Train to cut down unnecessary choice reactions.
(Bruce Lee)
Form
The tai chi
form is a lengthy sequence of self defence
movements practiced in such a manner that the essence is more
apparent than the
application.
Each 'posture' has a particular characteristic that
requires the body move in a certain way.
In order to employ
tai chi in self defence it is useful to consider certain
movements independent of the form.
Different teachers have developed short sets of movements designed to
practice applications in a flowing manner.
These sets are called 'drills'.
Repetition
Drills are exercises designed to instil habit patterns within the
body.
They require time and patience.
A drill works by having the student repeat the same
movement (or short string of movements) again and again.
Usually a drill contains just a handful of movements.
By repeating the same drill a number of times, the body remembers.
Unlike form, a drill lasts for only a few seconds.
Flowing
Concentrating on a limited sequence of movements enables the
student to become accustomed to the feel of the drill quite quickly.
Pretty soon, the drill becomes a flowing sequence.
The aim is to allow the drill to feel like just one movement.
This takes practice.
Qigong
Drills should always be performed slowly whilst the pattern is
being learned.
The slow motion drill serves as a
qigong
exercise; with the body drifting through the sequence.
In time, it can be speeded up slightly but speed is not really the
intention with a drill.
Tai chi is not performed quickly.
The drill needs to be smooth, loose and natural. It needs to be
spontaneous.
At this point, it can be expressed using
fa jing.
Solo
A drill is usually trained solo to begin with.
This gives the student time to become very familiar with
the sequence and feel comfortable doing it.
The solo practice trains accuracy, positioning and relaxation.
Large movements gradually become smaller and smaller until they are
internalised.
When the whole body is engaged, fa jing can be considered.
Partner
Drills are not self defence.
They simply train the body to move in a particular way.
By working with a partner, a student can also learn timing and control.
The benefit of partnered drill practice is that reflexive habits develop
rather quickly.
When faced with a self defence situation, the drill is forgotten but the
habit patterns remain.
With sufficient practice, something useful will emerge.
Page created 15 December 2001