Chapter 1 General Introduction 1-1. Introduction San Shou Kuai Jiao () refers to the techniques used in free fighting to take down or throw an opponent. Because San Shou Kuai Jiao emphasizes speed, it is known as Fast Wrestling. The words San Shou () in Chinese mean free fighting, and imply the use of bare handed martial skills. Kuai Jiao () means quickly downing or throwing an opponent. Traditionally, Chinese martial arts fighting techniques are divided into four general fighting categories: Ti (), Da (), Shuai (), Na (). Ti is kicking; Da is striking; Shuai (short for Shuai Jiao, ) is wrestling; Na is Qin Na (), i.e.

seizing and controlling an opponent's joints and cavities. Generally speaking, when you encounter an opponent in a fight, leg techniques are used in long ranges and hand techniques are used for short ranges. To become a well-rounded martial artist, you must be proficient in the four basic fighting skills mentioned above. In the past, San Shou competition was held on the Lei Tai (), a 24 x 24 foot platform 5 feet high. Victory was decided when an opponent was thrown off the Lei Tai or knocked to the floor. Therefore, Shuai Jiao is an important part of San Shou fighting. A martial artist without any Shuai Jiao skills would not easily survive a San Shou match. Shuai Jiao is believed to be the oldest martial art in China.

Its history can be traced back thousands of years. Legend tells that Shuai Jiao already existed during the reign of the Yellow Emperor (Huang Ti, 2697 B.C.) and was used to train soldiers. Throughout Chinese history the art has been adopted by governments of different dynasties as a military training method. However, Shuai Jiao was not only used as a tool for military training, but also widely practiced among civilians. It was the civilians who perfected and popularized the art. In the Song dynasty (960-1278 A.

D.), Shuai Jiao skill had reached a very high level and fast wrestling (Kuai Jiao, ) already existed and was very popular. During this period, throws became more complex, and speed and skillfulness of movement was emphasized. Technically speaking, the foundation and basic principles of San Shou Kuai Jiao are based on traditional Chinese wrestling (Chuan Tong Shuai Jiao, ) and adapted for combat training. San Shou Kuai Jiao techniques and principles are very simple, effective and-most importantly-quick. Because of its speed and effectiveness, an opponent often does not have a chance to fight back. San Shou Kuai Jiao is an art that does not rely just on muscular strength-it must be done skillfully. It always emphasizes avoiding direct impact with an enemy's power.

It also emphasizes getting close to an enemy quickly and using the enemy's power against himself. Because of its effectiveness, San Shou Kuai Jiao has been trained along with all styles of Chinese martial arts for thousands of years. San Shou Kuai Jiao can cause tremendous physical damage to an opponent.