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    Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan
    Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan
    Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan
    Ebook1,158 pages3 hours

    Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan

    By Jwing-Ming Yang

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    Chin Na is the art of seizing and controlling, and is an element of all Chinese martial arts including Taijiquan.

    Today, most people practice Taijiquan to maintain health or cure sickness. For the last fifty years the martial aspects of Taijiquan have been ignored, and the art is now incomplete. Most practitioners no longer understand the martial applications of Taijiquan, or even that it is a martial art. For example, the concept and training methods of Taiji Jin (or Taiji martial power), and how to apply internal Qi in the martial arts have become an unfamiliar subject in Taiji societies today. As a result, actual martial applications of Jin and Qi, such as Chin Na or Cavity Strikes, are currently not popularly known or studied.

    To preserve Taiji's martial aspect, this book presents 85 Taiji Chin Na (Qin Na), the art of controlling an opponent through joint locks and cavity strikes.

    Taiji Chin Na is one of the four main martial training categories of Taijiquan (the other three categories are striking, kicking, and wrestling/downing the opponent). Of all these four, Chin Na is the most effective, practical, powerful, and easiest to learn. Once you have mastered Taiji Chin Na, you will be able to apply the theory and techniques to any other martial style you practice. If you are a Taiji beginner, Taiji Chin Na could offer you a key to enter the door of martial Taiji.

    • Chin Na is effective, powerful and easy to learn.
    • Includes Chin Na techniques from the Taiji forms and Taiji Pushing Hands.
    • The theory and techniques can be applied to any Taiji style.
    • This book contains detailed instructions and over 500 photos and drawings so you can teach yourself.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherYMAA Publication Center
    Release dateOct 1, 2014
    ISBN9781594393082
    Tai Chi Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Tai Chi Chuan
    Author

    Jwing-Ming Yang

    Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Gongfu training at the age of 15 under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. With the same master he also studied Qin Na, Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment. At the age of 16, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan under Master Kao, Tao. Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi, an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu. After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong. Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane, Shaolin Long Fist, and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience.

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      Book preview

      Tai Chi Chin Na - Jwing-Ming Yang

      DR.YANG, JWING-MING

      Tai Chi Chin Na

      THE SEIZING ART OF TAI CHI CHUAN

      YMAA Publication Center, Inc.

      Wolfeboro, NH USA

      YMAA Publication Center, Inc.

      PO Box 480

      Wolfeboro, NH 03894

      800 669-8892 • www.ymaa.com • [email protected]

      ISBN: 9781594393075 (print edition) • 9781594393082 (ebook edition)

      All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

      Second edition copyright ©1995, 2014 by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

      Cover design and anatomy image enhancements by Axie Breen

      Copyedit by Dolores Sparrow and T. G. LaFredo

      Caption editing by Leslie Takao

      Proofreading by Sara Scanlon

      Index by Dolores Sparrow

      Photos by YMAA unless noted otherwise, Ramel Rones was the photograph model.

      This book has been typeset in Adobe Garamond and Trade Gothic and printed on #60 FSC Husky Offset.

      Original anatomy images copyright ©1994 by TechPool Studios Corp. USA, 1463 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland, OH 44121.

      Publisher’s Cataloging in Publication

      Yang, Jwing-Ming, 1946-

      Tai chi chin na : the seizing art of tai chi chuan / Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. – 2nd ed. – Wolfeboro, NH USA : YMAA Publication Center, [2014]

      pages ; cm.

      ISBN: 978-1-59439-307-5 (print) ; 978-1-59439-308-2 (ebook)

      Revised edition of: Taiji chin na (qin na). YMAA, c1995.

      Includes bibliography and index.

      Summary: Tai chi chin na will help you include martial art grappling skills in your tai chi training. This book provides a solid and practical approach to learning specific techniques that low from each movement, the proper hand forms to use when striking or pressing cavities, and the locations for targeting cavities on the body.–Publisher.

      1. Tai chi. 2. Martial arts–Training. 3. Hand-to-hand ighting, Oriental–Training. 4. Self-defense. 5. Kung fu. 6. Qi gong. 7. Martial arts–Psychological aspects. I. Title. II. Taiji chin na (qin na).

      The practice, treatments, and methods described in this book should not be used as an alternative to professional medical diagnosis or treatment. The author and the publisher of this book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury or negative effects that may occur through following the instructions and advice contained herein.

      It is recommended that before beginning any treatment or exercise program, you consult your medical professional to determine whether you should undertake this course of practice.

