13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Different Perspective On the Throwing Arts, July 25, 2000
This review is from: Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao (Paperback)
Shuai Chiao (pronounced shway jyau) is the oldest martial arts system in the world, if records are to be believed. The premise of Shuai Chiao is simple and direct; if an attacker touches you he is thrown. It is this combative premise that attracted me to amateur wrestling and the martial arts for many years, and to this art and book in particular.
That being said, "Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" is a good reference for a martial artist who wants a different perspective on the throwing arts. I tried some of the throws shown in the book and compared them to the throws I've used in amateur wrestling and in my school's style of kenpo ju jutsu. The throws used in Shuai Chiao are not necessarily pretty; they are, however, fast and effective. Some of the throws in Shuai Chiao are similar to (but not the same as) the ones found in the books "Kodokan Judo" and "San Shou Kuai Jiao" (Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting); very many are not. This book demonstrates through drawings, and not through photographs, thirty throws. It also demonstrates twenty drills to help one employ the throws better. It also shows some of the neat traditional training methods used by a Shuai Chiao practitioner.
The art of Shuai Chiao and the throws demonstated in this book are designed more for a combative situation than many of the throws in judo. Shuai Chiao practitioners use holds and locks that don't require the grasping of clothing. The throws used in Shuai Chiao are designed to lock an opponent's joints or trap an opponent's limbs before throwing him. The throws are hard and fast, and it is difficult for the opponent to breakfall. Many of the throws require the Shuai Chiao practitioner to use his legs to lift his opponent; these throws are especially powerful. Finally, the throws are designed to allow the Shuai Chiao practitioner to remain standing after throwing someone, and to leave his opponent's body open for a vital strike.
"Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" is a good reference, but as with any text it cannot be the sole reference to master a martial art. While the throwing techniques are taught well, the approaching methods are too contrived and unrealistic. This text would be an excellent supplement for any experienced martial artist or anyone who is training right now. If nothing else, it helps you to develop a mindset for defending yourself. Self defense is not tournament sparring or performing a Kata; it is fast, brutal, and not pretty. "Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" is strongly recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4.0 out of 5 stars
Only one of its kind, July 21, 2004
This review is from: Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao (Paperback)
Really a great book if you want to grasp the basics of SC, it really straightened some of the questionmarks i had.
It?s a must for every SC practitioner, especially when it is the only book written in english on the subject!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
