NOTE: Please be aware that we only have one or two copies of some of these. Many aren't even in print any more. Even if it is listed here it may already be out of stock (we'll try to keep it updated but they may go fast).

72 Techniques of Chin Na - TCCN 621
by Li Ying Arng
$14.95 Traditional Chinese Characters
117 pages, photographs and illustrations, softbound

This book has been around for a long time. We initially purchased it at the beginning of our training years ago. Many martial artists have at least seen it. This is Li Ying Arng's investigation into the principles of Chin Nah. It is unusual in that it contains rough anatomy charts, points located on skeletal drawings, techniques photographed and explicated (one picture each), swipes from Versalius, sections on Issuing Power and more. Probably one of the first Kung Fu books coming to the attention of many Western practitioners because, after all, we could understand the pictures.

72 Hands of Chin Nah - TCCN 608
by Li Ying Arng
$14.95 Traditional Chinese Characters

146 pages, illustrations and photographs, softbound
This is a classic in the field. One of the best systems of Chin Nah AS Chin Na is known as the 72 Hands or some times the Devil's Hand. We worked an extraordinary teacher of this many years ago and we can attest to it efficacy. Though the photographs are muddy and old they show final positions on a number of joint locking techniques. Some anatomical charts. Li himself performing a rare single person Chin Na set. Worth having in your library for historical if no other reasons.

142 Pages, Softbound. Clear line drawings.
Actually this is a pretty good little book. It covers many aspects of Chin Nah including acupuncture points, training equipment, partner strengthening exercises, gripping practices and 36 techniques well drawn and clearly shown. The applications are strung together in a formal sequence which, considering Chin Nah's tactile emphasis is not a bad idea. One of the more useful applications of two-person choreographed training is to habituate the student to the hold BEFORE it gets too serious.

88 Chin Nah Techniques & Counters - TCCN 603
by Han Jian Zhong
$14.50 Traditional Chinese Characters
287 Pages, over 350 photographs, softbound

This is a text showing the "military" use of Chin Na. The photos in this volume are pretty good showing not only applications but an occasional close up for detail. "Fan" Chin Na is also mixed in so, in some cases, not only the technique but the counter actions are shown. A good, illustrated text especially for the general actions of the art. The final section, in text form, gives exercise methods real ting to Chin Na.

This book isn't just about Shuai Jiao (Chinese Wrestling) it is by a wrestler. Our only criticism of this little gem is that everything is too small, the Chinese type setting and the wonderful pictures demonstrating wrestling training methods and some techniques. These are old photos set in montage style showing throws and entrances. By the way, for those interested in history; this is SONG style Shuai Jiao.

Classic Lion Book Reprint: LBRP- -C042 US $9.95
Rope Restraints
by ShangHai Police Training Institute

69 pages, illustrated.
BuShengShu. This is truly an unusual, though traditional, part of Chin Nah skills. This is a training manual - publication date unknown - on methods to prevent criminals from fleeing. This book is filled with methods to bind a felon with ropes and control him. An unusual arrest method. to say the least. But this was proposed as a skillful substitute for handcuffs. Such forms of binding were used traditionally in China to take criminals to the magistrate and this was an attempt to introduce these methods into modern police work. A rare text reprint.

Lion Books # LBCN- -A204 US$10.75
CHIN NAH PARTNER FIST by Chang Du-Yi Shihfu

The author is experienced in a number of Kung Fu styles including Tai Zu. This is a very clear text on a two-person form dedicated to Chin Nah applications. All movements are understandable because two practitioners attack and defend with Chin Nah techniques of grappling, joint locking and "seizing the breath". A nice set with lots of reversals. Not very difficult to learn .

This has everything from the cutting pattern for a shuai jiao top down to the exercises methods for building technique. Many neat old pictures of postures and applications for Chinese wrestling. Written in 1935 (republished 2002) the author lived from 1878 to 1963.Special training with belts and short poles to master the throws. Warm up and Chi Kung exercises. Power training methods and of course beautiful antique pictures of throws applied and completed. An essential work for those interested in the grappling arts.
See English translations of this text available through PLUM.

Classic Lion Book Reprint: LBRP-C006 $8.95 78 pages.
Chin Nah Methods
by Liu Jin Sheng & Zhao Jiang

Chin Nah, the art of locking and strangling, is a key element of every style in Chinese Martial Arts. Here is a 2002 reprint of a famous 1936 text by Liu Jin Sheng. Over 90 great photographs show very direct and authoritative applications of the art of Chin Nah. Red-lettered notes clarify text, including some specifics about pressure points. An early classic book on joint-locking. This was said to be a secret family manual from Liu's own grandmother which, even after years of learning other styles he found to be very valuable.