Chin Na Fa: Skill of Catch and Hold

 

Liu Jin Sheng wrote “Chin Na Fa: Skill of Catch and Hold”  published in Sanghai in 1936.

 

I am sharing the structure of the book as I think what was used for police and military training is a good find. It is graphic as their needs were different than those most of us follow today.

 

The book “CHIN NA FA”1  was written by Liu Jin Sheng in collaboration with Zhao Jiang. The first edition of the book was issued in July of 1936 as a manual for the police academy of Zhejiang province. The book was printed by the publishing house Shan Wu in Shanghai. The book includes author’s portrait, Zhao Jiang’s preface (he is also known as Long Wen), introduction and  description  of  the  techniques  CHIN  NA  with  photos  and  detailed explanations. The techniques described can be conventionally grouped into eight parts. The first part is head holds2. The second part is neck holds. The third part is shoulders holds. The fourth part is front, side and back holds. The fifth side is torso and stomach holds. The sixth part is hand and wrist holds. The seventh part is fingers holds. The eighth part is genitals and legs holds. Great attention is also paid to counter-actions if the enemy tries to carry out

some attacking action.

 

At first this art (skill) had several names: FENG JING FA – “The technique of

separation (tearing) of muscles and sinews”; DI TANG FA – “Methods of combat  when  lying  on  the  ground”;  YU  GU  FA  –  “The  technique  of dislocating (breaking out) of bones and joints” and CHIN NA FA – “The technique  of  catch  and  hold.”  At  present  the  name  CHIN  NA  FA  has predominantly become established. Totally, there are 72 methods. The ancient manuscript calls this skill DI SHA SHOU – “Devil’s Hand.” This secret technique perfectly suits both for self-defense and defense of Motherland. It is essential for training military men and policemen.

 

Paragraph 1  QIAN ZHUA FA: Seizure by the

hair from the front (variant 1).

This method is employed if the enemy standing in front of you seized you by

the hair on the top of your head.

 

Paragraph 2  QIAN ZHUA FA: Seizure by the

 

hair from the front (variant 2).

 

This method is not a vital one for the people of today with their hair shortly cut or with a shaven head like that one of the author of this book.

 

This method is employed when the enemy, as in the first case, standing in the front, seized you by the hair on the top of your head.

 

Paragraph 3  HOU ZHUA FA: Seizure by the

 

hair from behind.

 

This method is very effective but when it is employed, it is necessary to take into account difference in height and build. Let’s consider a case when a man, small and relatively weak from physical point of view, encountered an enemy who is a head taller and substantially stronger. In this case the small weak man, even if he takes the position shown in photo 3, can not overpower the enemy. Here some additional actions are required, for instance, it is possible to deliver an elbow blow on his ribs or stoop and strike at his genitalia. After that action the above method can be successfully used.

 

This method is used if the enemy standing behind seized you by the hair on the back of your head.

Paragraph 4  DUAN DENG: Clasping a lamp.

 

It is very effective, though relatively dangerous (for your opponent) method. After becoming unconscious from violent pain the  enemy goes into a coma, a man, being in this state for a long time, can die. Therefore, it is necessary to know methods which can help him to go out of that state. To employ that method effectively, one must have strong  arms,  specially  trained  fingers,  otherwise  it  will  be  to  no purpose. When executing that method the second arm performs an auxiliary function.

 

 

This method is applicable to an enemy in any position - standing, sitting or lying one.

 

Paragraph 5  ZHUA LIAN: Seizing by the face.

 

Photo 5 shows how to seize the enemy’s hand properly: it is necessary to seize and squeeze his thumb with your little finger and the fourth finger and press his hand to your chest with your palm. Grip and control of the enemy’s thumb is a key to effective employment of this method.

After execution of protective actions it is necessary to counter-attack without delay, otherwise there is a risk of exposing your head to a blow.

Point QU CHI:

 

This method is employed when     the     enemy     is downright in front of you

and he is pushing you on your breast or seizing your clothes.

 

This method is employed when     the     enemy     is downright in front of you

and he is pushing you on your breast or seizing your clothes.

 

 

Paragraph 6  ZHAI KUI: Taking off the helmet.

 

When you employ this method, it is necessary to act resolutely and fast, otherwise the enemy can break away.

 

The method is used when the enemy tries to wring your neck.

 

 

Paragraph 7  PU SHU: Catching a mouse.

 

To employ effectively this method, it is necessary to have sufficiently strong fingers.

 

The method is employed when the enemy attacks from the front and tries to grapple your torso with his arms or to seize you by your waist belt.

 

 

 Paragraph 8  AN TOU DUAN JING: Pressing on head and breaking neck.

 

Two men showing methods in photos 10 and 11 have a noticeable difference in height. Whether it was done deliberately or happened by chance, but at any rate it reminds us once more that it is necessary to take into account height, build and physical strength of the enemy when using any technique in practice. Surely it does not mean that a man of small height always loses, not at all. As a rule, men of small height are more deft and move faster but it is necessary to have sufficiently high level of skill to use this advantage. For example, in photo 10 the difference in height is by a head. It will not be a simple task for the man whose height is lower to “cover” the eyes of the enemy from behind. The same situation is shown in photo No. 11: although the partner of small height has carried out a grip but he

 

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himself already staggers. If the level of skill is not sufficiently high, that position is quite dangerous for him.

 

The method is employed when the enemy attacks from the front, moving forward resolutely.

 

 Paragraph 9  AN TIAN GU: Pressing on the celestial drum.

 

The  method  is  usually employed     against     a physically strong enemy. To  carry  it  out,  it  is necessary  to  be  behind the back of the enemy.

 

Paragraph 1  NIE SU: Squeezing the crop.

 

One of WU SHU proverbs says: “If you have strength, go straight forward, no strength – go from a side”. It means the following: to attack the enemy frontally, it is necessary to have not only a higher level of skill but good physical conditions (a well-trained body) as well.

 

The method is employed in case of a frontal attack of the enemy if he punches or tries to seize by the head.

 

Paragraph 2  JIAN JIA BO: Squeezing with

 

arms from the front.

 

As a rule, WU SHU masters seldom use such a technique as head butts. However, when you are very close to the enemy or there are evident flaws and faults in his actions, it is quite possible to strike at him with a shoulder or the head.

 

The method is employed if the enemy butts you with his head in the region of the

chest or tries, after bending, to execute a grip of the lower part of your body.

Paragraph 3  HOU JIA BO: Squeezing with

arms from behind.

This method can be used against an ordinary man who is not specially trained. However, if opponents are equal in strength and skill, it is difficult to succeed.

 

This method is used for arresting a dangerous criminal to prevent possible resistance or in hand-to-hand fighting when one succeeds in getting behind

the back of the enemy. This method results in “temporary death”.

Paragraph  4   QIANG  SUO  HOU:  Pinching

(blocking) the throat from the front.

It is necessary to pay attention to the following: this method should be used either in case when the enemy does not expect an attack or when the detention is carried out by a group of several men and during hand-to-hand fighting they succeeded in knocking the criminal down to

the ground.

This  method  is  used  when  in  the  course  of  hand-to-hand  fighting  you succeeded in toppling the enemy or when he is initially in a sitting or lying position and does not expect an attack.

 

Paragraph  5     HOU  SUO  HOU:  Pinching

 

(blocking) the throat from behind.

 

Conditions of the employment of this method is similar to the previous one: either in case when a criminal does not expect an attack or in case when the detention is carried out by a group of several men and during hand-to-hand fighting they succeeded in toppling the criminal down to the ground.

 

This method is used either in a right moment of a hand-to-hand struggle or if initially the enemy is in a sitting position and does not expect an attack.

 

Paragraph 6  BIE SHOU FENG HOU: Blocking

 

an arm and pinching the throat.

 

This method is aimed at blocking blood vessels that feed the brain. Therefore, it must not be used without good reason.

 

The method is used when a criminal is arrested to avoid noise or possible resistance. In such a state the criminal can be brought to a required place and reanimated there. The duration of “temporary death” must not exceed two hours.

Paragraph 7  LE JING DUAN BI: Squeezing

 

the neck and breaking an arm.

 

This method is used if in the course of hand-to-hand fighting the enemy fell down to the ground. Two variants of executing the method are possible. In the first  case  the  neck  of  the  enemy  is  squeezed,  that  leads  to  loss  of consciousness and death. In the second case pressure is exerted on the arm, that leads to its fracture.

 

 

Paragraph 8  JIAO JING: Grappling the neck

 

obliquely.

 

The method is used if during hand-to-hand fighting enemies fall down to the ground or if since the start the enemy is in a sitting or lying position.

