Classical kung-fu is an art both fascinating and esoteric, and any venture seeking to capture it, to translate its inherent physicality into a purely written form, is a daunting task. With Five Elements Fist, however, sifu Paul Koh has applied his decades of knowledge and experience to compose a volume that expertly brings to life on the page what a student would typically learn only in person. For anyone without any background in kung-fu, but with an abiding interest in its traditional artistry, philosophy, and fundamental skills, Five Element Fist is an excellent introduction that I could not recommend more strongly. Through more than 100 step-by-step photos, Koh demonstrates how you can discover the secrets of shaolin.