Self Defence


 

In order to make something simple you have to know your subject very well indeed.

 (Edward De Bono)

Unlikely?

If you have studied another martial art, then it is probably quite difficult to appreciate how tai chi can be used effectively in combat.

Tai chi's slow-motion movements lead people to doubt the art.

Tai chi combat

Tai chi should offer every skill you would expect of a mainstream martial art:

  1. Defence against punches, kicks and grapples

  2. Escapes from holds

  3. Floorwork

  4. Defence against a knife

  5. Striking

  6. Joint manipulation

Ask yourself: can you defend yourself against one person? Two? A gang? What do you do if somebody holds you?
How will you get off the floor? Can you evade a knife and disarm the attacker?

Combat inspiration

If you want inspiration, go to the source material:

  1. The Art of War

  2. The Book of Five Rings

  3. The tai chi classics

  4. Tao Te Ching

  5. Chuang Tzu

These books will offer invaluable insight concerning tai chi self defence application.
Yet, beyond the books, there is a greater source of insight: your own common sense and imagination.
Common sense

You do not need to be a tai chi master to know if you are using brute strength, fighting force with force or pushing upon impact.

Similarly, if something fails to work for you, it should be pretty obvious.

Tai chi self defence must be approached pragmatically. Scientifically.
There are many different ways to deal with every situation. Your task is to find the approach that works best for you.
It should feel easy, relaxed and comfortable. It should not oppose force. It should be effective.

Scrutinise every aspect of your training ruthlessly and discard anything useless.


Imagination

It is not enough to train your body. You also need to cultivate your imagination and awareness.

"What if?" is the most important question to ask. Start from there.
Accept nothing. Reject nothing. Explore every facet and permutation. Turn things around. Consider alternatives and variables. Increase your options. Uncover possibilities.

When beginners fail to apply the system effectively in self defence, it is often not a question of tuition or experience.
It is a lack of imagination.


Practice

Nothings beats exuberant partner work.
You should aim to partner with people as often as you can. It is the only way to learn how to respond.

Be innovative, adaptive, flexible, changeable, make connections, deconstruct things, learn from your mistakes, improvise and persist.

Ask your practice partner to exploit every weakness in your defences and your approach.
Do not spare yourself. Do not be smug or egotistical. Do not stop learning from the tai chi.

If it works, it works. The result should be reproducible and unequivocal.




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Page created 19 May 2000