Learn more. How effective is Tai Chi as a martial art in street fights? Asked 5 years, 9 months ago. Active 5 years, 9 months ago. Viewed 11k times. Improve this question.
Tom 5 5 bronze badges. Enne Enne 23 1 1 gold badge 1 1 silver badge 2 2 bronze badges. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Tom Tom 5 5 bronze badges. The next stage, the internal aspect, involves mental balance-improving the clarity of mind and relaxation as well as building up your internal strength and structures such as bones and ligaments.
You can also gain these from practicing the forms, keeping your mind focused and using visualisation techniques. By now, you should be acquiring the skill to move your body in the most effective way for combat, which again can be gained from practicing the forms correctly. These skills, as shown by medical studies, will improve your strength, agility, balance, mental concentration, fitness, immunity, in fact all aspects of health.
Practising these can be enjoyable, challenging and fulfilling. This practice will bring you to a higher level of tai chi.
In fact it will also improve your skill as a martial artist. Now we move to the ultimate purpose of martial art: total control of your opponent. This could mean severely injuring him or her. While tai chi is based on the philosophy of yin-yang harmony and balance of nature, it was, after all, designed to be an effective martial art.
Most tai chi movements show martial intention and have the potential to hurt someone. For example Golden Guard Stamping Foot aims at hitting the chin, top of the head and punching the abdomen with internal force. Such thoughts send shivers down my spine. Naturally, there are different levels of control. Ideally a high-level tai chi practitioner can control his opponent without hurting him. But to reach that kind of skill and control requires a lot of special training.
And the more real the training the more effective it will be. Even the most skilful practitioner could make a minor mistake, which could result in serious injury to either party. Therefore, the more real the training the more chance of injury. Chen style tai chi was the original style that demonstrated its martial art power by using fast and slow movements when delivering force as well as jumping in the air, kicking and punching.
Some styles may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of tai chi. Tai chi is different from yoga, another type of meditative movement. Yoga includes various physical postures and breathing techniques, along with meditation. Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.
You may also find tai chi appealing because it's inexpensive and requires no special equipment. You can do tai chi anywhere, including indoors or outside.
And you can do tai chi alone or in a group class. Although tai chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying tai chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.
When learned correctly and performed regularly, tai chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefits of tai chi may include:. More research is needed to determine the health benefits of tai chi. Some evidence indicates that tai chi may also help:. Although you can rent or buy videos and books about tai chi, consider seeking guidance from a qualified tai chi instructor to gain the full benefits and learn proper techniques.
You can find tai chi classes in many communities today. To find a class near you, contact local fitness centers, health clubs and senior centers. Tai chi instructors don't have to be licensed or attend a standard training program. It's a good idea to ask about an instructor's training and experience, and get recommendations if possible. A tai chi instructor can teach you specific positions and breathing techniques.
An instructor can also teach you how to practice tai chi safely, especially if you have injuries, chronic conditions, or balance or coordination problems. When checking out the various types of martial arts, you might come across Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wonder what type of martial art it is.
You might also give some thought to whether or not it is The key is in finding the right style and the right teacher to meet your needs. What Is Tai Chi? Chen Style — reputed to be the more combat orientated of the styles, Chen style trains with fast and slow movements. Yang Style — derived from Chen style, Yang style also makes use of large, sweeping movements, but is carried out at a more consistent, reserved pace, and focuses more on the spiritual aspect of Tai Chi than Chen style.
Wu Style — Wu style is actually derived from Yang style, and is very similar in terms of pace and focus, but uses smaller movements. It also incorporates more wrestling-like maneuvers, like grappling, throwing and locks, not common to other traditional styles.
Hao or Wu Shi Style — this style, derived from Chen and Yang styles, focuses more on the internal training than physical movements. It is considered an advanced form of Tai Chi and best appreciated by students with considerable experience in other styles.
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