 

 

 

 

 

Paragraph 1  DAO BI XIE JIAN: Pressing an

 

arm, dislocating a shoulder.

 

The sketch shows the direction of pressure on the wrist during an initial phase of the method. As a result of it the enemy will be forced to fall dawn to the ground.

 

The  method  is  used  to  arrest  a  criminal  and  allows  to  avoid  possible resistance.

Paragraph 2   KOU  ZHOU:  Pressing  on  an elbow.

 

It should be pointed out that a kick at a knee is more effective than that one at a pelvic bone and it is more difficult to ward it off. In any case coordinated actions of arms and legs need a good degree of training, otherwise one can not overwhelm one’s enemy.

 

This method is employed if the enemy seized you by your clothes in the shoulder region.

 

Paragraph 3   ZHUANG SHEN  DUAN  WAN:

 

Turning the torso and fracturing a wrist.

 

The correct grip of an enemy’s hand is the key point for controlling over the whole arm of the enemy. If the method is executed correctly, the shape of the enemy’s arm corresponds to the following sketch:

 

This method is used if the enemy seizes you by your collar from the front.

 

 

Paragraph 1  QIAN PENG ZHOU: Pressing on

 

an elbow from the front.

 

As to technique this method is similar to the method CUI ZHOU – “Fracturing an elbow” (See section 4, paragraph 5, photo 34). The only difference is that in this case the location of seizing is lower.

 

This method is used if the enemy seized you by your waist belt or clothes in the region of your waist.

 

Paragraph 2  HOU PENG ZHOU: Pressing on an elbow from the rear.

 

This method is used if the enemy, being behind your back, seized you by the waist belt or clothes in the region of the waist.

Paragraph 3  DING WAN: Propping a wrist.

 

This method is used if the enemy seized you by the waist belt or clothes in the region of the stomach from the front.

Paragraph 4  DUAN ZHOU: Raising an elbow.

 

This method is used if the enemy seized you by the waist belt, his hand with the palm up.

KUA ZHOU: Linking your arm through enemy’s arm.

During the execution of this method force must be applied with a jerk, you must act fast and unexpectedly for the enemy, in that case you can fracture his elbow. It is dangerous to be slow.

This method is used if the enemy seized you by your waist belt, his hand with the palm up.

 

Paragraph 6  LE WAN: Pressing on a wrist.

 

This method is used if the enemy seized you by the waist belt, the hand is with the palm up.

 

Paragraph  7    DUAN  YAO:  Fracturing  the

 

waist.

 

A possibility to carry out this method exists far from always, one must have a good level of training and sufficient experience. Otherwise you will fail.

 

This method is not independent one, a chance to use it must be prepared through previous actions, otherwise it is difficult to succeed. We kindly ask those who exercise to pay attention to this fact.

 

Paragraph 8  JIA YAO: Squeezing the waist.

 

It is necessary to have sufficient strength and have a good level of skill for a successful use of this method. Untrained people will hardly be able to do it.

 

 

This is a case when a man, as it seems, is in a losing position, uses it to his advantage and wins. If the enemy furiously rushes at you and you have no time to dodge, you feint falling down on the ground.

 

 

 

Paragraph 1  XIAO CHAN SI – Small hank of

 

thread.

 

When a bobbin rotates, thread can be wound on it. That is the gist of the method. Two types of arm movements can be distinguished in this method: shuttle movement and spiral-type wrist movement.

 

This method is used if the enemy seized you by a wrist.

 

 

Paragraph 2   SHUANG CHAN SI  –  Double hank of thread.

 

This method is used as a countermeasure against the above-described method, i.e. when the enemy uses a counter-grip “Small hank of thread” against your grip.

Paragraph  3   DA  CHAN  SI  –  Big  hank  of thread.

 

This  method  is  essentially  similar  to  the  method  “Small  hank  of thread”, but it allows to apply greater force. Even if the enemy is strong, his strength is compensated by lateral force of your elbow.

 

This method is used when you encounter a physically strong enemy and the method XIAO CHAN SI (“Small hank of thread”, paragraph 1) can be ineffective against him.

 

Paragraph 4  QU ZHOU DUAN BI – Bending

 

an elbow and fracturing an arm.

 

Having mastered the method “Big hank of thread” well, it will be easier to acquire this method. Here the key to success also lies in elbow work and a lateral force.

