Nothingness cannot be defined; the softest thing cannot be snapped.
(Bruce Lee)
Vanity
Self defence is not the same as fighting.
The stakes are far higher and you may not get a second chance if you
fail.
A person should never willingly enter into a fight. Fights are illegal
in the UK.
A wise man walks away and cares nothing for reputation or shame.
Words are not worth dying for.
Hero?
Fighting has consequences.
You could be seriously injured or die in a fight, or you could kill somebody
else and find yourself in prison.
It is important to realise that real life is not as glamorous as the movies.
A fight will not have a soundtrack, there will not be close-ups and slow-motion
sequences.
Beating somebody to the ground does not make you a hero.
Cunning
Self
defence requires you to be cunning.
Being brave is great but brave can also mean stupid and running headlong into
danger is not smart at all.
Far better to keep a cool head and respond according to the requirements of the
situation.
A cunning person is cautious and wary.
They do not make rash decisions or take unnecessary risks.
Being smart will keep you out of danger in the first place.
Deception
The
Art of War speaks repeatedly of the
need for deception.
You cannot rely upon the fairness and goodwill of your opponent in
combat.
It is necessary to be indirect, unpredictable and vague.
You should only strike when you know it will work.
Scientific
If you need to use tai chi in self defence, remember that the
system is scientific.
You should not just pummel the opponent.
Use the principles.
Your opponent's punches can only harm you if they make contact.
See to it that they do not.
Avoid force at all costs and strike unexpectedly; with substance and
body weight.
Do only what you need to do in order to escape harm.
Tai chi is not a sport
Tai chi is not boxing.
You are not in a ring for several timed rounds attempting to beat somebody
senseless with your fists.
Unlike boxing, our concern is health.
On a day-to-day basis, health should be your number one priority.
As you age, what will matter to you: fighting skills or your health?
In our school, health comes first but we want the self defence skills as well.
Page created 7 July 2004