Tai Chi--usefull for self defense..?

[shogeri]

The true Taijiquan, and not the New Age or the Geriatric version is one of the most effective Martial Art Systems there are.

[dtstiachi]

Hoping someone can help--I'm interested in beginning training in Tai Chi in the Dallas, TX area--and would like to train with an instructor that could, eventually, work with me on some of the possible self-defense uses for Tai Chi. I'm not having much luck finding schools actually in Dallas (most seem to be in the 'burbs). Does anyone have any recommendations as to schools or instructors WITHIN Dallas?

Thanks!

Cambeartx

I train at Wujido Institute in Dallas, TX. look them up at https://www.wujidomartialarts.com or taichidallas.com

[shogeri]

As long as they (any school in your area) teach some form of san shou (taijia san shou, not wushu), or pau chi, along with tui shou (push hands), qigon, and either the Yang or Chen long form, for combative purposes, in all respect, they will suit your needs.

Taijiquan is a Combative Healing art.

It is a striking art designed around both Chinese Boxing (Hao Chuan), acupressure points, and the Meridian Theory.

There are no pushing strikes.

Some instructors teach silk reeling, as this is also useful for learning to cultivate internal energy.

Just some things to think of as you look around.

There are other things to consider as well. But that should get you started.

[dtstiachi]

good point shogeri

[dtstiachi]

I will take issue with one minor thing you said. A push can be a strike. If you can push, you can hit. My instructor does teach pushing strikes. In fact, most of our strikes our pushes in class, but we are taught how to use them as strikes in actual combat.

[shogeri]

I agree that one would have to use a large frame application, subtle pushing, or visible jing while in training. The reason for this is that if we were actually to strike our fellow students, they could be hurt.

Especially if we were to emit any excessive amount of jing, that is do fa-jing.

So indeed as you say, I and wouldn't want to imply otherwise, is that the closest thing that we can get to realism is to push.

Albeit, this is only in training, and never in a real situation.

It's a form of showing control, and proper form, as done in Karate and other Kung Fu systems as well.

[dtstiachi]

You are correct. Thanks for the clarification.