[.ca] Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, 2nd Edition: Instructors ... (ISBN 1594390002)

Comprehensive chin-na book.:
I hate giving five stars to a book on just one subject, but this one deserves it. It covers the principles of chin-na in great detail first, then goes into about every possable joint technique imaginable. This is mostly stand-up stuff, so it isn't really geared towards MMA, though it could be useful. Rather, this is about controling your opponent in a stand-up situation, and shows techniques applied both offensivley and defensively. In addition, at the end of every technique, an escape or counter is shown. Also covered are training methods for gripping/forearm power, speed in seizing, some footwork, and stretching out the ligaments. But standing submissions aren't the only techniques shown. Most of Dr. Yang's "Leg Chin Na" techniques are takedowns, and a lot of the "Cavity Press" stuff is strikes to pressure points. The author also covers basic first-aid principles of injuries commonly caused by chin-na. The only detraction I have to make was that I wish the chapter on using chin-na in a fight was more extensive. This book was easy to follow, and someone with no experiance with grappling could learn something. I would say it is most useful for someone interested in minimum-damage self defense, like a cop or bouncer, but it's a good reference for any martial artist. A note on the author: Yang, Jwing-Ming is, to me, the best author when it comes to practicle Chinese martial arts. I am a big fan of Dr. Yang's books, but until I read a better one, I will consider this his masterpiece.

Enhanced with 150 illustrative photographs:
Shaolin Chin Na is one of the four major Chinese martial arts fighting categories, the one dealing with "size and control". The other three are Ti (kicking), and Da (striking), Shuai (wrestling). Now in a completely updated and significantly expanded second edition, Analysis Of Shaolin Chin Na by renowned Chinese martial arts and Qigong expert and instructor Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming shows the aspiring martial arts students every aspect and every step in effectively defending from attack through the use of Shaolin Chin Na counters. For the substantial benefit of contemporary martial arts students, the old Chinese spelling system has been replaced by the new academic Pinyin system with Chinese characters being included in the text. Enhanced with 150 illustrative photographs, easily learned and integrated into any martial arts style, Analysis Of Shaolin Chin Na will be a welcome addition to personal, professional, and dojo library reference collections.

Advanced Chin Na Studies for Instructors:
A very complete follow up to Dr. Yang's first book, "Shaolin Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Kung Fu", I consider this manual to be complex enough that it will probably be best understood by peole who have studied a grappling/locking art of some sort for at least a year (Kuk Sool, Jujutsu, Shuai Jiao). Like most of Yang's other books, there is so much information here it borders on being exhaustive...and we all know that is not a bad thing! Yang explains the principles of Chin Na, and builds upon this foundation by offering strengthening exercises for joints which often bear the brunt of punishment in this type of training. His treatment of techniques is thourough. Those with the patience to read this manual and practice the locking and siezing techniques contained within will undoubtedly gain further insight to the workings of their (respective) arts. Yang also offers an important chapter (page 168) on correcting injuries sustained in practice, in addition to six special herbal formulas for martial arts training (bruise remedies, dit Da Jau, etc.) at the end of the volume (page 185).

Great information, be prepared for experimentation:
This book is highly informative and I feel the author has done a superb job of trying to translate what is an inherently complex topic into written form. Be prepared to have to experiment for a while with several of the techniques to get the correct feel. I like how the author catagorizes the techniques by finger, wrist. elbow, etc. As a former Aikido practioner, I will tell you, IMHO this book shows the depth and complexity of the Chinese arts. All in all, a great effort!

Great information, be prepared for experimentation:
This book is highly informative and I feel the author has done a superb job of trying to translate what is an inherently complex topic into written form. Be prepared to have to experiment for a while with several of the techniques to get the correct feel. I like how the author catagorizes the techniques by finger, wrist. elbow, etc. As a former Aikido practioner, I will tell you, IMHO this book shows the depth and complexity of the Chinese arts. All in all, a great effort!