Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting-The Art of San Shou Kuai Jiao (Throws, Takedowns, & Groundfighting)

by Shou-Yu Liang

Other authorsTai D. Ngo
1997

Library's review

San shou kuai jiao (fast wrestling for fighting) is the Chinese martial art of throws and takedowns. A san shou kuai jiao throw can cause tremendous damage to our opponent while keeping you safely on your feet. For centuries, fighters in China have valued this art for its speed and power. Today,
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China's police and military forces are trained in its techniques.

Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting resents seventy-five throws and takedowns against punches, kicks, and grabs, and demonsstrates basic training methods such as stances, footwork, and strength training. Written by a gold medal winner in Chinese wrestling (Liang), this book is a complete training guide to this powerful martial art.

Throw your opponent to the ground-fast!
Effective for competition and self-defense.
460 action photos detail every technique.
Includes a chapter on groungfighting.

Master Liang, Shou-Yu is one of China's top coaches and a gold medal winner in Chinese wrestling. He is the co-author of Tai Chi Chuan-14 & 48 Forms (YMAA Publication Center), Baguazhang (YMAA Publication Center), and Hsing Yi Chuan (YMAA Publication Center). He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Tai D. Ngo is a two-time Internal Style U.S. Grand Champion and martial arts instructor. A student of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and Master Liang. Mr. Ngo lives in Malden, Massachusetts.

By far the most exhaustive guide to the art of Shuai Jiao (Aka Shuai Chiao) in English. Prior to this volume, there was only a single other work in English on this most practical of wrestling styles ('Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao' by Daniel Weng, who was a student of Chang Tung-sheng's). Authors Liang Shou-yu and Tai Ngo offer a thorough history, in-depth explanation of the theory behind this form of fighting, and important body-toughening exercises. Then they demonstrate a rather complete catalog of techniques from throws and locks to holding and locking on the ground. It will probably come as no surprise to seasoned martial artists who have had the opportunity to watch a Shuai Jiao match that the main differences between this art and others is the speed at which techniques are executed upon a subject (one of the reasons Shuai Jiao body training is sooo tough!).

Prior to this volume, the only exposure most of us (outside China and Taiwan) had to Shuai Jiao were a few scattered articles dealing with the great fighting master, Chang Tung-sheng, who maintained an incredible level of fitness even beyond his '70's! The one point which is neglected in this book is the importance of striking PRIOR to the execution of a Shuai Jiao technique (Chang Tung-sheng's theory). Of course, Author Liang Shou-yu is from Mainland China and not Taiwan, and may simply offer a path which deviates from Chang's known methods.

This book is a vast improvement over other Shuai Chiao books (mostly Chinese language), which limit themselves to a few illustrations. The editors and authors have teamed up to make sure the photographs convey correct direction and motion. A sequel dealing with either competitive Shuai Jiao or advanced applications (striking locking & throwing) would be most welcome. What a pity this magnificent art isn't more widely known and taught outside of China. -C.J. Hardman

These throws aren't the prettiest throws that you've seen, but they will most certainly get the job done. Unlike Judo, these throws aren't dependent on grabbing your opponents gi. Also, the throws very nasty in that they tie up your opponent so that he will have difficulty breaking his fall - perfect for combat.

Take it easy when practicing some of these throws and make sure that your partner knows how to slap out. -Tyrone Turner

Unlike most grappling arts, the philosophy of San Shou Kuai Jiao is to drop your opponent quickly without getting entangled and going to the ground yourself. You can use its throws to knock your attacker senseless and get cleanly away, all without breaking the fragile bones in your hands and feet with punches and kicks. This type of fighting is a good idea, but it is much easier read than done. This is evidenced by an informative section on groundfighting in the back of the book.

As good as this book is, its many excellent photos and descriptions can't teach people how to use its techniques effectively. Timing, speed and body feel are key to successful application against an unwilling opponent or attacker, especially in this type of wrestling. An ex high-school wrestler won't let you do this stuff to him unless you are very fast. Anyone who has a modicum of boxing or kicking skills will break your nose or worse as you attempt to grab them.

Having spent years sparring and wrestling in several different fighting arts, it's clear to me that only repititve practice with a qualified instructor can make fast wrestling fast enough to work. Unfortunately, unless you happen to live in LA or Columbus, Ohio, I have not been able to find qualified instructors of this art in the US. I wish there were more.

For people in the rest of the US, perhaps some of the techniques could be used to augment practice in other grappling arts such as judo, aikido or ju-jitsu. But you would have to find a very open-minded instructor. Good luck.

Contents

Acknowledments
About the authors
Foreword by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
Preface by Master Liang, Shou-Yu
Preface by Tai D. Ngo
Chapter 1 General introduction
Introduction
General principles of san shoiu kuai jiao
The training stages of san shou kuai jiao
Chapter 2 Basic training
Introduction
Warm up exercises
San shou kuai jiao basic stances/leg training
San shou kuai jiao entering training
Fallilng
Chapter 3 Basic training with equipment
Introduction
Body conditioning with equipment
Chapter 4 Holding leg(s) throws
Introduction
Holding leg(s) throwing techniques
Chapter 5 Over the back/holding the waist throws
Introduction
Over back throwing techniques
Holding the waist throwing techniques
Chapter 6 Leg hooking throws
Introduction
Leg hooking techniques
Chapter 7 Other throwing methods
Introduction
Throwing techniques
Chapter 8 Groundfighting/controlling techniques
Inroduction
Groundfighting/controlling techniques
Appendix A Names of san shou kuai jiao techniques
Appendix B Translation and glossary of Chinese terms
Index
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ISBN

1886969493 / 9781886969490

Publication

YMAA Publication Center Jamaica Plain, Masachusetts
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