Changing Times
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An interesting new look for Inside Kung-Fu. I liked the layout for the May issue. As usual I also like the K-1 column and the Jason William McNeil articles are always interesting, in an odd sort of way. What prompted my reply to the May issue is the misinformation posted both on the cover "Is Religion Turning Away Students?" and the article's misleading title, "A Dangerous Mix?"

The author would have us believe that public identification with the Christian faith may result in a reduced market. The complete opposite is true. Poll after poll indicates that between 87 and 90 percent of all Americans profess to a belief in God. By identifying your school as "Christian friendly" or "Owned by Christian businessmen" you only increase your market.

In his attempt to portray Christian-themed martial arts in a negative light the author writes, "I found an ad for a martial arts organization that was fairly typical except for the image of an American flag in the corner with the phrase 'In God We Trust.' Incidentally the last 't' in the phrase looked suspiciously like a Christian cross." I designed that ad and the identifiable Christian "t" that the author located for my AIKIA association www.aikia.net. After the ad had run only a few months my organization recorded a 35 percent increase in business! No turning away students here.

At my Karate College summer camp not only do we offer a prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, but we dedicate a special time during the graduation ceremony to military veterans. As the theme music for each branch of the military is played, we invite veterans to come forward and be recognized as American heroes. It is a very emotional time. The dedication is always met by thunderous standing ovations. In the United States of America, God and country go together.

Being a Christian, love of country, practicing loyalty, integrity, devotion and faith are not just admirable personal decisions. The practice also yields increased business and is, in fact, more likely to contribute to the success of the school than any possibility of reducing a market.

Jerry Beasley
Via e-mail

Saving Ourselves

With all respect to Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, meditation itself will not save humanity. Being a Christian, I do agree that humanity needs saving. However, I do not believe we can save ourselves without divine intervention.

Despite race, class and culture, every child born on this earth will live in a sin-filled world. Sin is an unavoidable evil human condition. It separates us from the love of a holy God. It is our sins that lead to death and eternal damnation in hell.

In his mercy and grace, God sent his son, Jesus, to suffer and die in our place. We just need to recognize, accept and profess him as God in the flesh. Jesus Christ is our savior. He is the reason that we can have our sins forgiven and be reconciled to God and live with him forever in heaven.

Toni Wilkerson
Bowie, MD

Training the Mind

Before I ask my question, let me say how much I enjoy and benefit from reading Inside Kung-Fu. There was an article in the May '06 issue, "Da Mo's Original Exercises," that contained information about a style I've wanted to learn for a long time.

I am currently in prison and do not have the option to seek out a teacher. All the knowledge I have acquired has been through books. I have lost interest in conventional exercises and my passion for kung-fu has been reignited. Da Mo's exercises will be of great benefit to me. It will keep my body and mind in harmony, but mostly, it will keep me in good health.

I was wondering if you could recommend a beginner's book that will show me "Da Mo's" exercises, such as "the change of the tendons" or "yijinjing," "the marrow washing" or "xisuijing," and the 18 Buddha hands.

In the April '06 issue, you also included an article titled "The Wonder of Chi Gung," which featured 18 lohan hands and the sinew metamorphosis. (Your articles and photos are greatly appreciated and valued, but since I do not have experience with this particular art, I cannot make out the transitions from posture to posture.)

And lastly, your April issue contained an article entitled, "Secrets of the Long Pole." Can you recommend a beginner's book on the long pole?

Phong Leong
San Luis Obispo, CA

The article "Da Mo's Original Exercises" was taken from grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit's book "The Complete Book of Shaolin." A copy is on the way, courtesy of Inside Kung-Fu. For more information on the long pole, you can contact the author, Mat P. Marinas Sr., at

-Ed.