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 4
- Length: About 48 pages
- Formats: Kindle and paperback
- Best for: Beginners, long-time practitioners returning to the first form, and curious readers
- Not for: Anyone looking for a step-by-step guide to performing the form
What the book covers
Fifteen chapters in five parts. Part One asks why the form begins standing still, unpacks the name “little idea,” and introduces beginner’s mind. Part Two covers the stance and rooting, the centerline, and the alert quality of stillness. Part Three is devoted to the slow section: slowness, breath and attention, the elbow and the hand, and repetition. Part Four covers the release of power, the basic hand shapes as an alphabet, and closing the form. Part Five looks at the form as a daily practice and a foundation that is never left behind. A glossary of terms is included.
Who it suits
- New students wondering why they are standing still and moving one arm so slowly.
- Experienced practitioners who want to bring fresh attention to a form they have done thousands of times.
- Students of any lineage, since the book notes where practice differs and does not take sides.
- Non-practitioners interested in stillness, patience and attention as everyday disciplines.
How to read it alongside training
Take one chapter into each practice session. After the chapter on the slow section, perform it more slowly than usual and note where tension appears. After the chapter on breath and attention, notice how often your mind wanders mid-form and simply bring it back. After the chapter on the elbow, ask your teacher to check your elbow position. Breathing methods and stance details vary between lineages, so follow your own teacher where the book stays general.
A short excerpt
“It takes a few minutes to perform and a lifetime to understand.”
Where to get it
The Philosophy of Siu Lim Tao: Stillness, Beginnings, and the Little Idea 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
Is The Philosophy of Siu Lim Tao a guide to performing the form?
No. It explains what the first form teaches, about fighting and about life. The form itself varies between lineages and should be learned in person from a qualified teacher.
Do I need to practise Wing Chun to read it?
No. The lessons of the first form, such as patience, attention and building a real foundation, apply to anyone learning anything.
Who wrote The Philosophy of Siu Lim Tao?
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 Siu Lim Tao?
On Amazon in Kindle and paperback. It is Book 4 of The Way of Wing Chun, and the books can be read in any order.