 

Method is used when the enemy delivers an arm blow downward from above.

 

Paragraph 5  KUA LAN – Carrying a basket

 

by grappling it with an arm.

 

To use successfully this method, the key point is proper location of the point QU CHI on the elbow bend of the enemy, only then his elbow will be bent.

 

This method is used if the enemy tries to seize you by your clothes in the region of the breast or for locking the arm of the enemy when he is arrested.

 

Paragraph 6  FU HU – Binding a tiger.

 

This method is used when a criminal is arrested. To execute it, a hand of the enemy must be caught.

 

 

Paragraph 7  GUN ZHOU – Somersault over

 

the elbow.

 

This method is  quite tough, but its  efficiency is  significantly lower without somersault, additionally there is a risk that the enemy will manage to free himself.

 

This method is used when the enemy delivers a straight punch.

 

Paragraph 8  CHE CHI – Pulling by the wing.

 

The key point here is an impact on the wrist of the enemy and a correct grip of his palm.

 

This method is used if the enemy tries to seize you by your clothes in the region of the breast.

Paragraph 9  SI CHI – Tearing the wing.

 

This method is used for a sudden arrest of the enemy who is going toward you.

 

 Paragraph  10   KANG  ZHOU–  Carrying  an elbow on the shoulder.

 

When  you  use  this  method,  you  should  take  into  account  the difference in stature.

 

This method is used when the enemy approaches from the front and delivers a straight blow at your head.

 

 

Paragraph 11  JUAN QUAN – Wringing a fist.

 

The gist of this method lies in quickness of response and coordination of actions.

 

This method is used when the enemy approaches you from the front and punches from below upward.

 

 

 Paragraph 12  LUO WAN – Clutching a wrist.

 

Here is the matter not only in skill and force: it is necessary to know exactly the location of acupuncture points.

 

The gist of this method is an impact on acupuncture points which cause numbing. They are twin points located a little up the elbow, on the lateral surfaces of the arm, one CUN (3.33 cm) from the point QU CHI. The method is used if a criminal must be detained.

 

Paragraph 13  JIA SHAN – Squeezing with

 

the armpit.

 

Here the most important thing is quickness of response and skilful movements, the stature and strength of the enemy are of no great significance at that.

 

This method is used when the enemy attacks you with a straight punch from the front in the region of the breast.

 

 

Paragraph 14  KOU QUAN – Covering a fist.

 

This method is used when the enemy has seized you by your sleeve.

 

Paragraph 15  CHENG ZHOU DUAN WAN –

 

Propping up an elbow and fracture a wrist.

 

The methods mentioned in paragraphs 15 and 16 can be successfully used only by a well-trained combatant as one should be able to take an  advantageous  position  to  execute  them  but  it  needs  some experience.

 

This method is used when if in the course of a fight both of combatants have fallen on the ground.

Paragraph  16   BE  ZHOU  –  Squeezing  an elbow.

 

This method is used to fracture enemy’s elbow joint when in the course of a fight he falls down or sits on the ground.

 

Paragraph 17   TI  ZHOU –  Propping up  an

 

elbow.

 

It is somewhat more difficult to use this method than the method

 

“Covering a fist” shown in photo 77.

 

This method is used if the enemy has seized you by the sleeve.

 

 

Paragraph 18  YA ZHOU – Pressing with an

 

elbow.

 

If the enemy seizes your right arm with his right hand, the method XIAO CHAN SI – “Small hank of thread” (see part 6, paragraph 1) can be used. If the enemy seizes your right arm with his left hand, this method will do.

 

Paragraph 19  PEN AN ZHOU – Squeezing an

 

elbow.

 

In this case it is necessary to take into account difference in stature.

 

This method is used if the enemy has seized you by your clothes in the region of the waist.

Paragraph  20    JIA  ZHOU  –  Clutching  an elbow.

 

To use this method, it is necessary to snatch convenient time and act fast.

 

This method is used if the enemy fell down.

 

Paragraph 21  KUA MA – Straddling a horse.

 

It should be taken into account that this method can be successfully employed if you take advantage of enemy’s confusion, otherwise it is extremely difficult to do!

 

This method is used when the enemy has fallen to the ground in the course of a combat.

 

 Paragraph 22  FEN BI – Parting apart arms.

 

This method is used when in the course of a combat the enemy has fallen on the ground. Both arms of the enemy can be fractured by this method.