      Warning: While self-defense is legal, fighting is illegal. If you don’t know the difference, you’ll go to jail because you aren’t defending yourself. You are fighting—or worse. Readers are encouraged to be aware of all appropriate local and national laws relating to self-defense, reasonable force, and the use of weaponry, and to act in accordance with all applicable laws at all times. Understand that while legal definitions and interpretations are generally uniform, there are small—but very important—differences from state to state and even city to city. To stay out of jail, you need to know these differences. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book.

      Nothing in this document constitutes a legal opinion, nor should any of its contents be treated as such. While the author believes everything herein is accurate, any questions regarding specific self-defense situations, legal liability, and/or interpretation of federal, state, or local laws should always be addressed by an attorney at law.

      When it comes to martial arts, self-defense, and related topics, no text, no matter how well written, can substitute for professional hands-on instruction. These materials should be used for academic study only.

      This ebook contains Chinese translations of many terms and may not display properly on all e-reader devices. You may need to adjust your Publisher Font Default setting.

      Table of Contents

      Foreword by Grandmaster Li, Mao-Ching

      Foreword by Grandmaster Jou, Tsung-Hwa

      Foreword by Master Liang, Shou-Yu

      Preface by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

      CHAPTER 1. General Concepts

      1-1. Introduction

      1-2. Qin Na Categories and Theory

      1-3. Different Levels of Qin Na Techniques

      1-4. Qin Na and Health

      1-5. Differences between Shaolin Qin Na and Taiji Qin Na

      1-6. About this Book

      References

      CHAPTER 2. Basic Taiji Theory

      2-1. Introduction

      2-2. The Three Different Fighting Ranges and Circles

      2-3. The Thirteen Postures

      2-4. Yi, Qi, and Action

      References

      CHAPTER 3. Qin Na in Peng, Lu, Ji, and An

      3-1. Introduction

      3-2. Qin Na in Peng

      3-3. Qin Na in Lu

      3-4. Qin Na in Ji

      3-5. Qin Na in An

      CHAPTER 4. Qin Na in Cai, Lie, Zhou, and Kao

      4-1. Introduction

      4-2. Qin Na in Cai

      4-3. Qin Na in Lie

      4-4. Qin Na in Zhou

      4-5. Qin Na in Kao

      CHAPTER 5: Qin Na Applications in Taijiquan Postures

      5-1. Introduction

      5-2. Hand Forms for Cavity Press

      5-3. Qin Na and Cavity Press in Taiji Postures

      CHAPTER 6. Qin Na in Taiji Pushing Hands

      6-1. Introduction

      6-2. Qin Na in Taiji Pushing Hands

      CHAPTER 7. Conclusion

      Acknowledgements

      Dedication

      Appendix A: Names of Qin Na Techniques

      Appendix B: Translation of Thirty-Seven Postures

      Appendix C: Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms

      Editorial Notes

      About the Author

      Index

      Foreword by Grandmaster Li, Mao-Ching

      The origin of taiji (太極) is misty and turbid; we call it wuji (無極) (no extremity). When it is extremely calm, it appears condensed and peaceful externally. However, concealed within it there exists both yin (陰) and yang (陽). These two, yin and yang, mutually transport, vary, advance, and withdraw. Consequently, there is neither void nor defect. The name we give to this hidden movement of yin and yang is taiji.

      Application of this theory to two-person taiji pushing hands practice reveals the same twin virtues of yin and yang. You and your partner mutually harmonize and coordinate with each other, and thereby improve both your own and each other’s health. Taiji is used not only for defensive purposes. It says in the Yi Jing, or Book of Changes (易經), that the [hidden] beginning of the misty origin [i.e., wuji] is called taiji. From the nourishment of the two poles [i.e., yin and yang], ten thousand objects were born.l

      The word taiji was first seen in the Yi Jing. Though the word taiji was also mentioned in the Han Book, it recognized that this word originated from the Yi Jing. In the Yi Jing, it says, Taiji is the key which dominates the generations and variations. [It] is the mother of the million objects between heaven and earth. [If we] trace the beginning of the world, it is certain that it originated from this—the sole misty qi. It also says, Taiji, the master of the qi, is the order [i.e., rule] and the great foundation of the generations and variations is the origin of the sole qi. Therefore, it is called ‘the grand ultimate.’ Fu Xi saw taiji as the dawn of the day. It is the mother of the beginning. The origin of the million [objects] and the source of the sole qi, therefore, is called ‘grand ultimate,’ [which is] able to generate, originate, and transport without stop.², ³

      It is said, Knowing the origin, it is easy to figure out the root. Consequently, it is easy to explore the branches and leaves.⁴ Therefore, the ultimate holy man (Confucius) said, The gentleman keeps the origin. When the origin is firmly established, the Dao can then be begotten.⁵ This is to encourage people. It means that the importance of education is in its origin. Taiji is the mother of the million objects between heaven and earth. This origin from taiji begets countless generations. All of these vary from the sole qi. That is why heaven and earth also reside within taiji and are able to move ceaselessly. The birth of taiji is the origin of the beginning. When this origin is applied to humanity, it is called original qi.

