To hit means something like 'feel out'.
(Miyamoto Musashi)
Weaponry
The only real
weapon in our school of tai chi is you. It is essential to regard your own body
and mind as the weapon.
Picking up a third-party object such as a
sword
creates a dependence.
You must regard your body as a structure that can be employed creatively against
somebody else.
The body as the weapon
Do not think of your hands as the main self
defence weapon.
Your body is the weapon - in particular the weight of the torso.
Hands and feet are just a means of gaining contact with somebody else.
You must feed movement and energy through your limbs and into the other
person.
Strategy
Almost every
part of your body can be used as striking tool, so use your body creatively.
We do not simply rely upon striking, tai chi specialises in the avoidance of
force.
You must move in a strategic manner,
positioning yourself advantageously.
Jing and chin na can be used in tandem to generate a barrage of counter strikes.
Variety, timing, rhythm and momentum are essential.
Your opponent
The best weapon available to you is your opponent.
You must learn how to 'borrow' their strength and also to avoid it.
If they cannot impose force upon you, they will quickly become concerned or
annoyed.
This is to be exploited also.
Woodcutter
Imagine a woodcutter with an
axe...
If he hacks at the wood using great force and muscle strength, he will rapidly
become tired.
The axe head has weight and so does the shaft.
When chopping, the woodcutter must propel the axe using his body.
If he softens the tension in his own frame, he can use momentum to swing the
axe.
Tension in his muscles and joints will block movement.
It is the movement that produces momentum and the greater the momentum, the more
powerful the stroke.
Think of an athletics event where a hammer, discus or shot putt is thrown...
The person moves their body in an arc, allowing the hammer to pull out from the
body.
Centrifugal force draws the hammer around the arc, increasing its weight and
power.
They move their body around the hammer, increasing momentum but sustaining the
gravity.
Then they let go.
Striking in tai chi uses centrifugal power to
gain momentum, then centripetal power to come back upon impact.
Using your head
Not every conflict will be physical. Everyday situations involve
hostility and tension.
There are different ways to avoid unpleasantness. Distraction is a powerful
tool.
An opponent ceases to be a threat when they are distracted or confused, so focus
upon keeping them off-balance.
The best weapons are always the most subtle and cut the deepest.
Page created 1 February 2000