Wu Jing Qi Shu (武經七書) – China’s Seven Military Classics
You may be wondering why I am writing a martial arts post on China’s Seven Military Classics. The reason is an essential one because the fighting principles of Chinese martial arts derive largely from these classic works; every serious martial arts student should study these works. They will help develop strategic thinking.
The Wu Jing Qi Shu or Seven Military Classics span many centuries and encompass many volumes of Chinese military strategy that expound on both military theory and war tactics. Since it is beyond the scope of this post to elaborate on volumes of information that can be obtained by purchasing books on each of Seven Military Classics, I will limit this post to brief commentaries based on points I grasped from these works. These classics are listed here chronologically:
Six Secret Teachings (六韜) – Liu Tao
Attributed to Qi Taigong (Grand Duke of Qi), the Six Secret Teachings derives its name from its six chapters. This classic is also known as Qi Taigong Liu Tao (齊太公六韜) or Qi Taigong’s Six Strategies. It is written in the form of questions and answers between Taigong and King Wen and King Wu of the Western Zhou Period (1112 – 771 B.C.). Historians have surmised that many of the strategies proposed in the book were unknown during the Western Zhou Period and are more in line with those that appeared during the Three Kingdoms Period. Hence, it is likely that the book was composed much later. Nonetheless, Qi Taigong is regarded as one of the early great military thinkers and strategists of ancient China.
Methods of Sima (司馬法) – Sima Fa
Accredited to Tian Tangju, the Minister of War of the State of Qi, Sima Fa was written during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period (772 B.C. – 221 B.C.). The original work seems to have been lost and only five of 155 chapters have survived. Military historians believe that the work is a collection of various ancient military treatises. This book is difficult to find in the English language. I was able to obtain the five chapters of Sima Fa through Chinese sources. I found only a few passages to be useful.
Sun Zi’s Art of War (孫子兵法) – Sun Zi Bing Fa
The most famous and widespread of the Seven Military Classics is no doubt Sun Zi’s Art of War. This work has for centuries been referenced for military strategies, and in modern times, as a guidepost for conducting business and leading corporations. Consisting of Thirteen Chapters, this military classic was written by Sun Zi during the late Warring States Period (403 – 221 B.C). While the book covers many topics, from a martial artis perspective I found the chapters on the Strategy of Attack, the chapter on Virtual and Real, and the chapter on Changes to be especially significant. This was the first book in my collection of China’s Seven Military Classics, and it heightened my interest in researching other ancient military works.
Wu Zi’s Art of War (吳子兵法) – Wu Zi Bing Fa
Another classic, considered on a par with Sun Zi’s art of War, is Wu Zi’s Art of War. Consisting ofabout 5000 words, this military treatise was written by Wu Qi (吳起) during the Warring States Period (403-221 B.C.). It provides rich content that presents and explains strategic theories. While most of the book deals with overall military strategy such as administering troops through enforcing order, rewards and punishment as well as the ability to combine civil and military skills, there are valuable nuggets that can be implemented in martial arts strategy. These include Combining Hardness with Flexibility, Assessing the Enemy’s Strengths and Weaknesses, and Seizing the Right Opportunity to Attack.
The Wei Liao Zi (尉繚子)
The Wei Liao Zi is an important military classic credited to Wei Liao. It was written during the Warring States Period (403-221 B.C.). There are some disputes as to the number of chapters in the original work, but the consensus is that it contained 24 chapters. I have not been able to find an English-language copy of the book, but I have obtained the content of the 24 chapters through Chinese sources. The bulk of this classic deals with military administration as well as the politics and conduct of war. I found the chapter on Attack Power to contain several vignettes that I believe are applicable to martial arts strategy.
Three Strategies (三略)– San Lue
Huang Shigong lived during the late Qin (221-207 B.C.) and early Han Dynasties (206 B.C. – 24 A.D.). The San Lue or Three Strategies attributed to him was originally called Huang Shigong San Lue (黃石公三略)or Three Strategies of Huang Shigong. This is regarded as the first military classic to focus on both political and military strategy. Since political and military strategy are often intertwined, this book is worth reading. While it can certainly expand strategic thinking, it is not one of my favorites as far as deriving strategy that is applicable to martial arts.
It is interesting to note that the Daoists included Huang Shigong in the Patheon of the Daoist Immortals.
Questions and Answers between Emperor Tang Tai Zong and Li Weigong (唐太宗李衛公問對) – Tang Tai Zong Li Weigong Wen Dui
Questions and Answers between Emperor Tang Tai Zong and Li Weigong is a famous military classic that records the questions of Emperor Tai Zong of the Tang Dynasty and Li Jing, who was a famous military strategist who lived during the late Sui and early Tang Dynasty (circa 571-649 A.D.). The work contains 98 questions and answers. Many questions revolve around the earlier military texts. While the work is famous in China, I was able to find only one copy in the English language. It is worthwhile reading, but it is not one of my favorites.
Thirty-Six Stratagems (三十六計) – San Shi Liu Ji
While not part of Ancient China’s Seven Military Classics, the Thirty-Six Stratagems is one of my favorite books. Many of the strategies are based on applying the Yi Jing, The Book of Changes. I find most of the strategies in the book to be applicable in martial arts and I feel that it is appropriate to mention this military classic here.
Note: Personally, I don’t like military classics with author’s commentary. I prefer to elaborate on the original writing and deduce my own interpretation. While many of these classics are now used effectively in strategizing global business, I am a purist in the sense of sticking to the source. These texts are still widely used worldwide in military circles.