The Fundamental Purpose of Tai Chi
The fundamental purpose of taking up the art and study of authentic Tai Chi Chuan is that it provides the practitioner with better relaxation, health, balance, energy and for developing harmony in and between the body and the mind. There are also martial and self-defense applications associated with this very ancient and intriguing art form, but the practitioner should know that martial application and self -defense are not necessary components in life-long study and enjoyment of Tai Chi, as well as not being necessary for those interested in the vast wealth of benefits to the mind and body that one can attain through practice and study.
Internal and External Martial Art
External Martial Arts are more concerned with exerting force against a direct opposition and defending primarily the same way, in direct opposition. For an external practicioner, a block is simply: a strike, striking a strike. External practicioners will sometimes condition the external limbs and members in order have an advantage in their use of such techniques against a possibly bigger or stronger opponent.
Internal martial arts include Tai Chi, Hsing yi, and Bagua. Internal martial arts are concerned with the cultivation of and the utilization of internal energies in order to synergize the inner-workings of the body as well as redirect advancing energy in a practical martial application. For the internal practitioner, if the advance is redirected either through movement of ones self or displacement of the strike, then it doesn't need blocking.
In Martial Arts application Internal Martial Arts is also advantageous in its' ability to draw the energy of an opponent in and then redistribute weight, direction, intent..etc. quickly in terms of a strike, or manipulate the energy of the strike to form a joint manipulation, lock, or break.
We take into consideration that Martial Arts are really just that. It truly is only a matter of one or two techniques that can end an altercation or provide someone with the defense needed to at least escape a hostile situation, especially in the event that there are multiple attackers. Today people have become desensitised as far as the need to be able to respond to a serious threat with Martial application or a technique that can disable their opponent and allow them to get away. Combinations of kicks and punches or ground-fighting may have advantages and are good to learn, but they don't always take into account the likelihood that there is more than one attacker.
If self defense is or becomes a consideration for you now or in the future, I would be happy to go over some possibilities for training. There are a number of excellent applications that come directly from the Tai Chi movements. They will be shown from time to time in class, but that is not our focus. Our focus is on Breathing and Meditation and Tai Chi as a Standing Meditation. However, if you are interested I would encourage you to book some Private Sessions and if you have a desire to learn more of the practical self defense there is a curriculm available.