Chin Na in Ground Fighting: Principles, Theory and Submission Holds for All Martial Styles [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

The format in this book endears itself to study, with photos and diagrams clear and easy to comprehend. Arsenault goes beyond simply showing a technique which might be difficult to apply without an experienced instructor by explaining through detailed narrative precisely how one must manouver and position oneself. We also learn WHY the techniques and positioning are done as they are done, how they work, and how to get the most out of a technique. This practical and sensible approach can be appreciated by grapplers and strikers alike.

The square construction of this thick book makes it less likely to flop shut when you spread it on the mat to experiment with the techniques shown within. All in all, a straightforward offering which can offer new ideas and applications regardless of one's style of practice.

There are separate chapters covering nerve centers and pressure points, how to attack the pressure points, chin na theory and technique, as well as separate chapters on hand and armlocks; neck, head, and shoulder locks; and ankle and leglocks.

One of the book's major strengths is the chapter on the theory of leverage and mechanical advantage as applied to holds and locks. The authors use diagrams and illustrations to show how chin na locks can be analyzed according to the different types of mechanical levers and fulcrums. This was interesting and useful since, once you understand a few basic principles (which aren't that difficult, really), any chin na lock can be analyzed and understood with reference to it's particular category of mechanical lever.

Another thing I liked about the book is the authors' discussion of safety in practicing choke holds and of the dangers of applying them in self-defense situations. For example, after applying a sleeper hold and rendering the attacker unconscious, sometimes the heart fails to start back up after 30 seconds, and artificial resucitation must be administered--unless it's your attention to kill the attacker. This is because of a carotid baroreceptor and heart pacemaker effect known as carotid-sinus syndrome. It's very rare but it does happen. The authors also discuss a number of other medical and physiological effects of sleeper and choke holds and how to deal with them, which every martial artist who practices them should know about.

The book concludes with a chapter on sequence of techniques which shows how techniques might progress and flow in a real situation, starting in a standing position and ending up on the ground. There are also two extensive appendices totalling 40 pages (in smaller print than was used in the text) on martial arts terms and medical terminology.

My only complaint about the book is that the photos look a little light and faded. I don't know if this occurred during the shooting or printing, but it's not that big a problem. Overall, this is one of the best books on chin na I've ever seen and its application to ground fighting. A lot of work went into preparing and writing this volume, and it shows. This book will be a valuable resource for any chin na practitioner who wants a better grasp of the underlying principles and techniques of this important and useful martial art.