Comprehensive Applications in Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles

by Yang Jwing-Ming, James O'Leary (Editor)

Quite a few books have been published on the subject of Chin Na (Qin Na), the proven seizing techniques of Chinese martial arts. However, most books focus on the introduction of techniques themselves, and contain very little or no discussion on application in actual combat situations. This seizing art has thus been confined to stage performances instead of real combat use. Although Dr. Yang has published other Chin Na books, both fundamental and advanced texts, he believes this work is necessary in order to make this art more complete and alive. Therefore, in addition to introducing many new techniques, this book is also laid out according to actual combat scenarios - for example, application of Chin Na when your opponent punches, grabs, kicks or attacks with a knife.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Sports

448 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 1995

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very thorough and comprehensive look into Chin Na, the art of grabbing techniques which specialize in controlling or locking the opponent's joints, muscles, or tendons. Dr. Yang started the book with General Concepts to include theory, different categories, and Qin Na and health. Shaolin Qin Na is divided into six specific actions: Dividing the Muscle/Tendon, Misplacing the Bones, Cavity Press, Grabbing Artery/Qin Channels, Grabbing Tendons, and Sealing the Breath.

The different chapters were techniques focused on Qin Na against bare handed attacks, blocking, kicking, knife attacks, and grabbing (wrist, arm, belt, neck, hair). Each technique that was mentioned had pictures to accompany the lesson.

Overall this was a very comprehensive study on the art of seizing and grabbing by Dr. Yang Jwing-ming. I would recommend anything by this author to further your working knowledge of Chinese martial arts. Thanks!

[Alain Burrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts For All Styles" by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is literally an encyclopedia of Shaolin Chin Na techniques. It's over 400 pages and contains over 1,500 photographs and illustrations. Written by Dr. Yang, a Chin Na expert with more than thirty years experience in the Chinese martial arts, this text is a fantastic resource for anyone who practices joint locking, or Chin Na, arts. (Please note, that even though Chin Na is used in the title of the book, the romanization of Qin Na is used in the text.)

The techniques are divided into categories, with different chapters for each. After the preliminary matter, which includes two Forewords and a Preface by the author, these are the main chapters: 1. General Concepts. 2. Qin Na Against Barehand Attacks. 3. Qin Na Against Blocking. 4. Qin Na Against Kicking. 5. Qin Na Against Knife Attacks. 6. Qin Na Against Grabbing. 7. Offensive Qin Na Techniques. 8. Conclusion. Appendix A. Names of Qin Na Techniques. Appendix B. Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms.

This isn't necessarily a book you will sit down and read cover to cover, unless like me you are reviewing the book, or if you just want to get an understanding of what all it contains. Once read through, you can then go back and use the books much like an encyclopedia to review certain techniques or concepts you wish to train in.

If you are completely new to these kinds of techniques, it will be difficult to learn them all just from this book. That can be said with any book on the topic. Chin Na, or joint locking techniques, are difficult to learn from a book because of there dynamic nature and sometimes complex movements that would take way too many pictures to illustrate completely. (Obviously, some techniques are easier to show with pictures than others.) However, if you have a joint locking background, you will be able to pick up the techniques easier because you will be able to fill in the blanks. In that regard, you will most likely be able to learn some variations of things you may already know, I sure did.

Also, if you are learning from a competent instructor, or have Dr. Yang's excellent DVDs on the topic, this book is a handy reference to help you remember what you have learned from the other medium or from an instructor. Many of the techniques found in this book are contained in Dr. Yang's DVDs and the combination of text and video make excellent resources. For me, this really is a reference with some excellent instruction and points on the techniques, rather than a do-it-yourself learn Chin Na from a book. (which I'm sure most instructors would agree, would be very difficult)

Additionally, as an encyclopedia of techniques, you will find some more applicable in self-defense situations than others. I've even heard Dr. Yang say that for self-defense you only need to know a few techniques well, but as an instructor, he wants to pass on the entire art he's learned. I feel the same way. I teach the entire Hapkido curriculum as I learned it in Korea and elsewhere, even though some of the techniques are not ones I would choose in a real altercation, and I even let my students know that. Dr. Yang does the same thing. He is passing on all of his knowledge through his books and DVDs, and I greatly appreciate that.

Overall, I think this is an outstanding addition to anyone's martial art library if they practice joint locking, regardless if it is Chinese Chin Na, Korean Hapkido, Japanese Aikido or Jujitsu, or any other style. A great resource!

[Derek Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sickest martial arts book ever written. Detailed explanations of dangerous moves that displace an opponent's joints and tendons and feature misleadingly benign and poetic traditional names such as "Two Children Worship the Buddha" and "Old Man Carries the Fish on his Back". If you have some experience in martial arts such as Shaolin, Tai Chi or any grappling art this is a useful manual of self defense moves. Dr. Yang's books are excellent as well for their detailed photographs and the lines of force and movement drawn in so you can clearly see how to perform the move yourself.

[WIZE FOoL · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyoneworking joint locks, this is a great book!
The photos make it clear how the lock should be applied.
The explination just add to it.
If he had just added the energy work from the Tai Chi joint locks, even as a additional note, it would have saved having to create the other book. (but i guess thats the point, but who doesn't like buying more books!)
Yet even without that, it's still a great book that will inspire and add to your repertoire of locks.
Enjoy.

[Ryan Zielke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be my most used reference book for my Martial Arts studies. With proper foot work and technique I have been a able to break down structures of my opponents employing techniques found in this book. I would only suggest this book for people that are great with footwork skills because without good footwork most of these techniques won't be as effective without proper positioning. That being said these technique are effective, so much so that the idea of just thinking about using them in self defense would probably not be a morally good idea as it would tear up your opponent and the reason most schools probably don't teach Chin Na.

[wally · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was okay!

[Jim Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible for all martial artists interested in joint locking, restraint and throwing.

[Kennon]

You can't go wrong by reading a Yang Jwing Ming book. this is a great book on Chin Na.