| Feature Article Tai Chi : the Art of Self Defence
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
The name, Tai Chi Chuan, means the Grand
Ultimate Fist. Tai Chi belongs to the internal style or Nei Jia school of self defence.
The internal style is said to have originated in the mountains of Wudang. Xing Yi (Mind
Boxing) and Ba Gua (Eight Directional Palm) are the other members of the internal school.
All of these arts share a special feature, which is the development of chi (qi), or
intrinsic energy.
A distinguishing characteristic of the internal martial
arts is the use of softness to overcome hardness or rigidity. Much of the initial training
is designed to loosen and soften the muscles, joints and connective tissues. To reach a
high degree of softness and flexibility involves training the whole body, not just the
arms or the legs.
When Tai Chi or any of the internal martial arts is used for self defence, it aims to
overcome the attacker with as little force as possible. If the attacker is strong, one
will use softness to neutralise his strength,
which will upset his balance. Tai Chi calls
this "drawing the opponent into emptiness".
Tai Chi, as a martial art, is based on the principles of physics. Much
of the power derives from the generation of concentric force. This is
produced through the spiraling
motions of the legs, waist, spine and arms. In Chinese, this power is called Chan Si Jin
or spiraling force or silk reeling power.
Another feature of Tai Chi is the development of ground force. Our bodies can only produce
so much power. However, when we are able to connect with the ground, we can produce up to
three times as much power as an untrained person. Think of it this way. Someone is trying
to push open a door while you are resisting by holding the door. The stronger person would
be able to control the situation. On the other hand, if you use your foot to wedge the
door open, you could easily thwart the strongest push.
Another important skill in using Tai Chi as a martial art is the development of Ting Jin
or listening energy. When we practise the Tai Chi form, we need to first relax. This
relaxation helps our bodies to develop a high degree of sensitivity. The Tai Chi classics
state: "If a feather is added to your body, you should feel it. If a fly alights on
you, it will set your body in motion." This degree of sensitivity naturally increases
our awareness to tension and blockages in our bodies. In this training, it is said there
is no end to the degree of sensitivity and relaxation we can achieve. The philosopher, Lao
Tzu says, "Can you make your body as soft and supple as that of a child?"
Eventually, the Tai Chi practitioner's body should express the combination of hardness and
softness, yin and yang. My teacher, Master Fu Sheng Yuan, can be as soft as cotton one
moment and as hard as steel the next. Tai Chi is sometimes called Cotton Fist, using the
analogy of steel concealed in cotton.
To train for Tai Chi as a martial art, students need to practise a minimum of three rounds
of the form at a low level, Push Hands and Fa Jin (the issue of explosive form). To become
a fully accomplished Tai Chi boxer might require ten years of hard practice.
The Academy focuses mainly on the health side of Tai Chi, but we also offer students
opportunities to learn self defence skills that are especially effective against locks and
holds. These skills can be achieved in a relatively short period of time. We also offer
the more traditional martial training for those who are interested. Again, we should
emphasise that before Tai Chi can be used as an effective martial art, one needs to have
passed the foundation levels which encompass the health aspect of Tai Chi.
Ultimately, martial art training is about self development, learning to overcome our
weaknesses and developing a calm mind and a compassionate heart. The physical act of self
defence is used only when all other options are exhausted, and then applied
discriminately. This story illustrates a skilful way of resolving conflict. When a
seasoned practitioner was challenged by a famous martial artist in Shanghai, he simply
demonstrated his Tai Chi form. It was smooth and relaxed. Then, at the end, he stomped his
foot, cracking the concrete floor. The would-be-opponent said, "I'm very pleased to
meet you", and left.
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