SELF DEFENCE

The T'ai Chi Classics are the earliest texts that outline the principles of our art. These writings emphasise the Natural Way, using images from nature to point to the correct method. For instance, we are told: "Be still as a mountain, move like a great river" or "Walk like a cat". Being natural may sound simple, but it is not at all easy. Over time we seek to embody the principles of T'ai Chi, developing our central equilibrium, practising the four square (push, press, roll-back, ward-off) and four corner (pull-down, split, shoulder, elbow) energies through push hands and Ta Lu. We also pay close attention to the correct touch, training our sensitivity through sticking (listening) hands exercises. Through letting go of preoccupation with ourselves and becoming far more interested in 'the opponent' and our surroundings, softness overcoming hardness transforms from being a nice sounding idea to something that really works. This takes time and effort, as well as familiarity with losing: 'invest in loss', and 'eat bitter' being two classic T'ai Chi instructions. Through practice, our rigidly held ideas of our self which may require defence are called into question. T'ai Chi differs from external martial arts in a fundamental way, as to seek to win by any means is antithetical to our study. In the Yang Family Forty Chapters it says: "External skill without internal principle is simply physical ferocity. This is a far cry from the original nature of the art, and by bullying an opponent one eventually invites disaster. To understand the internal principles without the external skill is simply an armchair art." In our school we teach martial applications to all those who are interested, and a general outline of the use of each posture of the form is usually given to all, as an aid to understanding. All students take part in partner work, and we specialise in making it accessible to all by providing a non-competitive atmosphere where our partner is our collaborator in learning. For those seeking to learn self defence techniques quickly, we would recommend finding a specialist course.