That was a question posed to me by the editorial team of the digital magazine of the Taijiquan Foundation Netherlands for an article series in which they ask three teachers the same question. I enjoyed providing a brief answer to it. You can read it below.
“Is it possible to learn taiji without the self-defense aspects?”
The short answer is no.
What is special about this tradition is the interaction – applying the principles in interaction with another person and under pressure. That is different from meditative movement alone or in a group. The path toward it need not have a major emphasis on self-defense. The basics are meant to be fully embodied. Physically, psychologically and emotionally. Starting with how you stand and move on the earth, interacting with gravity. You learn the T’ai Chi movements and let them flow into each other. Your coordination and balance improve and all at once, you move as one integrated whole.
Slow practice to move quickly. Without hesitation and even without preparation. “Did I punch you?” Grandmaster William C. C. Chen. Every movement has its intrinsic form and power. And there we come to the roots of T’ai Chi Ch’uan as a martial art. These movements are not just gestures. These were conceived as “shadow boxing”; a training to later practice self-defense with a partner/opponent. One step further and you get to real self-defense and fighting.
The true art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan is trained in movement, under pressure, to awaken your automatic response system, touch and expand your boundaries. All grounded in the fundamental principle of “song,” often translated as relaxation. Relaxed and awake.
My own gratitude for T’ai Chi Boxing as taught to me by Grandmaster William C. C. Chen is enormous. For these skills go far beyond physical fighting. Think of our first impulse in conflicts, emergencies, accidents and so on. At the same time, you can thoroughly enjoy the graceful and flowing movements of T’ai Chi Ch’uan and living your daily life with more inner space and relaxation.
Laura Stone has been active as a T’ai Chi Ch’uan practitioner and teacher since 1972. She is fascinated by the gentle, grounded connection, the flowing movements, and the creation of space—all aimed at awakening our natural strength. Laura has been teaching with joy her entire life. She continuously seeks the right words and instructions to help each student experience the essence of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, fostering an atmosphere of openness and gentleness.
More information about The Studio School of T’ai Chi Ch’uan in Deventer and her background can be found at www.thestudiotaichi.nl.