In modern usage it is also the general Mandarin Chinese term for any form of wrestling, both inside and outside of China. As a generic name, it may be used to cover various styles of wrestling practised in China in the form of a martial arts system or a sport. The art was introduced to Southern China in Republican era after 1911. The earliest Chinese term for wrestling, "jǐao dǐ", horn butting), refers to an ancient sport in which contestants wore horned headgear with which they attempted to butt their opponents. Legend states that "jiao di" was used in 2697 BC by the Yellow Emperor's army to gore the soldiers of a rebel army led by Chi You. In later times, young people would play a similar game, emulating the contests of domestic cattle, without the headgear. Jiao di has been described as an originating source of wrestling and latter forms of martial arts in China. The practice of Jiao li in the Zhou Dynasty was recorded in the Classic of Rites
"Jiao li" was first referenced in the Classic of Rites during the Zhou Dynasty. Jiao li supplemented throwing techniques with strikes, blocks, joint locks and attacks on pressure points. These exercises were practiced in the winter by soldiers who also practiced archery and studied military strategy. Jiao li eventually became a public sport held for court amusement as well as for recruiting the best fighters. Competitors wrestled each other on a raised platform called a "lei tai" for the potential reward of being hired as a bodyguard to the emperor or a martial arts instructor for the Imperial Military.
Jiao li was taught to soldiers in China over many centuries and its popularity among the military guaranteed its influence on later Chinese martial arts through the end of the Qing dynasty. The term "shuai jiao" was chosen by the Central Guoshu Academy (Zhong Yang Guo Shu Guan) of Nanjing in 1928 when competition rules were standardized . The art continues to be taught in the police and military academies of China.
The word "shuai", stands for "to throw onto the ground", while "jiao" may be one of two characters: the first and older, stands for "horns" and the second and recent, stands for "wrestle or trip using the legs". In modern Chinese Shuai Jiao is always written using the more recent characters, and should be translated as "to throw onto the ground through wrestling with legs". The use of the character is because in the earliest form of Shuaijiao, players wore helmet with horns and head-butting was allowed. This form of Shuaijiao is called 'Ciyou Xi'.
Styles of Shuaijiao
Zhili or Hebei Style
- This style traces the lineage to the Yellow Emperor who fought two decisive battles against Chi You and Yan Emperor in modern day Zhang Jia Kou (Region in Northern Hebei, to the NW of Beijing. The modern training methods and rules are codified by Shan Pu Ying (The Battalion of Excellency in Catching) of the Nei Wu Fu (Internal Administration Unit of Imperial Household Department). It comprises Beijing, Tianjin and Baoding styles.
- This is in essence the lineage from the Manchu Buku style that was practised by the Imperial Guards Brigade, Shan Pu Ying (literally the Expert in Wrestling Unit). The main characteristic is the use of the legs to kick and off-balance opponents, and the use of arm locks.
- This is the lineage of Ming Dynasty Shuaijiao mixed with Manchu Buku. The main characteristic is the use of legs to kick and off-balance, and the use of forearms in blocking and striking.
- This is the lineage that is called Kuai Jiao or "Fast Wrestling". The main characteristic is the fast application of technique. Another characteristic is the adaptation of Shaolin Quan from Ping Jingyi, a famous teacher of Shuaijiao who learned Shaolin style from the Meng family of Nanguan County even though he was a Muslim Hui. The above three styles are sometimes called Hebei Style Shuaijiao or simply Shuaijiao. Wrestlers wear a jacket called Da Lian.
- This is the lineage of Song Dynasty Shuaijiao. It is mainly practised in the counties between the mining city of Datong in northern Shanxi and the provincial capital Taiyuan in central Shanxi. The main characteristic is leg catching techniques, as traditionally wrestlers wear only tight knee-length pants. Mongolain Style - This style traces its lineage to the wrestling styles of Dong Hu Confederation, which included Xianbei, Khitan and Mongol people.