When I was young I wanted to believe in magic and searched far and wide for evidence of supernatural or other demonstrable psychic phenomenon. I wanted to be superman, invulnerable , invincible.
I discovered that in martial arts it was no different. The quest was the same to achieve invulnerability from the mysterious Iron Shirt Training and the ability to defeat opponents without having to touch them by utilising the power of the even more mysterious qi that suffused the universe.
Suffice it to say my search led me into the dark waters of philosophy and the nature of truth, belief and reality.
Of these three concepts belief is the most powerful. From my observations it can be shown that demonstrable facts about the nature of reality and demonstrable truth cannot affect the belief of True Believers when they are in opposition to what is believed.
Once a belief system has been set up all Truth is then derived from that belief system and therefore it follows that everything else that contradicts this belief system is either false or has not been properly elucidated under the existing belief system.
Most scientists believe that there is an underlying reality that is true for the entire Universe. The problem with this is that everybody has a different perception as to what this reality is which is based upon their own belief system.
Which brings me back full circle to Tai Chi Empty Force. It says in the Tai Chi Classics that a Tai Chi practitioner must learn to distinguish between what is real and what is false. This is generally taken to mean that the practitioner must not be taken in by feints or illusory techniques. The Classics also state quite clearly that the practitioner should not forsake what is near for what is far which has the meaning that it is essential to learn the basic techniques before attempting to emulate the techniques of the masters. The reason for this is simple. The beginner cannot possible understand the refined nature of the technique of the master and can attribute supernatural ability to what is in reality a highly refined skill that involves immaculate timing, positioning, balance and understanding of force.
Below are several demonstrations of Taijiquan pushing hands.
Depending upon your belief system these clips would evoke a variety of responses