook of reflection questions and a notes prompt. The group guide adds ground rules, discussion questions, a note for teachers and leaders, and a note on professional support. Read it as a biography that separates documented history from legend: the author marks traditional stories, novels and films as such, says where accounts differ, and does not attribute sayings to Huo Yuanjia that cannot be traced to him. It is not a Mizongquan training manual; for the art itself, the book points readers to a qualified Mizongquan teacher or a Jingwu (Chin Woo) association.
A short excerpt
“The real Huo Yuanjia does not need the legend. The famous fights may never have happened, and the mystery of his death may never be solved.”
Where to get it
Huo Yuanjia: The Fearless Master is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback. In the meantime, see Kendra’s other books on her Amazon author page or on Goodreads under Kendra Mahon, and read what students say on the Kung Fu Kendra reviews page. For other Wing Chun books, see our guide to Wing Chun books.
About the author
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, has trained since 2005 and holds Master level (purple sash). She teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. She is the author of 13 books and counting, including the ten-book The Way of Wing Chun series and the Masters of Kung Fu series.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Huo Yuanjia: The Fearless Master?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, a Master level (purple sash) Wing Chun practitioner who has trained since 2005. She teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung.
Did Huo Yuanjia found Jingwu (Chin Woo)?
Not alone. The book explains that historians see Jingwu as created by a group of organizers in Shanghai who hired Huo Yuanjia as its first chief martial arts instructor, and after his death made him its spiritual founder.
Was Huo Yuanjia poisoned?
The book's answer is that we do not know exactly why he died. Arsenic was reportedly found in his bones in 1989, but arsenic was used in traditional medicine and he was seriously ill with lung disease, and the best-documented account, by Chen Gongzhe, points to his lung illness and does not mention poison.
Is it available yet?
It is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback.