Hello,

 

Do you think that Internal martial arts (bagua, hsing-I and Tai chi) are any good for real self defense?

 

Can they be a complement for Hard Modern styles like BJJ, Boxing, etc.??

 

I touched this subject briefly, Now i hope a more in deep dicussion about it. All opinions are wellcome.

Sure, why not. They improve coordination, flexability and strength. Cross training in anything will have it's benefits.

I always thought that self defense was really not the final objective in practicing Tai Chi (although the ability to protect oneself is inherent in the study). From what I know about Tai Chi such an objective would be seen as shallow and petty in comparison with what I thought was the major goal.... acquiring inner peace and the unification of one’s body, mind and spirit.

 

As a self defense system, Tai Chi applies leverage, balance, and alignment. Also, in Tai Chi you learn to harness and deploy the natural reflex response. This reflex response happens when, for example, we were suddenly awakened when dozing off in bed or nodding off during a lecture in school? The emphasis on slow motion practice is how you develop the ability to relax in the face of danger, and then awaken with a start, springing into whatever technique is appropriate for the situation at hand. This relaxing and springing, this change from a relaxed state to a focused state combined with proper alignment and body mechanics, can pack more power and speed in your punches, kicks, and other techniques.

 

I think hard and soft work well with each other!!

 

 

Ask that question here: http://members.boardhost.com/devere68/

 

I bet you'll get alot better responses.

 

(edited by KickChick: This link is no longer valid! -- so actually you will not be receiving any better responses here!)