 

Paragraph  23   LE  ZHOU  –  Unbending  an

 

elbow.

 

Here is considered a case when the enemy is lying on his side, which happens quite seldom. More often the enemy lies on his back and in that case it is better to kneel.

 

This method is used if in the course of a combat the enemy has fallen to the ground.

 

 

Paragraph 1  TIAO MA JIN: Pressing on a

 

tendon to cause numbing.

 

Below are given four methods (photo 87 – 90) which make it possible to free oneself from a grip of the enemy. In all four cases pressure is done by a thumb on the “tendon of numbing” on the hand of the enemy, due to it enemy’s fingers unclench.

 

It  is necessary to keep in mind points location on the hand well, additionally it is necessary to have strong, well-trained fingers to be sure of success.

 

1.1 TIAO MA JIN: Use of force at the tendon to

 

cause numbing - the first alternative.

 

 

1.2 TIAO MA JIN: Use of force at the tendon to

 

cause numbing - the second alternative.

 

 

1.3 JIA HU KOU: Pressing on HU KOU.

Explanations

The point HU KOU, lit. “Tiger’s jaws”, lies in the space between the thumb and forefinger. If the enemy stretches out his arm with the intention of seizing you, you must immediately seize him by the wrist with one hand and press the tip of your thumb of the other hand on the point HU KOU of the enemy. It is necessary to press inward, on the tendon of his forefinger which is also a “tendon of numbing”, with the tip of your thumb. Pressure must be strong to cause pain and numbing in the enemy, in that case his hand will unclench.

 

1.4 DING QUAN – Splitting a fist.

Explanations

 

The enemy stretches out his arm with the intention of seizing you. You must immediately seize his arm by the wrist and press on the tendon between his middle and fourth fingers with the thumb of the other hand. It is necessary to press forward with the thumb using force and pull back toward you with the

other arm. As a result of it the whole arm of the enemy will become numb.

 

Paragraph 2  TUI ZHI – Pushing a thumb.

 

This method is used when the enemy attacks from the front and delivers a punch. It results in fracturing the thumb of the enemy.

 

Paragraph 3  JUAN ZHI: Bending a finger.

 

This method does not require great effort and high level of skill. It can be employed at any moment and in any situation. It is in strict conformity to the principle “to achieve the great with small effort”.

 

Paragraph 4  QIAN YANG: Pulling the ram.

 

This method must be executed deftly, smoothly and at the same time fast.

 

This method is used when the enemy strikes you with an open palm on the face or breast or stretches out his arm with the intention of seizing you.

 

 Paragraph 5  FEN ZHI: Spreading fingers.

 

If this method is used, a fracture of enemy’s fingers will occur, he will practically lose his ability to resist. Besides, when arresting a criminal, the method can be used to escort him and force him to go in a necessary direction.

 

Paragraph 1  ZHUA YIN: Seizing by genitalia.

 

Grip for genital organs is a mortally dangerous method. The position shown in the photo is somewhat simplified for the sake of convenient photographing, it bears a weak resemblance to reality of an actual combat.  However,  the  methods  given  below  can  be  used  very effectively. While striking with two fingers, it is necessary to lean a little forward and crouch so that your shoulders will be on the level of the enemy’s eyes or a little lower, in that case your blow will be the most destructive. At the same time your left hand must firmly seize the wrist of the enemy and pull it down and toward yourself.

 

Paragraph 2  DUAN TUI: Breaking a leg.

 

Three methods described below are used during a combat in lying position when both opponents fell on the ground in the course of a fight. When detaining a criminal, it is necessary to take him alive, all three methods are used just for that purpose. Perhaps, from the point of view of WU SHU (the Martial Art) those methods look somewhat artificial and pretentious; as you know, the main thing in WU SHU is to disable  the  enemy,  the  simpler  and  faster  the  better.  But  those methods can be indispensable for capture of criminals.

 

Paragraph 3  ZUO TUI: Getting astride a leg.

 

If in the coarse of a combat the enemy fell on the ground, it is possible to break a leg with this method.

 

Paragraph 4  DENG TUI: Pushing a leg.

\\

 

 

If in the course of a hand-to-hand combat you suddenly fell on the ground, using this method, you will be able to win in the losing position, as it seemed to be.

Paragraph 5  DUAN ZU: Breaking an ankle.

 

This method is used if the enemy kicks standing or lying on the ground.