Tai-Chi Strategy for Sanshou Self-Defense

This article is to introduce an integrated study of Sanshou and self-defense drills that encompasses Tai-chi (Internal Chinese Martial art) and Shuai-chiao (Chinese combat wrestling) theories and fighting techniques.

??by
Chi-hsiu D. Weng, Ph.D.
Assisted by Mark J. Wong??

This article is to introduce an integrated study of Sanshou and self-defense drills that encompasses Tai-chi (Internal Chinese Martial art) and Shuai-chiao (Chinese combat wrestling) theories and fighting techniques. First, the terminology; Tai-chi Sanshou, does not refer to the popular slow-motion Tai-chi-chuan (Taijiquan) self-defense partner drills. These drills are usually only taught to advanced students after they have attained a fair level of coordination and sensitivity through push hands training. In this article the term Tai-chi Sanshou refers to self-defense techniques at combat speed, using a classification of techniques, theories of approach and countering drills based on Tai-chi and Shuai-chiao. This type of training is related closer to, and can also be used to train for, Chinese kickboxing-grappling competition (also known as Sanshou).

Simplified Symbols Method
The author, a ninth degree Black belt in Shuai-chiao and an internationally certified judge of competitive Wushu and Sanshou, devised effective teaching techniques for his Tai-chi chuan, Shuai-chiao and Sanshou classes. While students need to learn the techniques well, they also benefit by understanding the Tai-chi and Shuai-chiao theories with their principles underlying the techniques. Thus students not only remember the set techniques easier, but also are able to adapt to various situations more quickly, allowing them to be creative with their choice and use of any techniques that follow the principles. By using the Tai-chi techniques in a faster-paced, cardio-exercise format, a simple guide for fighting techniques that include footwork, distance, speed and timing is created. These techniques demonstrate blocks and strikes with *different levels of aggressiveness in order to accommodate limitless combat situations while, at the same time, implementing the Tai-chi principles of non-resistance, connecting-following, continuous control and returning the force.

The techniques of Tai-chi Sanshou can be divided into three major categories based on their arm movements. The three categories are represented by three simple geometric shapes. These shapes and two characteristic techniques for each are listed below:
Three Shapes: Square, Triangle and Circle

    1. Square: Frog Kick, White Crane Spreads Its Wings- (Far distance)
    2. Triangle: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg and Playing the Lute- (Middle distance)
    3. Circle: Grasp Birds Tail and Wave Hands Like Clouds Drifting by- (Close distance)



Tai-chi Sanshou defensive techniques used at a far distance follow a general square shape. The movements of the arms begin from a crossed defensive position in front of the chest and finish with an open, extended arm position protecting the head or body, forming the general shape of a square. The Tai-chi movements Frog Kick and White Crane Spreads its Wings both use the hands to parry and connect to the attacking limb. The Frog kick is an aggressive counter attack and the White Crane Spreads its Wings is a sidestepping defensive move with the option of kicking.

The shape of a triangle represents techniques that are best suited for middle distances. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg and Playing the Lute are two of its characteristic techniques. The Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg is a very aggressive attacking technique that utilizes control against the opponent’s upper body. Strikes, kicks and throws can be done virtually simultaneously. Playing the Lute can be described as a defensive open hand fighting posture seen in many Asian styles of martial arts. However, its potential for aggressiveness shows in its applications for strikes, joint locks and throwing techniques. In the triangle category, the footwork is very smooth and fast and the movements are penetrating.

Applications at close distance follow a circular movement. Grasping the Bird’s Tail is a combination of four techniques and considered in the classics as the foundation of Tai-chi fighting techniques. As a circle technique, it can be an aggressive counter attack. Grasping the Bird’s Tail contains advancing and retreating, side step, turning and spinning footwork with quick arm movements that flow in a circular-elliptical pattern to parry, absorb-follow (control the opponent) and counter with a strike, push, joint control or throw. The passive, defensive technique of Wave Hands Like Clouds Drifting By are demonstrated by yielding and lead the opponent’s attacking limbs to the side. Coupled with turning footwork, it is possible to absorb and control the attacker’s limbs, immediately putting the defender in position for counterattacking.

Distance, Gates and Strategy
The Tai-chi Sanshou techniques are not limited by their categories. With the variety of footwork and options for controlling the attacking limbs, many of the techniques have a fighting range that can be flexible, such as far to middle or middle to close range. For example, the Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg can be used in all ranges: a front kick at long range, a palm-thrust to the chin at middle range, or a knee to the groin at short range. As with range, a technique’s application also varies according to whether it is employed within the inside gate or outside gate. The inside gate is area from shoulder to shoulder, the area inside the arms if standing with the arms straight out. The outside gate consists of the area on the outside of the shoulders.

The Tai-chi techniques provide the best strategy for countering the forces applied against you in a combat situation. You can effortlessly apply minimal effort in converting your role from defense to offense by following the principles of Tai-chi. This allows you to gain control of your opponent (and the situation) while maintaining balance and returning the force (if needed). The structure of the three symbols combines theories and principles from Tai-Chi and the original style of Kung-fu, Shuai-chiao, to create an easy to follow method for teaching Sanshou and self-defense. In the art of Shuai-chiao, the body of techniques can be structured into a pyramid that is represented by thirty Chinese characters. This structure was passed down by the late Grandmaster Chang Tung-sheng and it provides an abundant source of techniques and applications. Combining the structure of the Pyramid of Shuai-chiao and the three Symbols with Tai-chi principles serves to teach students how to be responsive, creative and adaptive.

Published Inside Kung-Fu August 2004 pp.44-47).