Shaolin Chin Na by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
Mr.Yang Jwing-Ming is a Chinese martial artist who has become well known over the years. He has written numerous books on Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Chang Chuan and more. He currently lives and teaches in the USA.
This book, “Shaolin Chin Na” starts with a basic explanation of “Kung fu” and “Chin Na”. The former is well known where as the latter remains more obscure. The author explains Chin Na as the “seizing” and “controlling” of an opponent. He states four categories:
- Dividing the muscle
- Misplacing the bone
- Sealing the breath or vein
- Cavity press.
A detailed list of the origin of Chin Na is also given.
In the next two chapters, Mr. Yang covers the four categories mentioned above a bit more in depth. He also demonstrates different ways of training stances, hand forms, power and speed training. There is also a brief demonstration of different techniques against several forms of grabbing, called “Neutralization of pressure”.
After this comes a chapter on massage. Mr. Yang reasons that if you are willing to injure somebody, you must also be willing to treat the injury. This is not so much meant in a self-defense situation, but more towards keeping your training partner in good health. I feel there is some truth in this statement. The concept of “Chi” is also explained as well as the theory of massage and its applications.
The bulk of the material, Chin Na techniques, is covered in the next chapter. The author gives two important recommendations towards practitioners, which I find very valuable. [Read more…]
