This book is a glossy, full color collection of philosophy and exercises that (apparently) Shaolin Monks do. It will not teach you self-defense and only focuses on calisthenics. That would be fine in most cases; however, this book is big, sprawling, and confusing. It is not for beginners. Many of these are exercises are difficult and unorganized. You don't know which to do, and how much, and which would be suitable for your body type. This book is more to satisfy your curiosity about ancient kung-fu than something of a sensible guide to exercise(s). 28 days to transforming your body, it says... Yeah, but how?