Practical Chin Na

by Dai Zhao Yuan and Zhao D. Yun

Yuan Zhao Da, chief martial arts instructor at the Chinese Police Officer Academy in Beijing, China, provides an in-depth and practical introduction to the art of chin na. This work is a must for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0865681759
• ISBN13: 9780865681750
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Unique Publications
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

HOW and WHY of Chin Na Studies

Finally we are seeing a number of well-written martial arts books which deal with the technical aspects of a technique instead of just attempting to demonstrate what a technique looks like (i.e., "this is a front kick..."). Author Zhao Da Yuan, a student of Ba Gua great Li Zi Ming commences with detailed descriptions of how the human body is constructed, and how we move. These are the keys to understanding how Chin Na and virtually every other grappling form works. For the first time in a martial arts book, we have set before us a concrete treatis (rather than the oh-so-popular abstract theory, which conveniently does not require proof!) on patterns of siezing, locking, twisting...and the throws (and possible damage) which result. Zhao Da Yuan discusses Basic Knowledge, Basic Principles, Basic Requirements of posture, Chin Na mechanics, a catalog of Chin Na hand techniques, Mechanics II, Rang of motion of the arms with specific techniques shown, and range of motion with the lower limbs demonstrated with specific techniques. For anyone who is on the path to becoming an accomplished body mechanic and wants to advance their understanding of how to apply pressure point and joint locking techniques, this study guide is a must. One of the most interesting points mentioned by the guide is the fact that virtually all styles of Chinese arts include Chin Na as an advanced study--from specific regional styles to Ba Gua. Chin Na is what is behind so many of the "flowery" looking kung fu techniques which grace many of our forms.Another superb volume similar to this one in structure and explanation is written by the man who translated this book, Tim Cartmell. His volume, "Effortless Combat Throws" is an excellent companion to this one, along With Yang Jwing-ming's "Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na". The key to these simple looking but difficult to execute techniques is knowing how to grab, how to move. No longer do we have to rely on mystical explanations--the knowledge is all here for us to learn should we dedicate ourselved to its thorough study.

Principles, not just techniques

How many martial arts styles teach you techniques without the principles? It is often the case that many styles leave the practitioner to understand the principles through techniques. This is a lengthy process and the conclusions the practitioner reaches are questionnable. This book teaches the principles primarily. It has a superb section on the anatomy and the physiological weaknesses inherent in the human body. It takes the reader through step by step, by principles, not techniques. It requires careful analysis and a great deal of thought from the reader, and thinking and developing oneself is the key to self-expression and understanding. The techniques shown are but examples based around principles, and as stated within the book have infinite combat applications and possibilities. Whether you are new to joint locking and seizing, or experienced, this book must be part of your martial library.

the best book on the subject

This book is the single best book available on Chin Na. It shows the mechanical principles behind effective joint locks, which is something I've never seen before. This book is very detailed and allows you to understand what fundamentals make any joint lock effective. When I mention fundamentals I am talking about the range of motion in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The book also covers fifty different ways to set-up joint locks. These set-ups are usually detailed photos of hooking and seizing motions which you can use to set up any joint lock.

An excellent book to learn the principles behind chin na.

The best book I've seen on chin na. It teaches you the principles behind chin na - physics, body mechanics, set ups, and practical training methods. You learn how the body moves and its limitations and how to apply proper leverage at the optimum angle and with the correct type of force. You come away with a foundation on which you can build technique and with the materials (50 basic techniques plus some additional ones) with which to begin construction. Unlike many martial arts books it does not throw a multitude of techniques at you and leave you struggling to understand how they work. Instead you will first learn to understand principles and then the operation of techniques will easily make sense because you understand the laws of physics and biomechanics that govern all joint locking techniques. Highest reccomendation for someone wanting to learn joint locking techniques.

Clearly and throroughly written - a masterpiece of theory

This book should be on the required reading list for all martial artists, regardless of style. In this fairly slender volume, Mr. Yun covers the majority of the biomechanical principles involved in the complex art of chin-na. Like Sifu Park Bok Nam's excellent texts on Baguazhang, the idea is not to delineate technique but rather to expound on theory and principle - the fundamentals, so to speak, from which technique may be built. For those of you who are looking for a library of chin-na techniques, this is not for you. This book teaches instead the basic principles behind chin-na. What may be derived from this book are not only chin-na techniques but also chin-na escapes and counters. Makes sense to me; if you really understand how something is done, then you also understand how it is undone.This book is a wonderful read on its own, and it is an excellent companion to Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming's multiple compendiums on chin-na.