Tai chi chuan self defence is unlike other martial arts.
It possesses a strange kind of serenity, a detachment from the event.
This is accomplished conversely by being utterly immersed in the moment, in the happening.
An attack is launched and the student is one with that movement - joining and neutralising, flowing and countering. There is no effort. No resistance or struggle.
Conventional strength is unnecessary, for we do not challenge strength or allow no strength to be exerted upon us.
Every movement and every nuance is a whole-body action. No part leads and no part is left behind.
Even the smallest step is integrated and soft, agile and alive. The student is alert and sensitive to everything.
