Taiji Fighting Concepts
Taijiquan has been developed as a close combat counter attacking art with great emphasis on stability and remaining on the feet. To be able to do this against skilled grapplers who wish to take the fight to the ground lower great body strength and good postural integrity are required as well as the sensitivity to detect and neutralise take down attempts, locks and chokes coupled with the ability to strike effectively from close range. The ability to close the distance to get within grappling range to enable the sensitivity and unbalancing skills to come into play are of paramount importance hence the requirement for highly developed footwork skills.
In competition fighting you are will be penalised for being totally defensive and so there is a requirement to attack. Attacking has inherent risks as it introduces weakness in the posture and allows the opponent the opportunity to set up counters and take downs. With this in mind it becomes important to know how to deal with the situation when you have been taken to the ground.
High Low Attacks | |
When attacking the best strategy is to change targets as quickly as possible, to keep the opponent of balance and not knowing where the next attack will be next. |
Theoretical knowledge is not enough it is essential to become familiar with the sensations of fighting on the ground. Experience will show that the five step path of softness, relaxation, continuity, following , rejection of brute force and not losing contact with the opponent are just as valid on the ground and these skills learnt in Tui Shou confer a significant advantage. Knowledge of what to do against those who practise ground and pound or submission fighters. Being able to strike effectively from the ground only comes with practise.
Although we train to remain on our feet when starting training practictioners rarely have sufficient skill or power to do this and will invariably be taken down by a determined opponent therefore skills need to be acquired to learn how to regain your feet as soon as possible.
Jab Uppercut Defence | |
After absorbing the attack it is important to destabilise the attacker and off balance him. This means that the defence must be active and not passive being ready to take the offensive when the attack has exhausted itself on your defence. |
Similarly against a highly skilled opponent you need to keep them guessing and off balance. If you are purely defensive then this becomes a predictable trait that can be exploited as your opponent will not have to worry about his defence and can concentrate on launching devastating attacks.
You have to assume that your opponent is every bit as good as you are and given the slightest opportunity will seize it and strive to maintain the advantage until the fight is over, in as short a time as possible.
