Self Defence

Online Video Instruction

Most people who learn tai chi, are primarily in it for the exercise benefits. In fact, many are referred to tai chi by a doctor or other health professional.

When a student wishes to learn tai chi for self defence, he or she will often have a difficult time finding a teacher who both understands the martial side of the art and is willing to teach it openly.

Learning tai chi for self defence requires more than simpling memorizing and practising the martial techniques found in the form. It also requires a level of expertise in tuishou (pushing hands), basic conditioning, strategy, psychology, and mind/body awareness.

These pages will offer instruction in the martial applications from the form, of course. But we will also look at a wide range of trainging methods and techniques that many do not normally associate with tai chi. We will investigate the importance of things like: ranges, timing, speed, slowness, stillness, emptiness, power, softness, following, blocking, blending, joining, sticking, leading, and borrowing. We will also study a variety of martial techniques including 3 ranges of grappling, strikes with all parts of the body, kicks, throws, take-downs, joint control, and pressure point manipulation.