History of Chin Na

Chin Na

Chin Na is a far older than Aikido. The first written record of this art dates from the Spring and Autumn period of the Warring States era (475 – 221 B.C.E.)

“Chin” means “to seize or catch” and Na means “to hold or control.” Thus, the joints are “locked” and the vital points of the body are “squeezed.”

Unlike Aikido, which was designed to use martial principles for spiritual and integrative goals, chin na was designed to injure.

Chin na techniques include:

Fen Jin (dividing the muscle/tendon)

Cuo Gu (misplacing the bone)

Bi Qi (sealing the breath)

Dian Mai (pressing a vein/artery)

Dian Xue (cavity press)

Although some chin na techniques resemble aikido techniques, they are really quite different in execution and intent.