The word Chin: meaning to seize, trap or to catch.
The word Na: means to hold, grab or to control.
there being Chin Na is a Chinese method of grappling it utilizing animals like the eagle and how it catches it prey. Chin Na is an art that works on transition. It is the distance that presence the best opportunity for the Chin Na practitioner to use defense first and then offense second. As I have read Chin Na is broken down into four categories
1> Chin Na Basic Hand Methods: seizing, locking choking, piercing lifting, twisting, parting, breaking separating muscle, squeezing and hugging.
2> Passive Chin Na: Escapes from grabs and holds from a stationary passive opponent.
3> Active Chin Na: applied in combat situation.
3> Chin Na with an armed opponent: Needs expert timing and skill.
Categories Of Chin Na Techniques
1> FEN JIN-Separating muscle and tendons from their bone. ZHAUN JIN- grabbing the muscle and tendons
2> CUO GU-Breaking the bones
3> BI CHI- sealing the breath
4> DIAN MAI- pressing/sealing the veins
5> DIAN XUE-Cavity pressure "Chi Channels"and Na XUE-grabbing the cavities
In my opinion Chin Na is an outstanding system of self-protection, which requires no previous martial art experience.