Shuai Jiao
Shuai Jiao, or Throwing Wrestling, is the
general term for Chinese wrestling, but more specifically applies to systems of
fighting that involve fast throws and takedowns. The history of Shuai Jiao goes
back almost five thousand years, to the army of the Yellow Emperor when his
soldiers used large horned helmets against opposing rebels. The use of horned
helmets in brutal, gladiator-style sports became known as Jiao Di, or “Horn Butting”. These contests led to the more
practical and sophisticated art of Jiao
Li during the Zhou Dynasty
(1046-256 BC), which included punches and kicks as well as throwing and
grappling moves.
The word Jiao came to mean ‘wrestling’ (li means ‘strength’ and shuai means 'to throw down'), and the term Shuai Jiao was adopted by the Central Guoshu (Country Arts) Academy in 1928. Although still practiced by itself as a competitive sport, Shuai Jiao is not a comprehensive martial arts system, and various schools have different theories and techniques. The use of the term Shuai Jiao is now often used to refer to the throwing, wrestling and takedown techniques of many kung fu styles.
Demian Gover - 2012
Peaceful Mountain Way Kung Fu
