As my teacher often says to me, "T'ai Chi is like electricity-they touch you, they fly." Through slow movement coordinated with breathing, the body's internal energy is developed and used for health and self defense.
Study of T'ai Chi for self defense is divided into different categories: The practice of the T'ai Chi form to develop internal strength. The practice of the Da Lu and push hands two-person drills to develop speed, sensitivity to attack, and attack neutralization.
The study of the T'ai Chi form's body mechanics (or movements), learning the combat and health applications of each movement.
The study of traditional weapons and their applications: The T'ai Chi staff, broad sword, double-edge straight sword, and spear.
The last area of combat training is the rare Fast Form (not taught in most schools), which consists of 88 movements that develop footwork, attach techniques, attack neutralization, locks, and throws. The fast Form is how the masters of the past intended to pass on the applications of T'ai Chi from generation to generation. |
