Chinese Wrestling -- Shuai Chiao
 Shuai Chiao is considered the oldest form of Chinese Kung Fu. Back then it was called "chiao ti" and was mentioned in texts that date back over 3000 years. Shuai Chiao literally translates into "throwing-horns". The earliest fighters were reported to have worn horned helmets, and the rapid arm movements of the style made the powerful movements appear like a clash of horned beasts.
Shuai Chiao was considered basic training for soldiers in China for thousands of years. The art is designed for survival in the battlefield. It used powerful throws and strikes, but little ground fighting, since struggling on the ground could be fatal with multiple attackers.
Chinese Shuai Chiao also made its presence felt overseas. Chen Yuan-Ping is credited for bringing Shuai-Chiao to Japan. His knowledge of Shuai-Chiao's joint locks, controls, takedowns, and throws formed the basis of what became Jiu-Jitsu, which later evolved into Judo and Aikido.
While the emphasis for beginning students is on the throwing methods, Shuai Chiao students also practice punching and kicking. Most of the throws are practiced from a punching, kicking or grabbing attack and use chin-na (joint locking techniques) instead of depending on a grip on a jacket. These characteristics make this ancient art a very effective form of self-defense in modern times.
Written By Sifu Rino Côté
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