"What is the martial application of this movement?"I remember asking this question whenever I was learning a form. The answer was usually, "Come here, I will show you." The other students would gather around to watch me get knocked around or thrown to the ground. It was quite amusing for them...and quite an honour for me." But I learned not to ask the question if I was not prepared to help demonstrate the answer.An older student then demonstrated his superior intelligence when he would salute the teacher and say, while gesturing toward me, "Shirfu, Ian would like to know the application of this movement." My teacher would smile and demonstrate on me again. ...sigh... I, of course, never refused. The instruction was priceless, and one should never shrug off the opportunity to learn from such a generous and brilliant teacher. But this also highlights a common misunderstanding regarding the martial applications of the movements. Students might assume that each movement has specific martial techniques, and that you need to learn the techniques corresponding to each movement in order to be able to use tai chi as a martial art.I was recently asked, "Does every movement in Taiji relate to a martial application or are some movement for exercise only, like qigong movements?"Like everything, there can be a simple answer, a complicated answer, a subtle answer, a profound answer, and a mysterious answer. Hmm. I wonder which one I will use today.Consider the movement called 搂膝拗步 Lǒu xī ǎo bù ("Brush Knee Push" or "Brush knee and twist step.") When I teach this movement, some students find it helpful to visualize a martial technique. So, I might demonstrate deflecting a punch with one hand and pushing the attacker with the other. Alternatively, I could trap the attacker's elbow and throw them to the side, or I could trap their knee against mine and flip them on their back. In fact, the possibilities are endless. But as a mnemonic device, I usually use one specific technique.In fact, the possibilities are endless. Sometimes, when I am asked for the martial application of a movement, I will just say, "Let's find out. You attack me. I will do that movement and we will see what happens." Tai chi martial applications: Every movement can have a martial application. But when I teach taijiquan routines, I will often refer to a martial application as a way of helping students remember the movement. But the movement is not a technique, and techniques will seldom look like the movement in the form. Each movement, or part of a movement can have any number of martial applications. I teach forms and postures as a way of teaching biomechanics principles. The arms are responsible for the shapes the define various mechanical efficiencies, such as tensile strength vs shear strength, and bulk power. These determine how easy it is to stretch, twist, or squeeze the body, and how effectively momentum and kinetic energy can be transmitted through the limbs. The legs are responsible for regulating pressure and torque that are applied to the arms. One of my favourite exercises it to have students apply tai chi biomechanics to non-taijiquan movements, like karate kata, or hip-hop, or ballroom dancing. I remember watching my teacher spend 15 minutes demonstrating the martial applications of the Vienna Waltz. It included throws, strikes, joint locks, leg sweeps, and low kicks. Taijiquan, as I teach it, does not teach martial techniques, and those who try to use the forms as martial techniques will fail. Every step can be a kick. Every turn can be a throw. Every gesture can be a joint lock. The form teaches principles and structure. The two-person training teaches methodology. The opponent choses your technique. Other martial arts start with martial technique, progress to methodology, and finally arrive at internal principles. Taijiquan starts with internal principles, progress to methodology, and finally discover techniques.

What is the martial application of this movement?"
I remember asking this question whenever I was learning a form. The answer was usually, "Come here, I will show you." 

Do tai chi routines even have martial applications?

Read articles, tips, and resources to help you learn, grow, and succeed. Explore our latest posts covering education, community, and personal growth

Blog – Insights, Tips & Resources for Learning and Growth

Explore articles, tips, and insights to help you succeed in learning, community building, and personal development.

Do tai chi routines even have martial applications?

Do tai chi routines even have martial applications?

Related Posts

"Brush Knee Push" (Zhou / elbow)

Internal Contains External

Mechanical principles beats techniques (video)

Small Change, Huge Effect

Martial arts for seniors