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Martial

When a tai chi teacher claims to be a martial artist, they are stepping out of the 'alternative remedy' arena and into the realm of global martial arts practice.
This is a dangerous step to take. Popular martial arts include: judo, taekwondo, aikido, ju jitsu, karate, wing chun, muay thai, MMA, kickboxing, savate, pencat silat...
Are you claiming that your tai chi is equal to (or better than) these mainstream martial arts?


Ability is everything in tai chi

Remember this - martial arts are a meritocracy. Ability is everything. Not knowledge. Not time served. Ability. If you can do it, then you can advance.


Is your tai chi truly martial?

If an instructor is teaching tai chi as a martial art then it must conform to the public expectations of what a martial art constitutes:

  1. Unarmed combat

  2. Armed combat

  3. Spiritual development

  4. Fitness

  5. Self defence

  6. Striking

  7. Grappling

  8. Multiple opponents

  9. System of grading

  10. Proof of skill

A martial art must work in combat against a non-cooperative opponent who genuinely means to do you harm. If your tai chi is not up to the task, then it is tai chi for health.
 

Neo: "I know kung fu."
Morpheus: "Show me."

(The Matrix)

Self defence is not combat

It is important to establish that self defence is not the same thing as tai chi. The ability to demonstrate a sample of self defence techniques is a far cry from actual tai chi skill.
Tai chi involves a vast array of abilities that can be applied in the violent melee of exceptionally dangerous combat.

Techniques

A technique is a training method designed to teach a formulated response to a known attack. It is a successful approach used by many martial arts and self defence courses.
Tai chi does not favour techniques. The art views combat as being a chaotic affair; requiring spur of the moment, spontaneous action, improvisation and the ability to adapt to whatever is taking place.
Underlying principles are more relevant; as they provide the opportunity for endless application and variety.


Throwing down the gauntlet

Be very careful not to challenge a kung fu (Chinese boxing) instructor by demanding proof of skill. You may get far more than you bargained for. You might well be hurt.
Instead, watch carefully and pay attention to how and what is taught. High-level aptitude should be self-evident, but if you want to see more remember to ask politely.


Do not expect a performance

A tai chi teacher is not obliged to show you something just because you want to see it. Remember: they are an instructor, not a performer.
Their role is to teach you what is necessary, relevant and appropriate. They are most certainly not there to entertain or gratify your desire for a show.


Real skill is self-evident

Real skill is blatantly obvious. A bona fide kung fu instructor exudes skill.
Without preamble they can apply every form movement in countless ways, illustrate martial principles and answer any question fully to your satisfaction. Expect physical proof, though, not chitchat.

Page created 8 May 1997
 Last updated 16 June 2023

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