T'ai Chi Ch'uan - Fighting Effectiveness

Fighting Effectiveness

Most practitioners accept the martial origins of the art. As a martial art, t'ai chi ch'uan had traditionally been held in high esteem within the Chinese martial arts community. However, due to its increased popularity amongst various segments of the population and shifting emphasis on health rather than self-defense, the fighting effectiveness of the practice in the modern era is debated.

The question of martial effectiveness of t'ai chi ch'uan is part of the larger narrative concerning the effectiveness of form training in traditional Chinese martial arts as well as the difference between traditional Chinese martial arts and the development of the sport of Chinese martial arts (wushu). In general, such questions are problematic, since the concept of martial arts has changed. Martial arts, once considered to be a matter of life and death, are now a contest between individuals. For some t'ai chi ch'uan practitioners who follow a traditional training method, the martial arts component still exists. Anecdotal evidence and expert testimonials are presented to support this view. Conversely, opponents point to the lack of systematic and documented evidence proving that t'ai chi ch'uan is an effective modern martial art.

Historically, within China and prior to the establishment of the People's Republic, the issue of effectiveness was settled in private matches between martial artists. From most available records, the reputation of t'ai chi ch'uan was held in high regard. For example, Yang Chengfu (1883–1936), Sun Lutang (1861–1932) and Chen Fake (1887–1957) are usually acknowledged as martial artists of the first rank. In the modern era, private challenges are no longer used to settle such disputes. The reputation of t'ai chi ch'uan as an effective martial art is still evolving. Its effectiveness is demonstrated by stories of t'ai chi ch'uan practitioners overcoming various challenges. For example, in 1945, Hu Yuen Chou (known in Hong Kong as Woo Van Cheuk or Wu Van Cheuk), a student of Yang Cheng Fu, defeated a Russian boxer by TKO in a full-contact match in Fut San, China. Other supporting arguments include the positive comments from martial artists of different styles such as Wong Kiew Kit (Southern Shaolin), Masutatsu 'Mas' Oyama (founder of Kyokushinkai karate) and Bruce Lee (Wing Chun, Jeet Kung Do).

Opponents of t'ai chi ch'uan as an effective martial art point to the lack of success of t'ai chi ch'uan in the current competitive arena of mixed martial arts. However, despite its primarily defensive philosophy, and in contrast to the 'ground and pound' tactics often favored in MMA, offensive t'ai chi ch'uan often relies upon singular, crippling precision strikes at soft and vulnerable parts of the body, such as the throat and stomach, in order to disable opponents - an approach which is by definition considered illegal in modern competitions. The question may therefore not be one of effectiveness, but of safety in the ring.