Effectiveness of Chin na and Shuai jiao

[Lizard]

"I'm suprised nobody has started a thread on the effectivenss of shuai jiao & chin na. I read somewhere that true san da fights in the old days of China where fought with each arts shuai jiao and chin na techniques. Shuai jiao is Chinese wrestling, influenced by the Mongols. Chin na is arguably the father of jiu jitsu, but includes strikes not practiced in jj."

OK. So what are these arts like, what techniques are used and how effective are they in real life self-defense?

[Tom Yum]

OK. Here is some research. I have not studied chin na, nor shuai jiao (if you mispronounce shuai jiao in Chinese, people will think you are talking about dumplings...hehe). Anyone who has please contribute. Thanks.

What is Chin Na?
Chin-Na is the Chinese predecessor to the popular modern Martial Systems such as Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, and Hapkido. Chin-Na is a sub-system within all legitimate forms of the Chinese Martial systems known as Kung Fu. Each Chinese art has its own Chin na, which is used purely for combat or self-defense. For example crane style kung-fu has its own Chin na, which might have variations and differences from tiger style, wing chun or choy lay fut gong fu.

Chin-Na is translated as “seize” (Chin) and “Control” (Na). As the name implies, Chin-Na is the art of subduing and gaining control of an aggressive attacker. Chin-Na makes use of grabbing, pressing, twisting, locking and breaking bones and joints. As well as striking and kicking vital targets and chokes.

Chin Na Techniques
The techniques are introduced in the following categories: Finger, Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder, Waist and Neck. Downing the opponent and leg Chin Na are also included. Chin Na in Ground Fighting focuses on the use of joint locks, cavity presses and bone misplacement to subdue any aggressor. Chin Na is successfully used by the Beijing Peoples Republic Police Force. NOTE TO SELF: People in Beijing are taller and heavier than most Chinese, in fact they are as tall if not taller than we Americans.

Chin Na practicioners train to improve grip strength, forearm toughness, shoulder, back and leg strength as well as timing and reaction.

What is Shuai Jiao?
Since the re-brith of NHB fighting, much interest has been generated lately on the subject of Chinese wrestling. Predecessor to Judo, infused with Mongolian as well as Chinese martial history and technique, Shuai Jiao is an ancient martial practice. Shuai-Jiao is traditional Chinese and Mongolian Wrestling. Genghis Kahns army is reported to have conquered Chinas warlord states using shuai jiao techniques on the battlefield.

Shuai-Jiao is one of the oldest martial arts, predating even Kung Fu. Shuai-Jiao first emerged 700 B.C.. Initially it was quite crude; Contestants wore horned headgear which they attempted to butt their opponents with! (very crude!) A thousand years saw great changes. By 700 A.D. the crude butts had been replaced with sophisticated holds and throws. Wrestling reached such a cultural level that contests were held before the emperor.

Shuai-Jiao Techniques
It is a devastatingly effective fighting art, incorporating limb control (joint locks, bars and twists), chokes, throws, and grappling. Matt Furey, a NCAA II wrestling champion had undertaken the study of shuai jiao in the early 90s. He eventually began competing in Beijing (90kg) and was the first non-Chinese to win a gold medal in any Chinese based martial arts tournament.