I’m aware of how much violence there is at work these days. I met up with friends I used to work with in housing and violence is very common at their work. NHS staff are increasingly under physical attack (I’ve noticed warnings in my local GP surgery). School teachers too, and transport staff.

(Karen)

There is no consensus on what 'self defence' actually means:

1. Some people think self defence refers to tips & pointers that will enable you to handle any manner of assault

2. Martial artists often regard self defence as a weak, limited aspect of combat

3. The Police see self defence as being a reasonable, considered, appropriate response to an assault

What is self defence?

Self defence is the ability to protect yourself: physically, mentally and emotionally. The aim of self defence is to incapacitate the attacker and walk away; ideally unharmed.

What relevance do taijiquan fighting skills have in modern life?

Simple. Taijiquan teaches you how to defend yourself from harm.

Taijiquan self defence skills lead to less fear, greater confidence and the ability to identify (and avoid) dangerous situations.

Self defence

Taijiquan teaches you how to defend yourself from harm. This means less fear, greater confidence, and the ability to identify (and avoid) dangerous situations.

The aim of self defence is to incapacitate the attacker and walk away; ideally unharmed. Discover how to keep a cool head, avoid conflict and cope with hostility.

Complexity

The black belt syllabus is concerned with the real details of combat:

1. Accuracy
2. Chin na (misplacing the bone, dividing the muscle, sealing the breath and cavity press)
3. Control
4. Expedience
5. Jing

The new skills involve a more earnest expression. There is a casual, no-nonsense feel to the material.
Students are confident with their combat abilities and seek to hone them considerably.
Inflicting pain is no longer a clumsy, random matter - it is careful, considered and easy.

Character development is also a priority.

Self-image

Self defence brings you face-to-face with reality. Your self-image is irrelevant.
All that matters is what you can do.
Your actions, your ability to cope, are put to the test.

Self-image will not save you. Only the truth of your actions can do that.

Exploring self defence in our classes

Our martial students study a wide range of proven self defence fighting skills:
• Disarm an opponent
• Gain confidence
• See situations differently• Avoid entanglement• Avoid panic when faced with the unexpected
• Become mobile and nimble
• Use everyday objects as improvised weapons
• Understand how to use the human body to your advantage
• Cope with gangs
• Adapt, change and improvise
• Strike rapidly and effectively
• Manipulate balance
• Lever joints, apply pressure and seize painfully• Gain situational awareness
• Understand the nature of commitment and the value of non-commitment 
• Use gravity to your advantage
• Read body language, dress code and manner
• Deal with intimidation
• Maintain composure when working with others
• Give up the need for control and go with the flow
• Cultivate your sensitivity; feel rather than think
• Protect yourself from kicks whilst on the ground
• Use distraction advantageously

Rachel teaches women-specific self defence as an optional extra...

Everyday conflict

Life presents us with many situations that can be unpleasant:

1. Hostile/dangerous motorists
2. Macho behaviour
3. Gangs
4. Intimidation
5. Bullies
6. Problems at work
7. Assault
8. Threats
9. Personal relationships
10. Verbal abuse

Sometimes you may feel vulnerable and alone. You may feel helpless, afraid, angry and frustrated.

Naivety

Most people are not capable of defending themselves, their loved ones or their belongings.
This is a disturbing fact.Although society still offers the same dangers it always has, the general public's attitude towards personal protection has changed.
People are unable to protect themselves and imagine that a cocky 'attitude' and a big mouth will work against a real life assailant.

Benefits

Students who complete the 100 days challenge experience a notable change in their health. They maintain and invigorate the body at the start of each day. Their posture is good: upright and strong, their eyes are clear and sharp. Instead of travelling to work feeling tired and emotionally strung out, the exponent feels great: creative, alert, lively and fresh.

External

Lacking the necessary, balance, connection, coordination and flow, most students resort to local arm strength and brute force during partner work. But that is not taijiquan.

100 days

Without an established daily home training routine it is very hard to make progress in this Art. Your body needs time to shed old habits and become familiar with the new movements. The habit of training every day is necessary if you genuinely want to become an 'internal martial artist'.

What makes tai chi 'tai chi'?

Slow motion movement, chilled out exercise or dance cannot be considered tai chi. 
Tai chi is more than this.
It adheres to certain parameters, guidelines and rules of practice.

Research could save you time & money

A would-be student should take the time to learn a little more about taijiquan before attending a class.
Do a little research.
The time spent will be worthwhile.
You do not want to waste years of your life learning something useless... 

Finding a class

When a new starter scours the web looking for the Art they are faced with an array of approaches that are all called 'tai chi' but are often quite dissimilar.
In truth, there is often little consensus.
It is important to find out what taijiquan really means.

The real deal?

Although many classes claim to be teaching taijiquan, very few are.
In order for the Art to qualify as taijiquan, it must adhere to the essence of the Art:

1. Move your body in accord with The Tai Chi Classics 
2. Train all 13 areas of study
3. Follow Yang's 10 Essentials
4. Maintain medically-sound body use
5. Functionally apply the Art in a skilful 'taijiquan' way
6. Employ the taijiquan principles at all times
7. Embody the teachings of Taoism
8. 13 movements should be expressed at all times
9. Every movement is a whole-body movement

Providing these criteria are met, you have an immense degree of freedom for personal expression and individual interpretation.

How can I tell?

You can easily gauge the credibility of a taijiquan instructor without challenging them to a fight.
Participate in a number of lessons.
Watch the class carefully, see how well they know their stuff, determine how easily and comfortably they can apply their art.
Look for a thorough and convincing show of skill.

Style?

Style is not important in taijiquan.
What matters is the correct application of the taijiquan principles at all times.
Ultimately, style simply reflects differences of interpretation, preferences and individual emphasis.
It is good that people practice different styles; it adds diversity and variety to the Art.

Self defence applications

Self defence moves do not qualify as taijiquan.
They are simply not enough.
You can learn a few self defence techniques quite easily but this does not make you a martial artist.
A credible taijiquan martial artist should have the same standard of skill expected of any martial art: karate, taekwondo, judo, wing chun, ju jutsu, aikido etc.