Practical Tai Chi Fighting Methods

Author: Wu Shijun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: Taijiquan Pushing Hands and Sparring Practice is part of Chinese martial arts. During its development, it continuously absorbs useful techniques from other martial arts to enrich itself, gradually forming a unique training method. However, it shares many similarities with other martial arts in terms of combat principles. Therefore, to master this skill correctly and proficiently, one must also have a comprehensive understanding of other martial arts. In the process of inheritance and development, Taijiquan Pushing Hands and Sparring Practice has deviated from practical applications due to historical backgrounds, various limitations in different eras, and varying levels of understanding among learners. Some practices have deviated from actual combat applications. Some are primarily focused on fitness and entertainment, intentionally incorporating dance and gymnastics movements, diluting their offensive and defensive functions. Some movements are abandoned during competitions to prevent unnecessary injuries. These constraints limit the full expression of techniques, leading to many Taijiquan practitioners being unable to apply their skills after years of practice. The essence of true martial arts techniques does not lie in the quality of postures or the difficulty of movements, but rather in the ability to find a worthy opponent. A single gesture reveals victory or defeat, and the outcome is determined between the sounds of "hong" and "ha." Early Taijiquan consisted of only a few stances, commonly known as "the old three cuts," which already summarized the combination of the eight doors of energy—Grasp, Sweep, Push, Press, Seize, Elbow, Lean, and Shoulder—and the five phases of stepping—Advance, Retreat, Look Around, and Fix. The bodywork of "transverse, vertical, high, low, advance, retreat, and side-to-side" is also included. In terms of application, it mainly involves a few key techniques. As a martial arts practitioner, through my fifty-year career, I have deeply realized that to correctly master this skill, an objective attitude and a scientific learning method are essential. Rigorous training through each stage is necessary to achieve the goal. Therefore, this book aims to explain the principles of the art, the key points of techniques, and the sequence of training. It focuses on clarifying the fundamental techniques and basic methods of Taijiquan Pushing Hands in practical combat.