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Tai Chi Self Defense - Fact Or Fiction?

Author: Richard Coldman
Date Posted: October 13, 2008

It seems such an obvious question to ask, but surprisingly it doesn't get discussed as often as I would expect:

How can slow motion movement work in a real fight? The answer is that slow motion is the very best way to safely train the central nervous system and to memorise techniques with a partner. For verification, look no further than methods of hand-to-hand combat training for the military and law-enforcement officers. Training always done at full speed would result in too many injuries, but pulling punches and not following through with joint locks and throws is ineffectual as training. Solo practice involving striking explosively at full speed and acceleration, known as fa-jin or fa-li, has always been part of traditional tai chi quan, and is explicit in the forms of Chen-style tai chi, but has also been an integral part of the other styles beyond beginner level.

Kung fu (Mastery) = time + energy spent

The problem with a sophisticated system like tai chi chuan is that it takes a long time to learn, and an even longer time to train until responses are completely natural and spontaneous. This is why traditionally in China, martial arts training began at around 5 years old, giving plenty of time for individuals to prepare their bodies, to temper and transcend their automatic (glandular) responses to aggression. My own principal teacher used to say "train for 10 years before you show your skill outside of your own family".

Which is the best style?

Adherents of different styles can't resist arguing about which style is best. Actually, it is not styles that win competitions or successfully defend themselves against attack; it's individuals. No matter how good the style, system, quality of teaching or training, it takes a combination of talent or aptitude, inclination and dogged perseverance to be a winner. Unless you really want to fight, (and that includes being willing to lose sometimes,) maybe you should concentrate on simply maintaining your health and well-being.

Ultimate fist?

Tai chi chuan has been translated as supreme ultimate fist. This implies that tai chi is superior to other fighting systems. Actually there are many ways to translate the term "tai chi chuan", as "tai chi" is the name of the Taoist philosophical concept after which the system is named. Most of the traditional martial arts were in their ascendancy before the proliferation of firearms. Once it became easy for a relatively unskilled marksmen or infantryman to "defeat" a highly trained martial artist as occurred during the "Boxer Rebellion" of 1899-1901, incentive for the grueling and exacting martial arts training was undermined, and the changing political landscape of early 20th Century China did little to support the older martial arts traditions. Consequently it is unlikely that the fabled skills of the masters of old will ever be seen outside of kung-fu films.

The best reason to practice

If I seem to imply disbelief that a tai chi master of old could defeat several young boxers effortlessly, or hold a bird in in his open hand by neutralizing the thrust of it's feet with his palm, I don't disbelieve these stories. I will be surprised to see a member of my own generation ever achieve such skill, but I find health benefits of tai chi practice that I've witnessed in myself and others to be every bit as miraculous as these wonderful old stories. These alone are enough of a reason for my own continued practice.

About The Author

Visit my blog to ask your questions, read free posts, articles and insights into the many ways to use and benefit from taiji, qigong and other systems for health, meditation and self-protection: http://www.richardcoldman.com/.

Richard Coldman is a freelance filmmaker, musician and writer with a keen interest in alternative health and almost 30 years experience in Chinese martial arts and therapeutic exercise.

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Tai Chi articles.

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