Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao (Paperback)

~ Dr. Chi-hsiu Weng (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dr. Chi-hsiu Weng (9th degree black belt) presents the basic history, theory, techniques and applications of Chinas oldest martial art. This unique volume is the only source for reference on the brutally effective techniques that Master Weng used to become the two-time Chinese national champion.

All of the basic forms and applications are covered with textual descriptions and drawings. Dr. Weng also covers traditional approaching techniques, training methods and basic falls and the common mistakes to avoid.

About the Author

Dr. Chi-hsiu D. Weng, Ph.D has been an important figure in the international martial arts community since 1970, when he became the two-time Shuai-chiao national champion in the Republic of China. Since then, he has dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and educating the world about Chinas oldest and most effective martial art, Shuai-chiao. To this end, Dr. Weng has established the United States Shuai-chiao Association with affiliates all over the world. Dr. Wengs team won the Paris International Competition in 1992 and has achieved Silver and Bronze team medals in every international Shuai-chiao competition since. In addition to Shuai-chiao, Dr. Weng is the leading instructor of Chang style Tai-chi, the only internationally certified San-shou judge outside of China and was the first certified IWUF (International Wushu Federation) International Wushu Judge in North and South America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 82 pages
• Publisher: Dr. Weng's Kung Fu School; First Edition edition (January 17, 1984)
• ISBN-10: 1930137001
• ISBN-13: 978-1930137004
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,033,236 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

By	[e-mail] (Great Meadows, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars Only one of its kind, July 21, 2004

By	J. Nyberg - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!