This review covers the four videotape series covering Taiji Qin Na.    The title, which includes the words "IN DEPTH", tells it all.   This series goes much deeper than other tapes I have seen from YMAA on the Taiji style of the seizing art of Qin Na.    As many practitioners are aware, Taijiquan has numerous Qin Na applications throughout the form.    Taijiquan is especially suited for Qin Na applications as the yielding and softness that precede the final application of Taijiquan is usually soft and misleading to the other person.    This is a perfect set up for applying a Qin Na technique.   

Qin Na applications are more effectively and successfully performed when the practitioner is able to establish the proper hold.    If a person tries to apply a Qin Na technique with too much initial force, then the person receiving the technique is alerted and with understanding can more easily evade the Qin Na technique.    Taijiquan can lead to a very well grounded Qin Na technique that is difficult to discern until one is completely under it's power.

Yang, Jwing-Ming is involved in the teaching throughout the series.   Pascal and Julien, two students of Dr. Yang who were involved in demonstrating the Yang Style 2 man fighting set DVD, are two of the "victims" and demonstrators on this tape.   The other is Tony Chee.   I would imagine that anyone who studies with Dr. Yang would be knowledgeable in how to neutralize the effects of a Qin Na technique.   Yet, when you see the effect of Dr. Yang's techniques on these students, it only makes one even more aware of just how powerful and effective Dr. Yang's techniques are when applied to someone with neutralizing knowledge, much less a beginner.   At times, the students are able to obtain fairly effective results while demonstrating the Qin Na on each other.    Yet, the difference is obvious when Dr. Yang shows the correct way for applying the techniques.

On tape 3,in a calm voice, Dr. Yang cautions, "THE TECHNIQUES ARE VERY NASTY!"   Run for the hills brother.   Get out while you can.  Women and children to the rear of the room."    The writing is on the wall.    Vamonos muchachos.   He later cautions, "But don't really break the neck!"   Oh my!

When Yang, Jwing Ming demonstrates and corrects the Qin Na applications, he somehow manages to show two, three and even four separate angles that can be used for each technique.   The applications and techniques are linked in a very believable manner to the postures in the Taiji form.    When the hidden Qin Na techniques in the Yang style Taijiquan form are are shown, there can be no doubt that these Qin Na techniques truly represent the many possible applications that exist in Taijiquan.    Many people think of Qin Na as a separate martial art, never realizing that many Qin Na techniques are a part of a variety of Taijiquan and Kung Fu styles.

Dr. Yang shows the correct set up for each move and explains why each part of the technique is performed as shown.    Many teachers can display a technique and they can apply a technique, but few can explain how and why the technique works.   Dr. Yang is one of the few who shows true knowledge and understanding of the techniques and applications that he presents.      

One caution, a viewer will see Dr. Yang apparently continuing the technique even when the students are slapping their hand on their leg , which usually means they have submitted.    Unless one is very skilled at controlling the power being used, never continue the technique once your training partner taps out.    As you each become more skilled and better able to judge your skill, then you will be able to still hold the technique but lessen the pressure enough to avoid injury with your partner.   Always work out clear signals on what means stop, or what means don't go any farther.

The basic concepts covered in each of the tapes area as follows:

Tape 1    (19 Techniques)

• Techniques from the Yang postures

• Techniques from the eight moving patterns

• Clockwise Coiling in Crossed Pushing Hands

Tape 2    (15 Techniques)

• Techniques from the Yang postures

• Techniques from the eight moving patterns

• Rotating, Neutralizing

• Counterclockwise Coiling in Crossed Pushing Hands (Yin Coiling)

Tape 3    (21 Techniques)

• Techniques from the Yang postures

• Techniques from the eight moving patterns

• Parallel Pushing Hands

Tape 4    (10 Techniques)

• Techniques from the Yang postures

• Techniques from the eight moving patterns

• Techniques against Elbow Na in Pushing Hands (These Qin Na techniques were originally from the White Crane style, but Dr. Yang adapted them to the Taijiquan form.)

Anyone interested in the fighting techniques of Taijiquan or who has studied Qin Na in other systems will enjoy and learn much from this series of Taiji Qin Na applications.   The techniques and applications so clearly presented on this tape series offer a very effective self defense system to the practitioner.

Copyright 2007 Patrick H. Dickson • All Rights Reserved