An Idiom referring to the principle of moving the target to evade an oncoming weapon, rather than only blocking, in order for reaction to beat action.

Comments:

This principle relies upon the fact that it takes a period of time for a weapon to reach its intended target, as well as  effort to redirect the weapon, once in flight - thus, allowing reaction to beat action.

It is common for the practitioner to not rely exclusively upon either blocking or upon the Chinese Fan principle.  Rather, the practitioner will normally utilize both maneuvers simultaneously to ensure success.

Example(s):

Moving one's head to avoid an oncoming back-knuckle strike, demonstrates the Chinese Fan principle.

Derivation:

The name comes from a famous, comical, Ed Parker (comedic) short story where a man buys a $.50 fan from a dealer in China - only to find that the fan falls apart when used.  When the man confronts the dealer, he is told by the dealer that he must purchase a $1.00 fan.  This is due to the fact that the $.50 fan requires the user to move their head in order to make the fan work.  The $1.00 fan, by contrast, can be used as the man expected, without falling apart.

Opposite(s):

Block

Related Definition(s):

Idiom, Move, Principle, Target, Weapon

Related Term(s):

Angle of Deviation, Body Maneuver