Author Description

If you have ever looked at Tai Chi (or Taiji) and wondered how such graceful, fluid movements could possibly be a martial art, you might be surprised to hear that a more accurate description of this 'gentle' art would be 'gruesome'! Perhaps you might have seen video clips of demonstrations and wondered whether any of the techniques shown would actually work without the benefit of a cooperative partner. Maybe you have heard stories of elderly people prevailing in combat against opponents half their age and found them difficult to believe. Beginning with basic principles, this jargon-free, no-nonsense guide demystifies the 'martial side' of Tai Chi Chuan (or Taijiquan) in seven clear steps. It explores the science behind the seemingly mysterious concept of 'internal power' and explains the differences between the use force and energy.Drawing upon decades of personal experience, and many examples from students whose Tai Chi training has enabled them to survive real-life incidents, the authors set out to examine key postures and movements that are common to all styles, in terms of their 'energies' ('jins' or 'jings'), dynamics and applications. With brutal honesty, they look at how these skills can be trained, used and honed in classes and competitions and suggest what might actually be useful out on the street.More importantly, this guide explains how simple Tai Chi habits, such as awareness and posture, combined with an understanding of how the human mind works, might help you to avoid such difficult situations in the first place. While this book may be of interest to the general reader, it is designed for students and practitioners who are already familiar with at least one form or sequence from any authentic style of Tai Chi. Unlike many other books on the subject, it explores not only the mechanics and principles of Tai Chi combat but also practical realities and considerations such your legal right to use force and how to deliver a pre-emptive strike effectively.B