One of the art's earliest and most complete training manuals, The Method of Chinese Wrestling explores all aspects of this ancient fighting system, including solo training, training with equipment, constructing training apparatus, application of techniques, and the rules of competition. Throwing, gripping, and falling techniques are revealed in minute detail, and in accompanying photographs, the author and his top students illustrate the methods described. Both a fascinating historical document and a practical training guide, the book is an essential reference for anyone interested in the martial arts.

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 your opponent while keeping you safely on your feet. For centuries, fighters in China have valued this art for its speed and power. Today, China's police and military forces are trained in its techniques. Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting presents seventy-five throws and takedowns against punches, kicks, and grabs, and demonstrates 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 ground fighting.

First published in 1936, this work represents primary source material of ancient combat techniques designed in a time of occupation and war, when the threat of lethal hand-to-hand combat was an ever-present reality for soldiers, those involved in law enforcement, and very often for the ordinary citizen. This is the seminal work in the field, written by the form’s founders, Liu Jinsheng and Zhao Jiang, as a training manual for the Police Academy of Zheijiang province. The intent of this translation is to provide authentic historical documentation for martial arts techniques that have been modified for use today in both competition and self-defense. Submission grappling is a technique in which fighters use locks, chokes, and breaking techniques to defeat their challengers in no-holds-barred matches. Chi Na Fa remains the most comprehensive explanation available of these Chinese grappling techniques, from which derive many current techniques. Renowned author and Brazillian jiu jitsu champion Tim Cartmell presents the book in a clear, compelling new translation.

Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.

In this detailed book, Tim Cartmell expertly explains the principles of combat throwing techniques which, when performed correctly, do not require the use of great power, force or effort. Drawing from over 25 years of martial arts experience, Tim explains the concepts in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Practitioners of all martial arts will benefit from learning the theory, strategy, set-ups, and follow-throughs explained and demonstrated.

The Wrestler¿s Dissertation is the English language, book version, of Dr. Antonio Graceffo¿s PhD dissertation. Antonio was the first American to receive a PhD from Shanghai University of Sport Wushu Department. This book covers the history and development of Western wrestling from ancient Greek Pankration through to modern MMA and Pro Wrestling, seeking to understand why Chinese wrestling has followed a very different path and arrived at a very different destination in the modern era.

This is a comprehensive guide designed for anyone interested in mastering the ancient Chinese martial art of Shuai Jiao. This book provides a step-by-step approach to learning this effective and dynamic form of wrestling, suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The journey begins with an Introduction to Shuai Jiao, offering a clear overview of what this martial art entails. Readers will gain insight into its unique characteristics and the benefits of learning it, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its techniques and principles. Next, we delve into the Historical Background of Shuai Jiao. Understanding its origins and evolution over thousands of years helps to appreciate its rich cultural heritage and its significance in traditional Chinese martial arts. The Philosophy of Shuai Jiao is then explored, shedding light on the underlying principles that guide practitioners. This section emphasizes the importance of balance, leverage, and technique over brute strength, reflecting the art's sophisticated approach to combat. In Basic Principles and Techniques, readers are introduced to the foundational aspects of Shuai Jiao. This includes the fundamental stances, grips, and movements that form the building blocks of more advanced techniques. Clear instructions and illustrations make it easy to follow and practice these basics. Essential Warm-Up and Conditioning Exercises are crucial for preparing the body for the demands of Shuai Jiao. This section outlines a series of exercises designed to increase flexibility, strength, and endurance, ensuring that practitioners are physically ready to execute techniques safely and effectively. The book then moves on to Fundamental Throws and Takedowns, providing detailed explanations and step-by-step guides to the core techniques of Shuai Jiao. Each throw and takedown is broken down into manageable steps, with tips on how to execute them correctly. Defensive Techniques and Counters are also covered, teaching readers how to effectively defend against attacks and turn the tables on their opponents. This section emphasizes the importance of timing and positioning in successful defense. As readers progress, they are introduced to Advanced Throws and Combinations. These techniques build on the fundamentals and require a higher level of skill and understanding. Detailed instructions and practice drills help practitioners master these more complex maneuvers. The integration of Shuai Jiao with other martial arts is discussed in Integrating Shuai Jiao with Other Martial Arts. This section explores how the techniques and principles of Shuai Jiao can complement and enhance other styles of martial arts, broadening the practitioner's skill set. Training Routines and Drills provide structured plans for regular practice, helping readers to develop their skills systematically. These routines are designed to improve technique, speed, and endurance through consistent and focused practice. Preparing for sparring and competition is covered in Sparring and Competition Preparation. This section offers valuable advice on how to train for competitive scenarios, including strategies for success and tips on mental preparation. The practical applications of Shuai Jiao in real-life situations are explored in Self-Defense Applications. Readers learn how to apply the techniques they have learned in self-defense scenarios, making Shuai Jiao a valuable skill for personal safety. Finally, the book concludes with Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey in Shuai Jiao. This section encourages readers to continue their practice and lifelong learning in Shuai Jiao, emphasizing that mastery of this martial art is a continuous journey.

The Encyclopedia of Modern Shuai Jiao provides for the first time in the English language a detailed explanation of all the conceptual and technical terminology. Each of the over 150 entries covering both concepts and techniques include English explanations, Pinyin transliteration and traditional Chinese characters. There is a concise history of modern Shuai Jiao and a discussion of the challenges presented to studies such as these by the nature of Chinese culture and the Chinese language. Finally, the volume provides some rare pictures of Chang Dongsheng practicing the Jī Běn Gōng Zhuāng Gōng Tài Bǎo. This is volume one of a continuing project to make authentic Shuai Jiao available to the world.

This book outlines the history and techniques of Pa-kua—a style of boxing based on the eight (pa) trigrams (kua) of the I Ching. This martial arts guide gives a thorough account of the philosophy behind the art. It also presents to the West for the first the orthodox style of the last Chinese Pa-kua master Wang Shu-chin. Described in great detail and fully illustrated are the basic techniques, the eight palm shapes, and the eight traditional methods of "walking the circle." Guided by this easy-to-follow text, the student of Pa-kua can probe deeply into the hitherto hidden secrets of one of the most complete systems of self defense ever developed.

This meticulously researched and eminently readable study considers the economic, political, and religious factors that led Shaolin monks to disregard the Buddhist prohibition against violence and instead create fighting techniques that by the 21st century have spread throughout the world.