Tai Chi as a Martial Art?

Question

I was wondering if people train Tai Chi as an actual martial art and not something people in their 40's do to get healthy. I only hear about it being performed as a healthy exericise, but not what it was intended for: that being a self defense art. I searched on Google, and got no help finding anything about it being an actual martial art or getting training in it. If you could give me references to look at i'd really appreciate it.

Answer 1

Tai Chi is used to enhance any Martial Arts.  Chi is broadly translated as Energy.  Tai Chi is moving the energy around throughout your body.  To enhance the Martial Art of Karate, for example, you move the chi to your fingers.  You can think of it like Naruto.

Answer 2

T'ai Chi Ch'uan is known as an internal system of self-defense because the strength comes from the development of inner coordination and stability in motion, rather than external speed and strength. Correct T'ai Chi Ch'uan does not pit force against force. One learns to redirect the attacker's force back to the attacker, using as light a touch as possible. Students also learn to develop a stable center of balance, quick reflexes, and the ability to neutralize aggression without causing harm to the aggressor.

Answer 3

Only those that have pushing hands. A lot focus only on forms and have little or no pushing hands. Many of those only do so for the health benefits. Ask if they teach pushing hands. Taijiquan is DEFINATELY a martial art. Watch is:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pWBBhVLbDg...



and then this:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=eIc5NIfrnJ...

Answer 4

I've seen some guys do Tai Chi at very fast speeds and, trust me, it can be very effective.  What you see is just the very surface of the entire art.

Answer 5

I was at a seminar where a gentlemen was showing some applications for Tai Chi. Attack somebody who trains it as a fighting style and there will be no doubt in your mind that it is a martial art. And yes I was fully resisting(I truly wish I hadn't been though...much pain).

Answer 6

Tai Chi is a legitimate martial art that has unfortunately been adapted to fitness programs at your local Y and subsequently popularized in that way.  It may not be the most effective martial art in existence in my honest opinion, but yes it is a true martial art that can be good for self defense if you receive proper instruction from a qualified teacher.  You will learn things in Tai Chi that you cannot in other martial arts - namely the mental and spiritual aspects that can be incredibly fulfilling.