Lian Bing Shi Ji (A Record of Military Training)
Lian Bing Shi Ji (A Record of Military Training) is a specialized military training manual compiled between 1568 and 1571 by Qi Jiguang, an outstanding Ming Dynasty strategist and famous commander known for resisting Japanese pirates (wokou). Created in response to the decline of the Ming military system and low combat effectiveness, the book systematically outlines a practical training regimen—from individual soldier skills to full-unit coordination—based on Qi Jiguang's firsthand experience fighting pirates in the southeast and defending the northern frontiers. It is not only a key document of Ming military reform but also a rare, detailed classical manual on the organization and training methods of armies in the cold weapon era. It profoundly embodies the pragmatic military philosophy of "training for war, not for show."
Core Philosophy
1. Addressing Contemporary Flaws with Practicality: Distressed by the prevalence of "flashy techniques" (useless martial arts displays) and poor combat readiness in the armies of his time, Qi Jiguang insisted that all training must focus on real battlefield requirements ("as if in actual combat") and eliminate impractical moves.
2. A Systematic Training Philosophy: He advocated for the integrated development of "training courage, training skills, training formations, and training officers," forging soldiers' mental fortitude, individual prowess, tactical coordination, and officers' command abilities as a unified whole.
3. The "Carrot and Stick" Approach to Army Management: He emphasized strict military discipline and absolute obedience to orders while also advocating for caring for the troops and sharing their hardships. Through the practice of his "Qi Family Army," he successfully created a model force known for its strict discipline and formidable combat power.
Content System & Training Methods
The book is divided into nine volumes with extremely detailed and highly actionable content:
1. Soldier Selection & Individual Training: It details criteria for selecting soldiers and outlines progressive training starting from basic military posture and command recognition to mastering the practical techniques of various weapons (like wolf brushes, long spears, rattan shields, and tridents).
2. Tactical Training Centered on the "Mandarin Duck Formation": It systematically explains his innovative "Mandarin Duck Formation" and its derivative squad tactics. Training focuses on the division of labor and cooperation within small teams to maximize the combined effectiveness of long and short weapons for integrated offense and defense.
3. Battalion Formations, Signals & Commands: It details the methods for battalion-level unit deployment, marching, and encampment, as well as how to use flags, gongs, drums, and horns for command and communication in complex environments.
4. Officer Development & Assessment: A dedicated volume on "Training Officers" outlines the virtues, knowledge, and practical skills required of commanders and designs corresponding methods for their development and evaluation.
5. Equipment Management & Logistical Thought: It provides specific regulations for weapon maintenance, ration distribution, and medical care, reflecting an emphasis on comprehensive support capabilities.
Military Value
1. Proven Effectiveness in Combat: The "Qi Family Army," trained according to this manual, achieved an unbroken record of victory in battles against pirates and frontier defense, proving the extreme effectiveness of its training system.
2. A Paradigm Shift in Military Training: It marked a transition in ancient Chinese military training from emphasizing individual martial arts to focusing on organizational discipline and coordinated teamwork—a more modern approach whose influence lasted until the late Qing Dynasty.
3. A Valuable Source for Military-Social History: Its detailed descriptions of the Ming military system, officer-soldier relations, and barrack life provide a unique perspective for studying Ming social history.
4. A Timeless Model of Military Management: Its integrated philosophy of human resource selection, standardized training, organizational culture building, and process management remains deeply insightful for modern organizational management and team building.
In summary, Lian Bing Shi Ji is a great work that translates advanced military thought into replicable, executable plans. It is not only the pinnacle of army building in the cold weapon era but also, with its profound systematicity, practicality, and humanistic concern, serves as a timeless textbook on management and leadership.
1.Is it an official original copy?
This is a compiled digital version of electronic materials, not a traditional physical book.
2.Publisher / ISBN?
This product is compiled electronic content and does not correspond to a single printed ISBN.
3.Is the content complete?
It is a fully compiled version, including core theories and routine explanations (no omissions).
4.Original language or translated?
The original version is in Chinese. You may order your preferred language version; we will include both the original Chinese version and your chosen language version as a bonus.
5.Is it authorized?
Based on traditional Chinese original documents: publicly circulated (no authorization required).
6.Who is it suitable for?
Beginners: suitable for getting started
Those with foundation: can deepen understanding
7.Brand new or second-hand?
E-book (not second-hand, no condition issues).
8.What format is it?
PDF electronic document.
9.Is it high-definition?
High-definition layout, suitable for reading on mobile phones and computers.
10.How many pages?
The complete collection has a total of 264 pages.
11.Why this price?
The content has been organized and summarized (saving a lot of screening time), allowing you to obtain the complete system in one purchase.
12.Are there any discounts?
Yes.
13.Are there any hidden fees?
No extra charges. One-time purchase, lifetime access.
14.How is it delivered?
How long does it take?Automatic delivery / instant download.
15.Is refund supported?
Refund available if not downloaded; not supported if already downloaded.
16.How to ensure the file is intact?
The file has been tested and is identical to the original. Unlimited re-deliveries are supported after one purchase.
17. How can I check if it is the version I want to buy?
You can refer to the product images, which provide previews of the original content. If the previews in the product images do not meet your requirements, you may contact customer service for a more comprehensive sample preview.
18. If I purchase a non-Chinese version, is the entire book translated into my desired language, or only part of it?
Our multilingual versions are full translations of the Chinese original, including translations of relevant image captions. All translated versions are localized naturally in accordance with the language customs of each country.
19. Do these e-books have copyright? Will there be any copyright disputes?
All books we offer are traditional Chinese classics with a history of hundreds or even thousands of years, so there are no copyright disputes whatsoever.
20. Why are your prices so low?
This is because we provide e-books in downloadable PDF format, which greatly reduces various costs, allowing us to offer them at such affordable prices.
