Customer Reviews

Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles (Qin Na : the Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Martial Arts Styles)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yes, it is true that some of the sequences are the same technique with different attacks, but there are over 300 sequences with at least 120 unique techniques. In authentic Shao-lin training you are only normally exposed to 30 Chin-Na techniques. The level of technical explanation is unmatched in this book. You will truly understand the purposes of each movement including pressure points, methods of training, and historical development. If you complement this book with it's companion videos (1&2) you will have more comprehensive Chin-Na instruction than you would ever have without studying directly with Dr. Yang. Train with the book and videos (which show close-ups, slow motion, and full speed demonstration from different angles)and you could truly master Shao-Lin Chin Na. THEY ARE THAT GOOD.

This impressively lengthy work acts as almost a textbook on chin na, to which one may refer in times of confusion. Dr. Yang's knowledge is impressive, his explanations of techniques are satisfactory and the photos are clear. However, many techniques are repeated in the book simply started from different attacks (eg. from a punch, from a stab etc) which although useful to the beginner as it shows the vast range of applications of a single technique, an advanced practitioner may find this frustrating. Nevertheless, this book promotes thought and encourages one to develop beyond the scope of the book. It has much to offer and is the best of Dr. Yang's books on the subject.

Comprehensive overview of Cin Na. This book has the advantage of being organized by self defense topics, based on type of attack. As with this author's others books, it is difficult to read and is best used as a reference. The pictures in this book are not as clear as in his others. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the details of the hand positions. In any case, it's a good reference to own, perhaps best used in conjunction with the Instructor's Manual book.

I found this book very practical, especially in comparison to some other books by the author I have read. The techniques are well described, with good foto's, so that one can practice them easyly. I think a background in a locking-art, like mine in aikido, is important for the basic handling of joints, since the locks can be very dangerous. The book gave me very many variations in my aikido and I liked the many fingerlocks, which I was not familiar with.

I have trained in taekwondo for a few years, and bought this book to expand my horizons. Chin Na complements just about any martial style, and this book is an excellent technical illustrated and descriptive guide of Chin Na techniques. I highly recommend it for learning new techniques that complement any martial art style.

I have bought many books about martial arts and I have found most to be either too basic or too technicall or too thin. When I saw the price-tag on this book I hesitated to buy it for a long time, but it was well worth the money. Well explained and farily comprehensive, it is the best martial arts book I have bought. It has very clear pictures and good explanations that allow a beginer to pick it up from the book alone. I am very happy with the book.

US martial artists won't find much of the material in this book elsewhere. Those studying advanced judo, jujitsu or other grappling arts will find techniques that enhance basic techniques already in use. I found the sections on attacking tendons especially well done. No surprise that successful application requires significant strength in the fingers and wrists. Not recommended for beginners.

As a long time reader of martial arts books on styles and techniques I would very heartily recommend Dr.Yang's book. It is a very instructive and concise manual presented in a clear and easily interpreted format. Unlike many other martial arts texts, the various techniques are clearly photographed and diagramed with precise instruction to complete each technique successfully in any situation. Begining students as well as long time practitioners can benifit from Dr.Yang's knowledge and expertise

Good descriptions, logical applications, and clear photographs. No fluff. One of the best technical manuals I have seen.

No matter what art you practice there are so many concepts in this one book that any qualified instructor could see the benefits of implementing some of the applications into their own system.