The Relevance Of Chin Na (Seize & Control) In Chi Sau (Sticking Hands)

Chin Na is a term used in Chinese martial arts that encompasses holds and locks. Its use is prevalent in many of the Southern Kung Fu arts and forms an important part of Kiu Sau (Bridge Hand) training.



The locks refer to finger and arm joints manipulation, and holds include the various handgrips and pressure point techniques. In essence Chin Na gives us the ability to 'stick' to an opponent.



Chin Na can be looked upon as the controlling side of Chi Sau (Sticking Hand) as it can provide an effective means by which we can subdue and restrain without needing to deploy strikes.



By not including Chin Na in Chi Sau, we would limit our Kung Fu as we would loose many expressions of Ying Yang. Striking is an essential part of all fighting arts, but to maintain harmony this should be balanced with an option to trap and subdue.



The various handgrips are important as they provide an effective means of bridging with the opponent. Using the hands as the sensory platform from which to 'listen', allow us the highest level of feedback once contact has been established.



Using the various handgrips we can distort both energy and joint positions, making it invaluable to controlling the power of an opponent.



Strategically Chin Na offers a high degree of balance, as there is always the option of following through joint locks abruptly whilst leveraging fully, which can dislocate joints, or tear muscles/ligaments/tendons.



In Short Chin Na skills is about control and leveraging, making it an invaluable part of any Chi Sau system.



The Author Siukee Wan is an instructor of the Shaolin Ancestors Kung Fu and currently teaches Kung Fu Classes in Guildford Surrey. To view more articles or to find further detail on the Guildford Kung Fu Classes please visit kung fu guildford