San Shou
The fourth element is San Shou in which the instructor explains, analyses and stresses the precautions prior to practice. Then each movement from the set of Tai Ji Quan is practiced slowly at first to learn accuracy and timing, with the pace increasing to actual combat speed as the skill level increases.
Self Defence Training | |
Basic defences use the Seven Stars Step. Parry and Punch, Brush Knee Twist Step are the first applications learnt to deal with the basic straight punch and the basic front kick. These follow the principle of drawing the attack away and then counter attacking immediately. |
San Shou covers the whole range of activities from basic application training to full contact fighting. To be considered proficient in the fighting art of Taijiquan one must be able to perform all of these elements using the methods of the Five Step Path.
Grasping the Birds Tail with Shoulder Lock | |
It is not sufficient to just perform the application. Follow up techniques are required to finish of the opponent. These must be practised in a smooth and continuous fashion without break or flaw. |
These movements are practised until each becomes a natural action. Then combinations , counters and actual free sparring must be practised to gain the necessary experience in a combat situation.
Taijiquan Throws | |
Taijiquan has many felling techniques. These are used to complete the self-defence applications and finish off the opponent to render them unable to continue fighting. |
Sparring | |
Sparring is essential training to attain the correct mindset for facing the unknown. When learning self-defence applications we always know what the attack is going to be and hence it is much easier to perform the application. |
