If I concentrate while he divides,
I can use my entire strength to attack a fraction of his.
(Sun Tzu)
Chin na
This is the art of seizing the
opponent abruptly and painfully during grappling.
Chin na is intended to break bones, tear muscles/tendons/ligaments and
inflict pain through sudden leverage.
Locks and holds are not used because they require commitment.
Beginners
The
beginners syllabus
starts with chin na principles.
Escaping is more important than striking.
You must learn how to use your whole
body to escape rather than just your arms.
Basic leverage principles, spontaneity, sensitivity, listening, balance,
gravity, options, choices and possibilities are all considered by the
beginner.
Games
Friendly games are played in the class which encourage students to
become familiar with the human body.
Instead of fumbling, the hands become adept at feeling.
You know what you are
touching without looking, and you know the leverage possibilities
without inflicting harm.
Sensitivity
Chin na cannot be used
forcefully; it is a subtle skill.
No sane person would allow you to break their arm, so you must become very
sly and spontaneous.
Brute force,
strength against strength is not
chin na.
Chin na is simply a means by which you extract yourself from an undesirable
situation.
Once free, you can counter-strike or throw your assailant (if required).
Students learn to feel their way out of holds; their bodies soft and
snake-like, rippling like a caterpillar.
Chin na progress
Intermediate-level
students learn how to misplace the bones. These applications are often delivered using
fa jing.
Experienced students consider other chin na topics:
Cavity press
Dividing the muscle
Sealing the breath
Page created 2 May 1999