Subject: Tai Chi
Question: I have heard "experts" argue both sides of a debate into
whether Tai Chi is a martial art, and can be used as a self
defense, or whether it is streaching and moving meditation
based on traditional martial arts movements. My former
karate instructor was of the school of thought that if you
understood what each movement really was, and practiced it
so that the movements were natural to you, and easy, and you
were strong with them though your practice, that it could be
applied at full speed to defend yourself. He spoke highly
of a local kung fu artisan who credits strong Tai Chi to his
many victories in the ring... My current instructor is in
the later camp, and says people like that are missing the
point of the Tai Chi exercizes all together.
What's your take on the subject?
Answer:
The issue is on What is the aim, How to do, and Why is it.
Same controversial issue on whether a knife is a weapon, or a tool.
Tai Chi is originated from MA. So it bears a self defense character.
When it is practiced as Qi Gong, it is for Health, recovery, brain, and internal organs.
When we talk about Tai Chi Theory, it relates to Philosophy of doing things.
My understanding is that, Self defense as a kind of MA, and Qi Gong/Mediation/health are two different things.
We cannot train ourselves to fight and meditate at the same time using the same methodology.
To differentiate the argument of your question, I would say Tai Chi(Self Defense), and Tai Chi(Health/Qi Gong), because they are two different things in training and concept, while the postures or movements are alike.
Thanks for asking.
Regards,
Peter Ziboce
Hong Kong
名乎其實「混醬」太極。究竟你練緊「甜」的、「棘」的,還是「混醬」的?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPa8Yn9Losg
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