My old Ninjitsu instructor told me for many years that Tai Chi if studied right is a very potent martial art. So with that in mind I harboured a yearning to learn about it even though most others said don't touch Tai Chi with a barge pole if I am looking for a martial art. Well despite the negative advice I went to see a few different classes. I looked at a Wu class and a Yang class and was totally dissapointed. There is a Chen and a Wudang school not too far away but after what I have already seen I am I am feeling reluctant to even bother looking. Has anyone else ever learned Tai Chi to be a functional martial art, or should I just forget it and find a Wing Chun school?
I've found Tai Chi to be awesome stuff. But mostly I'm just a beginner when it comes to Tai Chi. TonyMC, I think based on my experiences, what you might find to your liking is to find a Tai Chi instructor that has put in many years of hard style training before Tai Chi. Almost all the Tai Chi instructors I've had lessons under came from hard style like Muay Thai and Kajukenbo, then they moved more towards Tai Chi. Since you have martial arts experience, I would suggest you try to find a Tai Chi instructor that has a background in Muay Thai. If you can find someone with ten years Muay Thai and 20 years Tai Chi or more, that would be just awesome.
As RW suggested, it depends on the teacher. If you tell us where you are, maybe we can find someone you might like.
Tai Chi is an awesome art, however finding yourself a good instructor will not be easy. Tai Chi is also a big investment in time before you will see satisfactory results. If you are willing to put in the time I say definately give it a go. After 27 years in the martial arts I took up Tai Chi 6 months ago and really had my eyes opened. It is like starting all over again. Balance, relaxation, energy, strength, oh the strength. If you think your legs are strong, give Tai Chi a go. Those who say don't touch Tai Chi with a barge pole have been subjected to poor instruction and/or demonstration. Good luck in your search.
In general Id agree with the sentiments expressed. However, there are exceptions. Here are some recently posted clips of Niall Keane in teaching mode who has only worked with TCC. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7JSojBhRgM&feature=related"]YouTube - seven stars guard 1.MOV‏[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTIQBtQh97k&feature=related"]YouTube - Kick Counters 1‏[/ame] These examples may or may not be along the lines of what your'e looking for. A lot depends on who you find to train with. There are a lot of aspects to TCC that don't obviously seem to have martial application - until you find folk willing and capable of training and teaching in a martial way. You also need to keep something of an open mind in discovering whats out there.
According to Tim Cartmell you should become proficent in a matter of months.Whilst I don't share his opinion I do have to give it some consideration as he is a very capable fighter and certainly knows his subject.
Hi Tony, You say you have a Wudang school local to yourself - if you are looking for decent Taiji, I recommend giving Wudang a look - Dan Docherty has a good reputation, and I've met several of the teachers he has qualified and they certainly have the goods. Where abouts are you located?
Hi Tony, I'd hope to be able to take a complete beginner and teach them functional self defence using Tai Chi within six months. That would be (arguably) as good as six months of any other art you care to mention - it's not the art Good, Bad or Indifferent - it's a composite of: The student: Their specific needs, abilities, willingness to train, etc. The instructor: Their interests (some Tai Chi and Karate and .... whatever art instructors are simply not into combat), their willingness to teach self defence to a new student, etc.. The application: Tai Chi for self defence 'fine' but what self defence? Playground bullying? Teenage Testosterone Pub Fights? Defending against SAS Ninja assassins? - Some things are possible and some belong to the movies... Like Dan Bian said - where are you based? I may be able to suggest someone to visit.
In fact, the real taichi is not exist in shcool,it is in folk master,to learn the real taichi you you have to get 3 most important points 1,a real master whom know the tai chi exactly 2,your savvy for understanding 3,practice very hard in the right way told as to my real experience and thinking Chen
... however, to pick up any skill at all you need those three things: 1. Someone who knows and can convey 2. Our ability to understand and absorb 3. Correct practice Taking the original at face value (i.e. not reading anything more into it), I agree with what was said. What is understood as 'correct practice' will vary ... maybe. Cheers,
This is a big nutshell So far, I haven't come across such a teacher who could instruct any type of reasonable, street applicable, defense As far taking opponents off-balance, any grappling-throwing art can also apply-practice this.
How hard have you looked, how far are you prepeared to travel and have you been in touch with your top Tai Chi Associations? I would have thought you had more of an understanding. Tai Chi is a totally different feeling and energy to your grappling arts.
Osu, Great question Simon, I am also wondering... And, yes, I would have thought too... Know it all forum warriors are full of surprises... @47MA: Keep looking Osu!
I knew someone would state that That is why I stated; "So far" in my opening post. Well, logically, if I am still searching, I do not have a complete understanding
If they aren't teaching you how to wrestle in your Tai Chi class, go somewhere else. Just don't train Wing Chun, it's the weakest Chinese style.
