Customer Reviews (1)

Foundation for Understanding the Art of Shuai Chiao wrestling
Daniel Weng's "Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" was the first book in English on this traditional Chinese method of wrestling, aldo spelled Shuai Jiao.Weng was a direct student of Chang Tung-sheng, famed practitioner and competitor as well as master teacher at the Police College in Taipei, Taiwan until his death in 1986.Included in the introductory section is a translation of the "Song of Shuai Chiao", also shown in Chinese calligraphy, as well a numerous photographs of Master Chang Tung-sheng demonstrating the art.There is a thorough section on history, including information on Chang Tung-sheng's teachers, training and lineage.

The technical portion is illustrated with no-nonsense line ink drawings accompanied by very specific physical descriptions.While I think the drawings could have benefitted from the little drawn-in direction arrows one can so often see in works on Chinese martial arts, if you can read, you'll be o.k.!Sections covered include charicteristics & techniques, basic forms, applications of basic forms and throwing techniques, basic hand techniques and approaching gestures, grabs and breaks, training methods, falls, warm-ups, postscript.Included at the end are more photos of Master Chang giving demonstrations, with Daniel Weng and Gene Chicoine.Earlier editions give information on the International Shuai Chiao Association, while later editions refer to the demise of the aforementioned due to politics, and feature Weng's United States Shuai Chiao Association. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Only one of its kind
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!

A Different Perspective On the Throwing Arts
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 thiscombative premise that attracted me to amateur wrestling and the martialarts for many years, and to this art and book in particular.

That beingsaid, "Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" is a good reference for amartial artist who wants a different perspective on the throwing arts. Itried some of the throws shown in the book and compared them to the throwsI'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 similarto (but not the same as) the ones found in the books "KodokanJudo" and "San Shou Kuai Jiao" (Chinese Fast Wrestling forFighting); very many are not. This book demonstrates through drawings, andnot through photographs, thirty throws. It also demonstrates twenty drillsto help one employ the throws better. It also shows some of the neattraditional training methods used by a Shuai Chiao practitioner.

The artof Shuai Chiao and the throws demonstated in this book are designed morefor a combative situation than many of the throws in judo. Shuai Chiaopractitioners use holds and locks that don't require the grasping ofclothing. The throws used in Shuai Chiao are designed to lock an opponent'sjoints or trap an opponent's limbs before throwing him. The throws are hardand fast, and it is difficult for the opponent to breakfall. Many of thethrows require the Shuai Chiao practitioner to use his legs to lift hisopponent; these throws are especially powerful. Finally, the throws aredesigned to allow the Shuai Chiao practitioner to remain standing afterthrowing someone, and to leave his opponent's body open for a vital strike.

"Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" is a good reference, but as withany text it cannot be the sole reference to master a martial art. While thethrowing techniques are taught well, the approaching methods are toocontrived and unrealistic. This text would be an excellent supplement forany experienced martial artist or anyone who is training right now. Ifnothing 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 stronglyrecommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

China's Native Wrestling & Gung Fu (work!)
Daniel Weng's "Fundamentals of Shuai Chiao" was the first book in English on this traditional Chinese method of wrestling (also spelled Shuai Jiao). Weng was a direct student of Chang Tung-sheng, famed practitioner and competitor as well as master teacher at the Police College in Taipei, Taiwan until his death in 1986.

Included in the introductory section is a translation of the "Song of Shuai Chiao", also shown in Chinese calligraphy, as well a numerous photographs of Master Chang Tung-sheng demonstrating the art. There is a thorough section on history, including information on Chang Tung-sheng's teachers, training and lineage.

The technical portion is illustrated with no-nonsense line ink drawings accompanied by very specific physical descriptions. While I think the drawings could have benefitted from the little drawn-in direction arrows one can so often see in works on Chinese martial arts, if you can read, you'll be o.k.! Most of the drawings are pretty self explanatory for anyone with about a year's experience in a grappling art such as wrestling, judo, jiu jitsu, etc.

Sections covered include charicteristics & techniques, basic forms, applications of basic forms and throwing techniques, basic hand techniques and approaching gestures, grabs and breaks, training methods, falls, warm-ups, postscript. Included at the end are more photos of Master Chang giving demonstrations, with Daniel Weng and Gene Chicoine.

Earlier editions give information on the International Shuai Chiao Association, while later editions refer to the demise of the aforementioned due to politics, and feature Weng's United States Shuai Chiao Association. Interesting and unique material! ... Read more