      The million objects originated from original qi. It then derived into yin and yang, and followed with the four natural variations of the seasons. From this, we can see that qi is the mother of the million objects. Therefore, when a human wishes to strengthen the body, he must first regulate the qi. If the qi is smooth and uniform, then the foundation of health can be established. This is the real meaning of variation in taiji.

      Among the five internal yin organs in the human body, the kidneys acquire the prebirth qi. This prebirth qi is also called original qi or the real qi. The stomach area (middle dan tian) stores the postbirth qi. In order to establish smooth and uniform qi, a healthy condition of the kidneys and stomach is the main goal of qigong practice.

      Externally, you should train the fist techniques, and internally you should cultivate and regulate the qi to nourish life. When qi is circulated smoothly, then the muscles/tendons (physical body) will be comfortable and the blood circulation can be free. Naturally, hundreds of sicknesses will not occur.

      When we apply taiji into the origins of humanity, it is like a miniature heaven and earth. Before it is discriminated, it is calmness. Once it is divided, then yin and yang are discriminated (i.e., male and female). When this yin and yang are manifest in this world, the four seasons are derived and the five elements of qi are generated. These five qi are metal, wood, water, fire, and dust. When these five qi are applied to humanity, they correspond to the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen, which are the five yin internal organs. These five qi can also be applied to the east, west, south, north, and center.

      The five elements have natural patterns of mutual generation and conquest following yin and yang theory. From the patterns of the five elements and the theory of yin and yang, millions of lives are derived and endure. When these patterns and theories are applied to the human body, it can become very strong. Among all of the Chinese martial arts, taijiquan holds the first place, for it carries these five patterns and yin and yang theory. Therefore, a taijiquan practitioner’s ability to reach a profound level depends on how much he is able to ponder and understand the above theory.

      When taijiquan is practiced, it is as soft as the falling leaves blown by autumn wind. But internally, it is storing the yang and can assume shape as a sharp sword that is able to cut the vine and branches easily. The theory is simple, because you must know how to be relaxed, and then be able to tense at the correct instant. When you are relaxed, your mind is calm, neutral, and empty, until you feel you are transparent and invisible. It is like clouds at dawn or dusk, peaceful, calm, and utterly still. Once the stored jing is manifested, it is like a hurricane whirlwind, fast and powerful.

      If a taijiquan practitioner understands the theory of yin and yang, and the mutual relations of the five elements, then he can be calm and round. He can also be strong internally, and manifest strength externally. Naturally, the means of reaching this goal are through ceaseless study and practice.

      When taijiquan is applied externally, it is manifested into the four fighting categories: kicking (ti, 踢), striking (da, 打), wrestling (shuai, 摔), and seize and control (na, 拿). This book will introduce the applications of qin na in taijiquan.

      The two words qin na were first used by the Zejiang Police Academy before World War II, in 1937. At that time, the principal of this academy, Mr. Zhao, Long-wen (趙龍文) was known as an excellent scholar. He was also a lover and promoter of the Chinese martial arts. At that time, all of the students, male or female, were required to learn and practice qin na, wrestling, and defense against both the dagger and the gun. The teacher was Mr. Han, Ching-tang (韓慶堂), and the assistants were Mrs. Jiang, Tang-zhu (江溏珠) and her husband. Mrs. Jiang was the daughter of a well-known retired Qing martial officer at that time. Later, Mr. Han’s martial arts brother, Mr. Liu, Jin-sheng (劉錦昇), was also appointed as a coach, in order to satisfy the great demand for teaching. When they had time, they got together and mutually studied the techniques of dividing the muscle/tendon and misplacing the bone (分筋搓骨手法). If they felt less than smooth or had difficulty, they would ask for the answer from Mrs. Jiang’s father. From these efforts, they compiled a complete record of the postures used both in solo practice and also in mutual matching qin na. This compilation was then named the Police Qin Na Applications (分筋搓骨手法), or simply Qin Na Techniques (擒拿術). All of this history has been recounted in Dr. Yang’s book Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na. I will not repeat it here. I will only conclude this foreword with some of the important points for qin na applications, and the requirements of success. This will enable you to reach a stage of applying the techniques as you wish (順心應手) and achieve effective control of your opponent. From my accumulation of more than fifty years of martial arts experience, I understand that a practitioner must have a firm foundation in Chinese gongfu. Only then can he unify body and hands. Under these conditions, his legs will be able to coordinate the techniques naturally and smoothly. This is the key to winning and making the techniques effective.

      Qin na and taiji have close relations that cannot be separated. When qin na is applied into the eight trigrams derived from taiji, it occupies the word thunder (雷). This has the meaning of thunder in the eight trigrams. Among all taijiquan techniques, pluck (cai, 採), pulling (le, 捋), capture (lu, 擄), press down (an, 按), elbow (zhou, 肘), and bump (kao, 靠) are commonly adopted in qin na. When qin na is applied in taijiquan, the defensive theory remains the same, using the soft against the hard. The only difference is that once qin na is used to lock the opponent in position, the final control must be firm and hard. Though the result is different, the original theory remains the same.

      When a practitioner learns Chinese gongfu (which implies external styles) and has a strong foundation, then he will be able to unify the hands, eyes (i.e., reaction), body (i.e., movements), techniques, and stepping (手、眼、身、法、步). This will let you reach a stage of emitting power from the hands with speed like thunder, which does not allow anyone time to cover his ears. You attack the opponent without his expectation or preparation. In addition, you will be able to maneuver your strategies and vary your plan as you wish. In this case, you will have an advantage in catching the right timing and emitting your thunder strength. But remember: Once you are delayed, you will have lost the opportunity. In taiji, it is said, One movement, ten thousand variations.

      Again, I am very happy to hear that Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming has completed this book, Tai Chi Chin Na, to share his knowledge with the public. I am so delighted that I have summarized the lessons and experience I have accumulated from my teacher about qin na. This can be used for your reference.

      Li, Mao-Ching (李茂清)

      Research Member

      Guoshu Promoting Committee

      Republic of China

      February 15, 1995

      References

      1.易: 渾元之始，是曰太極。二象所資，萬品之所生。 (孔子家語)

      2.易註: 太極者，主生化之樞，為天地萬物之母，而溯世界之初始，則 固來 固來之，渾然一氣也。 ; 太極者，氣之主宰，其生化之序，生成 變化之大本，一氣之源也，故曰太極。 ; 伏羲之一晝，即太極， 為一體，是太初之母，萬有之宗，一氣之源，故曰太極，能生，有始， 運行不息。 (伏羲)

      3. Fu Xi was the Chinese emperor during the legendary period (2852–2737 BC).

      4.易經: 所謂知其源，則流易測得其本，則枝葉易探。

      5.聖曰: 君子務本，本立而道生。

      Foreword by Grandmaster Jou, Tsung-Hwa

      After finishing this book, Master Yang, Jwing-Ming shared it with me. I feel that this book is of great quality and I would like to offer some words about it.

      First of all, this book is written by a very credible author, because Dr. Yang has a very high level of education in the Chinese martial arts. Most Chinese martial artists only have a background in either theory or practice, but Dr. Yang has a solid background in both. He also has a high level of Western education, having graduated with a PhD from Purdue University. He exhibits a fervent desire to share the wonders of Chinese martial arts with westerners, and his broad background in both Eastern and Western knowledge makes him a fine teacher.

      Traditional chin na (qin na) books are mostly theoretical in nature, which makes learning from them difficult and incomplete. But because Dr. Yang makes such explicit use of pictures to show the techniques of chin na step by step, this book serves very well as a self-teaching guide. Also, because of his popular YMAA schools, and his many worldwide workshops, this book makes a fine lesson accompaniment as well, especially for those who find it otherwise difficult to learn by books alone.

      I am sure readers will find this chin na book informative as well as interesting.

      Jou, Tsung-Hwa (周宗樺)

      (July 13, 1917–August 3, 1998)

      January 12, 1995

      Foreword by Master Liang, Shou-Yu

      I am very happy to see this book, Tai Chi Chin Na, available in publication. This again is a great contribution made by Dr. Yang to the world martial arts society. He has constantly introduced and contributed the knowledge he has obtained from Chinese culture and from his personal intelligent study and research. This kind of spirit is precious and difficult to find.

      The contents of taijiquan are very wide and profound. People always know that taiji can maintain health, strengthen the physical and qi bodies, relax the mind and spirit, cultivate an individual’s personality, and regulate the emotional and wisdom minds. However, many people are not aware that it can also offer a practitioner a great foundation for self-defense. From the drills of pushing hands and taiji sparring, a practitioner is able to comprehend the keys of leading jing (yin jing, 引勁), neutralizing jing (hua jing, 化勁), coiling jing (chan jing, 纏勁), emitting jing (fa jing, 發勁), understanding jing (dong jing, 懂勁), and many other skills for using the soft against the hard.

