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In tai chi you do not broadcast your intentions. You must move without
planning and preparation. Melee (chaos training) addresses this skill.
If you think and plan, then it will show in your body language and could be
your downfall. The more immediate your behaviour, the less you will
advertise your intention.
Strike with chaos.
(Sun Tzu)
Sensitive
Feeling and sensitivity are critical in combat. We must be responsive and
alert to subtle opportunities to act, and take them instantly.
Our attention must be entirely upon the situation, rather than ourselves. If
we think of ourselves, we will fail. Softness and yielding are the keys to
sensitivity - never apply more than 4 ounces of pressure.
Direct and indirect
Yin and yang suggest a process of change. Application should not
be just one thing - large or small, fast or slow - it needs to reflect the
requirement of the situation.
You must vary the use of the body considerably; applying legs, arms, chin na
or shuai jiao in a fluid way appropriate to the attack.
Circular
The abstract nature of the form encourage flowing movement, there are no
straight lines. All of the movements are circles or spirals.
The movements are designed to shape the expression of power, to provide the
optimal body structure when moving. Every pattern of movement must be
rounded and circular in nature and execution.
You must become mobile and fluid.
Stepping
Poor use of the legs and feet is common with new students; people 'root' to
the spot and keep the weight solid. Their legs are used to brace the body.
This may be alright if you are a very heavy man defending against one
opponent, but realistically it is useless. Your feet must be light, alive
and sensitive - moving your centre constantly.
Do not become a posture-bound statue.
Sneaky monkey
Most
tai chi
fighting takes place on the rear leg, in a rear bow or
false stance.
Like a monkey or a bird. Monkey has no real
strength. It cannot commit powerful
blows.
Monkey is an
opportunist.
It takes advantage of the opponent's aggression and force. His complacency.
The power comes from sneaky, indirect attacks that disrupt the centre and
offer a brief opportunity to punch, palm, elbow, slap, seize, kick or knee.
'Kill with a borrowed
knife'
Attack using the strength of another (in a situation where using one's own
strength is not favourable).
Trick an ally into attacking him, bribe an official to turn traitor, or use
the enemy's own strength against him.
(36 Strategies)
Fighting method
People have trouble being unpredictable.
It requires both body and mind are
relaxed.
Any form of stiffness will impede movement.
The impetus to move must stem from the reptile
brain, bypassing the
conscious mind and out into the body. What happens next?
Page created 31 July 1994
Last updated
16 June 2023