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Martial
When a tai chi teacher claims to be a martial artist, they
are stepping out of the 'alternative remedy' arena and into the realm of global
martial arts practice.
This is a dangerous step to take.
Popular martial arts include: judo, taekwondo, aikido, ju jitsu, karate, wing chun, muay thai, MMA,
kickboxing, savate, pencat silat...
Are you claiming that your tai chi is equal to
(or better than) these
mainstream martial arts?
Ability is everything in tai chi
Remember this - martial arts are a
meritocracy. Ability is everything. Not
knowledge. Not time served. Ability. If you can
do it, then you can advance.
Is your tai chi truly martial?
If an instructor is
teaching tai chi as a martial art then it must conform to the public
expectations of what a martial art constitutes:
Unarmed combat
Armed combat
Spiritual development
Fitness
Self defence
Striking
Grappling
Multiple opponents
System of grading
Proof of skill
A martial art must work in combat against a
non-cooperative opponent who genuinely means to do you harm.
If your
tai chi is not up to the task, then it is
tai chi for health.
Neo: "I know
kung fu."
Morpheus: "Show me."
(The Matrix)
Self
defence is not combat
It is important to establish that
self defence is not the same thing as tai chi.
The ability to demonstrate a sample of self defence techniques is a far cry from
actual tai chi skill.
Tai chi involves a vast array of abilities that can be applied in the violent
melee of exceptionally dangerous combat.
Techniques
A technique is a training
method designed to teach a formulated response to a known attack.
It is a successful approach used by many martial arts and self defence courses.
Tai chi does not favour techniques.
The art views combat as being a chaotic affair;
requiring spur of the moment, spontaneous action, improvisation and the ability
to adapt to whatever is taking place.
Underlying principles are more relevant; as they provide the opportunity for
endless application and variety.
Throwing down the gauntlet
Be very careful not to challenge a kung fu (Chinese boxing) instructor by demanding
proof of skill. You may get far more than you bargained for. You might well be
hurt.
Instead, watch carefully and pay attention to how and what is taught.
High-level aptitude should be self-evident, but if
you want to see more remember to ask politely.
Do not expect a performance
A tai chi teacher is not obliged to show you something just because you want
to see it. Remember: they are an instructor, not a performer.
Their role is to teach you what is necessary, relevant and appropriate. They are
most certainly not there to entertain or gratify your desire for a show.
Real skill is self-evident
Real skill is blatantly obvious.
A bona fide kung fu instructor exudes skill.
Without preamble they can apply every form movement in countless ways, illustrate
martial principles and answer any question fully to your satisfaction.
Expect physical proof, though, not
chitchat.
Page created 8 May 1997
Last updated
16 June 2023