This is the animal way of martial arts: a potentially violent situation
arouses animal instinct, which leads to fear, which activates the glands,
which raises the heart rate, which engages the body, and it fights.
This is the human way of martial arts: a potentially violent situation
instantly arouses the human ability to detect how best to handle the
situation, without stressful anger, then the mind/body becomes tranquil and
highly alert.
(Bruce Frantzis)
Unpleasant
Some martial artists seek to be as fierce as an animal by copying the perceived
behaviour of the beast.
Their emotions run wild, they lose control and become very aggressive.
This is not what we want in
tai chi.
The tai chi person is
not
angry or
aggressive; they are
only doing what needs to be done.
Inwardly, the emotions are cool and relaxed, the mind quiet and expansive.
Their
bearing
suggests
detachment
combined with a physical readiness to act.
Eyes
Learning to use peripheral vision is essential.
You do not look directly at the opponent or the
attacking limb.
Nor do you turn the attention inward.
Peripheral vision takes your consciousness out of your body into the area around
you.
Once your gaze has
become more expansive, it is necessary to become aware of any
adversary.
Rather than look directly at the person, feel the space they
occupy.
When they move, you strike.
Make sure that your gaze is not aggressive, staring or hostile. It should be
passive, receptive and calm.
Human behaviour
In self defence we do not
aim to become nasty and
cruel.
Simply escape. Do only what is necessary.
Many tai chi students have a very balanced
relationship with the world around them;
animals,
environment and people.
They refrain from hurting other people with words, actions or deeds.
Often, they are vegetarian and actively work to encourage other people to
respect all life.
We can learn a lot from animals and can repay these lessons with kindness
and
compassion.
Page created 16 July 2003