Wayne's Karate Blog: Chin-Na and it's Relevance in the Martial Arts

Chin Na is a Chinese term describing joint locking techniques used in many Chinese martial arts to control or lock an opponents joints or muscles/tendons so they cannot move or are disabled, thus neutralising their fighting ability. Chin na su is literally translated as 'techniques of catching and locking' in Chinese and features both standing and ground based grappling techniques.

The use of chin na varies significantly across many martial arts. For example, the southern Chinese martial arts have much more developed chin na techniques than their northern counterparts, with a more prevalent reliance on hand techniques which bring the practitioner into closer range to an opponent. There are over 700 chin na techniques found in all martial arts. In the Non-Temple White Crane style there are 150-200 chin na techniques alone. Other styles such as Northern Eagle Claw and Tiger Claw have chin na as their martial focus.

Given the influence that Chinese martial arts have had across the world, it is no surprise to see that elements of chin na can be found in many other fighting styles including Akido, Ju Jitsu, Judo and Karate in Japan, and Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido in Korea. Some styles such as Brazilian Ju Jitsu place more emphasis on ground grappling, compared to say Hapkido with its focus on wrist and small joint locks.

Chin Na Techniques

Chin na techniques can generally be categorised into the following main areas:

Fen Jin - techniques which tear or grab at an opponents muscles or tendons
Cuo Gu - techniques which put bones in the wrong positions and usually applied specifically to joints
Bi Qi - techniques to prevent an opponent from breathing/inhaling
Dian Mai - techniques of sealing or striking the vein/artery
Dian Xue- cavity or meridian press: techniques for striking chi/pressure points

So as can be seen, as well as trapping and locking, techniques such as choking and striking pressure points are also key applications within chin na. The final technique also requires an understanding of Chi circulation and acupuncture.

Additional principles for applying chin na include:

When applying a lifting chin na, you must lift your opponents heels off the floor, otherwise he will still be rooted and be able to attack
When using a downwards chin na, you must bring the opponent down so his face or elbow touches the ground and he is completely defenseless
When using a circular chin na you must destroy your opponents balance and rooting. Without both of these it is then possible to control them either upwards or downwards
When applying chin na to an opponent, always have a back-up technique such as a punch or a kick in case the chin na control fails
The key principles of grabbing chin na are twist, bend and press

In general, there is no one chin na technique that is perfect for all situations - this must be adapted to what your opponent does and must follow the situation. It therefore needs to be skillful, fast and powerful. Ideally chin na techniques should also be done by surprise - if an opponent is aware of your intention it can then be extremely difficult for you to successfully apply the technique. In such cases it can be easier strike or kick an opponent first as a distraction, and this is especially effective if a pressure point is targeted.

Basic Locks

In Japanese martial arts there are a number of basic locks which can be applied in close quarter situations:

Nikajo - wrist lock, applied with a small lowering of weight or a bow.
Hijo Jime - arm bar, turning over of the arm and pressing into the elbow (this pressure point can make the legs give way)
San Kajo - twisting vertical arm lock, the arm is pushed upwards to move opponent out of their feet
Kote Gaeshi - circular wrist lock

These locks can be combined with pushing hands techniques very effectively as shown in the video below from Steve Rowe. This shows a short kata style form for using the above locks which use the opponents efforts to get out of to apply the next in the sequence. Steve also shows with the pushing hands exercises how an opponents momentum can be used to apply each of the locks.

Joint Locking and Pushing Hands

Escaping from Chin Na Control

It is also very important that chin na practitioners know how to escape from an opponents chin na control and be able to counterattack and reverse the situation. Key factors here are speed and skill and knowing how to sense the angle from which your opponent is grabbing, being able to change this so that his control of your muscles and joints is ineffective. There are three main techniques to escape an opponents chin na:

1. Rotation Escape - the main reason for rotation when you are grabbed is to change the angle of the grab. When an opponent grabs you, he will try to do it at the most effective angle and location, and in order to escape you must act immediately. The key principle is to be able to rotate either arm hand or body in the opposite direction to the angle of the grab

2. Pressure Release Escape - this is the natural reaction of your body to pain. When an opponent tries to control you with chin na, before he completes his control you simply use your other hand to grab the opponents finger or hand that is causing you the pain. Then right after releasing the pressure, immediately change your grab into a chin na technique to gain control.

3. Distraction Escape - this is probably the easiest and most effective technique to use. Before an opponent has completed his control, you simply distract his concentration, for example by kicking his shin or groin. Alternatively, you can use the other hand to punch in the face or poke his eyes.While his attention is unfocused, you immediately escape from the grab and if possible counterattack with a chin na of your own.

The Importance of Chin Na in Martial Arts

There are a number of specific advantages for chin na practitioners. Firstly, the techniques requires skill and practice but no great amount of strength. They also do not require years of training to obtain a basic knowledge of their applications, and also fit comfortably into many other martial arts, combat and defense systems. Finally, because these techniques can be used to achieve control without inflicting serious injury, they may be used confidently and safely for self defense. This latter point is also why chin na has been an important part of the training for the police in most countries, as it enables a criminal to be controlled without the risk of injuring or killing him.

A practitioner's skill in chin na can also be further developed beyond the fundamental techniques through the application of Chi (internal energy), however this can take years of practice before full mastery.

References:
Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na - Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming

Here are some great further examples of locking techniques and escapes courtesy of Tom Hills Goju Ryu Karate: