Shuaijiao-Li Family Wrestling/Throwing Art

Shuaijiao is the oldest form of Chinese martial arts. It has evolved into its own unique system, as well as influencing many of China's internal and external martial arts systems, who have all incorporated Shuaijiao fast throwing techniques into their own systems.

The Li family Shuaijiao art that was taught to me by Master Chee Soo, which he would also refer to as "Chi Shu" or Breathe Art is still taught by the Li (Lee) Family Internal Arts Association. The training syllabus is shown below:

 

• Stances and footwork.
• Ground rolling and break falls.
• Multiple joint locking techniques.
• Ward off and blocks.
• Basic striking and kicking techniques.
• Evasion sets.
• Hand throws.
• Arm throws.
• Hip throws.
• Shoulder throws.
• Head mopping throws.
• Leg springing hook throws.
• Foot sweeps and trips.
• Single and double leg takedowns.
• Self defence single attack.
• Self defence multiple attack.
• Counters to joint locks and throws.
• Form work and applications.
• Wrestling from standing and ground.
• Weapon defence-walking cane, knife and cudgel.

 

Shuaijiao with its devastating fast throws and powerful joint locks is an effective method of self defence for everyone. There is a saying that is used to describe the high level ability of a Shuaijiao practitioner: "if the attacker touches, he is thrown".