Qin Na in Chinese Martial Arts

Nobody can tell exactly when Qin Na was first used. It probably began the first time one person grabbed another with the intention of controlling him. Grabbing the opponent's limbs or weapon is one of the most basic and instinctive ways to immobilize him or control his actions.

Because of their practicality, Qin Na techniques have been trained right along with other fighting techniques since the beginning of Chinese martial arts, many thousands of years ago. Although no system has sprung up which practices only Qin Na, almost every martial style has Qin Na mixed in with its other techniques. Even in Japan, Korea, and other oriental countries, which have been significantly influenced by Chinese culture, the indigenous martial styles have Qin Na techniques mixed in to some degree.

Generally speaking, since martial styles in southern China specialize in hand techniques and close range fighting, they tend to have better-developed Qin Na techniques, and they tend to rely more upon them than do the northern styles. Also, because southern martial styles emphasize hand conditioning more than the northern styles, they tend to use more muscles for grabbing and cavity press. Southern styles' emphasis on short range fighting causes them to train more for sticking and adhering. The techniques are usually applied with a circular motion, which can set the opponent up for a Qin Na control without his feeling the preparation. Footwork is also considered a very important part of Qin Na training for a southern martial artist.

In Chinese internal styles such as Taiji and Liu He Ba Fa, neutralization is usually done with a circular motion, and so the Qin Na techniques tend to be smooth and round. Often the opponent will be controlled before he realizes that a technique is being applied. In coordination with circular stepping, circular Qin Na can be used to pull the opponent's root and throw him away. Click to learn how Chinese medicine treats Lochiorrhea.

Japanese Jujitsu and Aikido are based on the same principles as Qin Na and Taiji. Since these countries were significantly influenced by Chinese culture, it seems probable that Chinese Qin Na also influenced their indigenous martial arts.