Is Yang Tai Chi too feminine - specifically 'Tai Chi Fan'

Question

I love Tai Chi. I practise and teach Yang and Chen style. I also teach Wing Chun Kung Fu and Wado Ryu Karate. However, some students expressed to me that they thought Tai Chi Fan was a 'bit girly' and whilst in some small way I agree - I do know the proper application of the Fan forms are anything but 'soft', in fact anyone with knowledge of Tai Chi know it as an Art which redirects opponents energy - unlike the forcefulness of Wing Chun or any style of Karate. Of the weapons forms, I have to say I like 'Jian' or 'Sword' the best - but I usually started my students on open hand forms, then fan, staff, broadsword and sword, in that order.

The one student who raised this with me said he meant no disrespect, and I agree - he is a good student and I would not consider his words in that way. That said, he is over 6 foot tall, and does'nt think a big guy with a small chinese fan would look right! So how do I encourage him to think otherwise? Personally I think Tai Chi is not soft at all and it is the most open minded men see it for what it is, truly, the ultimate martial way of life. I would appreciate your thoughts, thank you!

Answer 1

Well if it help I've seen some male bellydancers.

Answer 2

Haha, and they do not find Wing Tsun girly? That's quite amusing, considering that it was invented by a woman. Martial arts are not masculine or feminine, they are either soft or hard, and, despite the applications, Taiji is a soft style, it's technique is calm, soft, and sophisticated, suddenly pulling and pushing into unexpected aggression, your students should simply swallow their pride and learn. Show them more of the powerful applications, it will make the transition easier for them from Wing Tsun or Karate. I am aware of some of the Yang techniques, but truthfully, I am more of a Chang practitioner than a Yang practitioner.

Answer 3

Unless you start using metal fans with a two foot radius and sharpened edges it is going to look girly. And I think that is because it is, were the fan moves not designed for women?

And although Tai Chi can be cool, even without the fan element a lot of guys will think it is too soft, because we are men and want to hit things hard and eat red meat and drink diesel.

Answer 4

You may want to show this guy some videos of Fan forms being performed by men.  I've attached a video you can download to an iPod or other device - or you can send him the link if you want.

Frankly I agree with your student - traditionally the fan forms are done by women, since men didn't and don't really carry fans.  I know many of the movements are similar to "male" forms, but the fan does add an air of femininity to the form.  

As I understand it, the fan is meant to distract, mask a strike or decieve the opponent as to where the "action" is, much like sleight of hand.  Explain this concept to your student, and maybe he'll take some interest.  If not at least he will get some additional insight into your Tai Chi teachings.  

You may also tell him that if he can pass the fan form, he'll move on to other weapon forms - sword, staff, etc. (if that's true).  Show him some of the steps that are similar - Fan form does have a lot of similar movements to other weapon forms.  It may be enough to keep his interest and get his ego in check.

Answer 5

I don't know how valid this assumption is, but it seems to me as if fan is a valid, if not necessary, preliminary weapon to learn before learning  the Jian. The fan, although it is light, is a good starter on practicing weapon alignment. If the open fan is aligned wrong, it is difficult to move through the air.

Having weapon alignment become almost automatic is a good primer before you put a Jian into the hands of a student. The fan gives immediate feedback to students when they have their weapon aligned incorrectly!