This question is really a matter of opinion really as to which is better (Shaolin kung fu or Tai chi). Let me put it to you this way "Skywalker" ..its like either you choose the "Darkside" of the force/chi ( not saying that Shaloin is dark or anything) which is more "expressive" or the "Light" side of the force which is more stuble/resered but rest assured both are can be real and deadly win used accordingly. Now the question about time. ...Of course with time in any martial arts you should improve if you're dedicated and practice enough. As a practitioner of tai chi chuan (Chen Style) of 7 years I can tell you that tai chi is very effective as a martial art and in my humble opinion more than just the physical displays that you "see" in other martial arts. The most important thing however is to find a competent instructor that is more than just knowledgeable in basic tai chi forms. Chen style is the original form from which the others (e.g. Yang, Wu, Sun, etc.) developed and has very explosive displays/applications of "fajin" or yang energy. However as you develop in this form a good instructor/sifu should be able to explain and practice with you the many applications that are somewhat hidden in the form. It is a training regiment that starts slow with internal training and later as you develop with external training/application .....and yes there's punching, kicking, breaking action. But like someone said before in this posting ...ying/yang are both opposites...soft/hard. Yet in every soft motion there is a hardness and in every hard a soft. In the real fight it is up to us to decided if we maim or kill, break a leg or deflect kick. Now having said all this ... I say stick with Tai chi b/c it is something that will definitely grow with.....young patawan