      To Chinese martial arts society, taijiquan is a widely accepted martial skill that can be used for health and self-defense. It contains the four required fighting skills and categories: kicking (ti, 踢), striking (da, 打), wrestling (shuai, 摔), and qin na (na, 拿). This book, Tai Chi Chin Na, introduces the correct and accurate qin na applications and tricks that can be used in the taiji eight basic technical patterns or jing: wardoff (peng, q), rollback (lu, w), press or squeeze (ji, 擠), press or push down (an, 按), pluck (cai, 採), rend or split (lie, e), elbow (zhou, 肘), and lean or press against (kao, 靠). This book also introduces the qin na applications that can be applied from the thirty-seven basic taijiquan movements. Although taijiquan develops many qin na skills, there has never been anyone who could compile and introduce them to the general public.

      Dr. Yang has performed deep research in qin na. His knowledge is the widest and the most profound among those qin na experts whom I have known. He has written many other qin na books; all have been widely welcomed and appreciated. He has introduced and shared his many years of personal taiji and qin na experience to Western martial society. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first written book on taiji qin na available in the world. I deeply believe that the publication of this book will enable readers to enhance their understanding of how to apply qin na in taijiquan.

      Liang, Shou-Yu (梁守渝)

      Vancouver, Canada

      December 1, 1994

      Preface by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

      Even though qin na (chin na) has been popularly practiced in Chinese martial arts for hundreds of years, it was not until the 1982 publication of my first qin na book, Shaolin Chin Na, by Unique Publications, that these secret techniques of the Chinese martial arts were widely revealed to the Western world. Since then, this art has grown so rapidly that my book has been translated into several different languages, making its way all over the world in less than ten years.

      Later, due to the tremendous number of requests, I decided to write another volume to discuss qin na theory and techniques in a more in-depth manner. Therefore, the second volume, The Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, was published in 1987 by YMAA. It is beyond my belief that in such a short time, this art has grown so wide and popular that I have to travel to more than thirteen countries around the world at least twice a year to teach this art. I believe that the main reason for this is simply because this art can be adopted easily by almost all martial arts styles and blended into their own techniques. In addition to this, the qin na art has been proven to be one of the most effective defensive techniques, and it can be learned easily, even by a martial arts beginner.

      From my experience teaching seminars, I realize that the hardest aspect of the art is not learning the techniques themselves, but applying those techniques to dynamic situations. Usually, a practitioner can pick up a technique easily and make it effective only when his partner is cooperative. However, as we already know, when you encounter an enemy in real life, his cooperation is unlikely. Any success in executing a technique depends on how accurate, fast, natural, and automatic your reactions are, and the only way to develop skills in these areas is to practice. For this reason, I decided to write my third qin na book, Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na, published by YMAA, 1994, making this seizing and controlling art more complete.

      As is well known in Chinese martial arts society, qin na techniques have been an integral part of every Chinese martial art style. It is not like Japanese jujitsu, which is considered a style in itself. It is my understanding that there is no known qin na style in Chinese martial arts. The reason for this is very simple. It is well known that there are four main fighting categories in every Chinese martial style. These four categories are striking by hands (da, 打), kicking with legs (ti, 踢), wrestling (shuai, 摔), and seize and control (na, 拿). It is also a fact that a substantial portion of Japanese culture was imported from China, beginning in the Chinese Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 221). It is further believed that the martial techniques that exist in Japan have been heavily influenced by the Chinese martial arts. When striking and kicking techniques passed to Japan and became karate styles, Chinese wrestling became judo, and qin na techniques were transformed into the art of jujitsu. Many Japanese martial artists believe that the aikido martial arts were actually developed from the theories of Chinese taijiquan and qin na. From this you can see why qin na is not, in itself, considered a style in China.

      There are also many qin na techniques in taijiquan. In fact, due to the emphasis on sticking and adhering techniques in taijiquan’s close-range fighting strategy, qin na techniques have always been a very important part of the art. In this book, I will try my best to introduce to the reader those qin na techniques that I know can be applied into taijiquan fighting. In truth, many of these techniques actually originated in my White Crane Style. The reason that I can apply White Crane Qin Na into taijiquan easily is very simple. Taijiquan is known as a soft style and White Crane as a soft-hard style. It does not matter externally; the theory behind the soft side of White Crane remains the same as that of taijiquan. Many nonproficient Chinese martial artists believe that if taijiquan is interpreted by another style’s theory or its

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