Tai Chi Fighting Strategy is written about in the Tai Chi classics and includes the where, when and how of the application of power.
One of the most important Tai Chi Fighting Strategy points written about is the idea that the enemy attacks first and that the Tai Chi practitioner actually makes contact first. The key to actually doing this is, of course, timing, distance, movement and placement of techniques. Understanding this aspect of Tai Chi fighting is essential to really use Tai Chi as a fighting art and specifically refers to the economy of motion that is central to how Tai Chi is used and practiced.
Tai Chi is a walking art. The way that distance and space are used is essential in order for the art to be utilized as it is intended. Understanding critical distances from just beyond reach with a kick to up close body contact is the essence of the physical strategic aspect of Tai Chi. Walking out of range or into range when an attacker is unprepared for it can really tilt the outcome of a fight in your favor.
One scenario that can be used to understand this concept is as follows. My enemy attacks from 9 feet away. They have to cover most of the 9 feet just to reach me. While they are trying to cover the distance to reach me I am already ready to strike and counter attack. When the attacker can be reached I hit them as they are still approaching. They were attacking first but I landed the first hit.
Another way to look at this from a physical standpoint is that the Tai Chi practitioner is soft and flowing evading the strikes of the attacker until the attacker is in a bad position. Then, the Tai Chi practitioner strikes the attacker hitting them at their weakest point with the best hit for the position, direction and speed at the time. Once again, the attacker was striking first but the Tai Chi practitioner actually hit first (and ideally last).
These methods are taught in the Combat Tai Chi program and the basics can be found on Video 1 B (coming in March.)
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Does hitting while advancing require any fancy footwork? Sometimes you strike while advancing linear or side stepping to right angles.
Are you walking some kind of circle similar to Ba Qua?
In Shaolin Kung Fu you use whole body weight but never lean. This leaves you open for body throws from the opponent.
Striking then retreating would be a favorable way to do it I suppose.
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the question.
Because of the different arts I study and practice several answers immediately come to mind. However, I will keep my answer appropriate to higher level Tai Chi principles and application.
Tai Chi tends to use sophisticated positioning prior to engagement that makes it difficult for an opponent to reach the Tai Chi player and then when the opponent tries to reach the Tai Chi player they are stepping into the trap that allows the Tai Chi practitioner to shift and strike without additional stepping. The Tai Chi player IS still advancing but the advancement tends to be a shift in body position and applied body weight into the area where the opponent has moved in order to be close enough to strike.
The timing is the critical issue as the Tai Chi player wants the contact to happen while the opponent is moving into position and / or preparing to strike but has not yet struck.
Keep up the good training.
Best Regards.