Self-defence applications

The principle difference between tai chi self-defence and virtually all other
martial arts is the notion of 'non-contending'. By this I mean not opposing the
oncoming attack with force. The normal reaction for most people would be to
block the oncoming attack with all that they could muster. Tai chi, on the other
hand, would try to dissipate the force with a light parry, or to dodge the attack
altogether. When a blow has been thrown at full force and misses, it will leave
the attacker unbalanced. During this unbalanced time, the tai chi exponent
would attack and try to make the most of any weaknesses in the other's defence.
It is at this point that tai chi would try to take control with pushing hands
sensitivity. All of the principles of pushing hands would come into play.
Central equilibrium is maintaining your own balance and controlling that of
the attacker, co-ordinating the movements in attack and defence of the four
limbs with that of the centre. If this can be applied effectively with all of the
techniques, the greatest possible amount of force can be generated.
Sticking at close range will allow you to feel what is potentially coming. This is
not magic – when the hands become ultra sensitive to movement, a good level of
interpreting can take place. When a person begins to move forwards, it is
preceded by a change in balance which is quite discernible with practice. If the
forward motion is a lunge, the tai chi practitioner would attempt to use the force
by sticking, yielding, turning (neutralising) and applying some force of their
own. A backward shift of weight might indicate a kick off of the front leg is
coming. In this instance it would be correct to move into the position of weakness
that has been created by the move, so that as the antagonist moves backwards,
the tai chi practitioner will move forwards and apply force against the other's
body. This is covered in the classical tai chi saying: When he retreats, follow. Again,
in this instance the other person's force is used against them, plus the added tai
chi force.
When you are pulled, do not try to resist with force - stick and neutralise by
body turning while controlling the hands and legs (at which point the use of the
shoulder, elbow or throwing technique might be in order). These are just a few of
the situations and responses that might be applied in a given situation. There are
literally hundreds of tai chi responses to any given technique.
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Neutralising is applied in practical self-defence before a person can use force or
after the force has been yielded to. When someone lifts their hand above their
head to strike down at your own head, move in close and at the same time lift up
your arm to the attacker's elbow to jam it. If this is applied correctly and timed
well it will lead to them falling backwards. Very little force is needed to
accomplish this. The example just alluded to is a matter of neutralising before
force can be applied.
To apply neutralising after yielding can be illustrated when someone gives you
a big two-handed push. Stick to them, yield on to your back leg, and turn the
waist (centre) to neutralise to the left or right. (We sometimes refer to this as
'creating holes'.) To apply force to an apparently resisting object which then
suddenly disappears will cause you to fall forwards. This is akin to walking on
solid ground which suddenly gives way as you step into a covered hole. You
come down hard on to that leg and for a few moments you are unable to recover.
Hence the name.
Attack with any tai chi technique when the assailant is unbalanced. This can be
at any moment, but remember to stick with one hand as you apply the attacking
strike with either hand or foot. Your attack may not finish the conflict and you
will have to be in a position to control whatever happens afterwards, be it attack
or defence.
Solo application training
Training without a partner is most important. During this period the integration
of all the concepts learned should be applied. Moving from your centre,
co-ordinating hands and feet, and maintaining good balance should be at the
forefront of your thinking. Initially the training should be conducted slowly and
carefully, concentrating on each point. Once you can move smoothly and easily
through each manoeuvre, start to visualise an opponent in front of you,
throwing punches or kicks to the appropriate techniques. Do not apply muscular
force: when your movements are smooth and well balanced, force will begin to
appear.
Jing
Jing is concentrated force, developed from the combination of chi kung, solo form
and training application. When they are all taken together and combined with
will and intention, Jing can be produced.
Jing is an explosive surge of energy which takes time and a great deal of
training to produce. But the amount of energy derived can be quite spectacular.
When Jing is used the body is totally relaxed before the release of energy. At the
moment of release, the body explodes into activity for a fraction of a second, with
the attention focused on one small striking point. This striking point may be on
the hand, foot or any part of the body. Once the energy is delivered, the body
returns to a state of complete relaxation. The closest analogy of Jing is that of a
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bomb exploding. At one moment there is no sign of any motion or activity, the
next tremendous force has been unleashed in a split second.
When you have acquired skill in the self-defence technique and the use of Jing,
you may move through the applications using explosive force. Remember to
relax before and immediately after the technique. Apart from the more obvious
advantages of using explosive force in training, stamina and endurance are also
developed. If you are using self-defence application training as part of your
regular routine, practise the self-defence manoeuvres before you practise the solo
slow form.