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| Martial principles | ||
| The science behind the art | ||
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Balancing art and science
If your
tai chi practice is to be balanced you need a very thorough
understanding of the science behind the art.
Martial principles (science of combat) and the precepts of the Tao (way of
nature) must be fully understood. Tai chi without the science is empty and
hollow.
Form without
substance may look pleasing but has
no real purpose.
Learn the science
The science of warfare and combat is ancient. Understanding the science
behind the art is essential. Without the science, the art is usually doomed
to ineffectualness.
Science is about the substance, the skills and the principles behind the
art.
What is science?
Science is the attempt to understand the nature of reality.
In martial terms it refers to the techniques and strategies used in real
combat, as well as the physical requirements that make the system operate
effectively.
In tai chi we must ask: how can natural law be used in combat?
Empiricism
Talk is cheap in the modern world, so we encourage direct experience
instead. Nobody in the class is expected to take the instructor's word for
it. Find out for yourself through practical exercises.
Belief is not a requirement, nor is faith. You are not a 'disciple'. We
adopt a scientific approach. The evidence is to be found in the doing and
the proof in the effect.
This is called 'empiricism'. Discover the facts for yourself. Feel it for
yourself. This is the heart of Zen.
Martial classics
There are a number of martial classics, including:
36 Strategies
The Art of War
The Book of Five Rings
The Methods of the Ssu-ma
Questions and Replies Between T’ang T’ai-tsung and Li Wei-kung
T’ai Kung’s Six Secret Teachings
Three Strategies of Huang Shih-kung
Wei Liao-tzu
Wu-tzu
Tai chi
classics
Across the years, various tai chi masters have expressed their martial
expertise in writing.
These works are referred to as ‘The
Tai Chi Classics’.
They represent the essence of the art.
Lao Tzu & Sun Tzu
Tai chi owes as much to Sun Tzu’s Art of War as it does to
Taoism. Whilst Lao Tzu advocated finding harmony and balance with existence,
Sun Tzu sought to gain victory in combat.
These apparent opposites are contained within
tai chi.
Art of War
Sun Tzu’s book uses Taoist principles in combat
scenarios.
The entire system is designed to teach a student how to move in relation to
others; compromising the opponent but remaining integrated yourself.
Whereas Tao Te Ching
speaks of honesty and openness, The Art of War suggests
deceit. A tai chi exponent must balance the opposites within their
character.
In everyday life, honesty is usually appropriate but in combat it is
suicide.
Put the principles into practice
Tai chi serves as a means of understanding the principles and insights
taught by Taoism and the martial classics. The art is a functional,
practical way of discovering the ancient wisdom for yourself.
Talking and theorising is worthless if you cannot put the
fighting skills into use against a genuine
opponent who seeks to cause you harm.
Science rather than opinion
Instead of being asked to believe in something, or subscribe to a
philosophy, you are simply invited to do the
martial art for yourself.
By working in relationship with other people you can determine new ways of
using your body, your emotions and your mind. Students quickly find that
opinions, habits and misconceptions are set aside.
Boxing
The popular book Chinese Boxing by Robert Smith refers to kung fu as
being 'Chinese boxing' which is what kung fu has historically being called.
The word 'boxing' summons images of fists and punching.
Ultimately, tai chi chuan (dynamic balancing boxing) is about
fighting, not about talking.
Page created 2 March 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023
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