Unpredictability
Art reaches its greatest point when devoid of self-consciousness.
Freedom discovers man the moment he loses concern over what impression he is
making
or about to make.
(Bruce Lee)
Strike from the shadows
Tai chi is not about
fighting.
It is about evading harm.
Your aim in self defence is to escape unharmed.
To employ the system effectively, you must strike without warning and
withdraw.
The
external arts are yang - openly strong
and firm.
The internal
arts are mainly
yin - concealing their strength.
Spontaneous
In tai chi, we do not broadcast our intentions.
You must learn to move without
planning and preparation.
Melee trains this
skill.
If you think and plan, then it will show in your body language and could
be your downfall.
The more immediate your behaviour, the less you will advertise your
intention.
Sensitive
Feeling and sensitivity are critical in self defence.
We must be responsive and alert to subtle opportunities to act, and take
them instantly.
Our attention must be entirely upon the situation, rather than ourselves.
If we think of ourselves, we will fail.
Softness and yielding are the keys to sensitivity - never apply more than
four ounces of
pressure.
Symmetry
Tai chi is an asymmetrical system of self defence encouraging a varied use
of the body.
Since most people are right-handed, it accommodates this; the right hand is usually the yang hand and the left hand the yin.
There are exceptions.
The body is balanced out by mirroring the forms and palm changes.
Direct and indirect
Yin and yang suggest a process of change.
Tai chi should not be just one thing - large or small, fast or slow
- it needs to reflect the requirement of the situation.
You must learn to vary the use of the body considerably; applying legs,
arms, chin na and throwing in a fluid way appropriate to the
attack.
Circular
The abstract nature of form encourages flowing movement, there are no
straight lines or angles.
Only curves.
All of the movements are circles or spirals.
The form postures are designed to shape the movements, to
provide the optimal body structure when moving.
Every posture must be rounded and circular in nature and execution.
You must become mobile and fluid.
Stepping
Poor use of the legs and feet is common in beginners; people 'root' to the
spot and keep the weight solid.
Their legs are used to brace the body.
This may be alright if you are a very heavy man defending against one
opponent, but realistically it is useless.
Your feet must be light, alive and sensitive - moving your
centre constantly.
Do not become a posture-bound statue.
Unexpected
People have trouble being unpredictable.
It is only possible to be truly effective when both body and mind are
relaxed.
Any form of stiffness will impede movement.
The impetus to move must stem from the reptile brain, bypassing the
conscious mind and out into the body.
What happens next?
Page created 17 June 1999