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: The Way of Wing Chun, Book 9
- Length: About 48 pages
- Formats: Kindle and paperback
- Best for: Senior students, teachers, practitioners of any lineage, and readers thinking about legacy
- Not for: Anyone looking for knife techniques or knife-defense instruction
What the book covers
Twenty-one chapters in five parts. The first introduces the knives, their two names (Baat Jaam Dao, usually translated as eight cutting knives, and butterfly knives), why they come last, how they echo the empty-hand shapes, and the culture of care around blades. The second covers completion: how the whole system comes together in the form, its footwork, paired-weapon coordination, precision, and a frank chapter on the danger of facing a blade. The third covers legacy and the responsibilities of student and teacher, including Ip Man’s unfinished 1972 recording. The fourth is about letting go: of the need to prove, of students, and of ourselves. The last part describes the return to Siu Lim Tao and looks back over the path of the forms. A glossary is included.
Who it suits
- Senior students at or near the knives who want to understand what the final form is for.
- Teachers and instructors thinking about how and when to pass on the whole of an art.
- Practitioners at any stage who want to see how the forms fit together into one path.
- Readers who have never trained and are finishing something, mentoring someone, or handing on a role.
How to read it alongside training
If you are not yet at the knives, Parts Three to Five still apply directly to how you receive instruction and, later, how you teach. If you are learning the form, the chapters on respect for the blade and precision are worth rereading before sessions, alongside your school’s safety rules. Try the book’s suggestion of returning to Siu Lim Tao with fresh eyes. The book does not teach the form or knife defense, and it says so clearly; learn the form in person from a qualified teacher.
A short excerpt
“Hold the blades with skill. Hold them with care. And when it is time, set them down, and hand them on.”
Where to get it
The Philosophy of the Baat Jaam Dao: Completion, Legacy, and the Art of Letting Go is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback: Kindle and paperback. Find it on Goodreads under Kung Fu Kendra and Kendra Mahon, or 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.
Frequently asked questions
Does The Philosophy of the Baat Jaam Dao teach the butterfly knife form?
No. It describes the knives in general terms and explores what the final form teaches about completion, legacy and letting go. The knife form should be learned from a qualified teacher, as training with blades carries real risk.
Will the book help me defend against a knife?
No. The book is direct that facing an opponent armed with a blade is extremely dangerous for anyone, regardless of training, and that avoiding the confrontation or escaping is the wise response whenever possible.
Who wrote The Philosophy of the Baat Jaam Dao?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra. She has trained since 2005, holds Master level (purple sash), and teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung.
Where can I buy The Philosophy of the Baat Jaam Dao?
On Amazon in Kindle and paperback. It is Book 9 of The Way of Wing Chun, and the books can be read in any order.