Our training in Taijiquan is designed to prevent our opponents from being able to take us off our feet. In order to do this we practise a variety of footwork, parrying and avoidance skills coupled with sensitivity to the movements of our opponent. The superior exponent can thus keep an aggressor at bay and prevent himself from being taken to the ground.
Although it is desirable for the Taijiquan fighter to remain on his feet there are times when this is not possible, especially when meeting an opponent who specialises in taking fights to the ground. In addition to this it is automatic for most people to grab and hang on when being thrown or tripped and so can take the thrower down with them as they fall.
Taijiquan has no specific groundfighting techniques per se but the skills that we learn on our feet are just as, if not more , important when on the ground. Once on the ground the person who is more comfortable being there and has trained techniques in dealing with this situation will have the advantage.
For these reasons I came to the conclusion that it was necessary not only to understand the principles of groundfighting but to actually practise being on the ground in inferior positions to work out how to regain my feet whilst my opponent was trying to stop me and submit me. Similarly It was necessary to understand how takedowns worked so that I could better understand how to counter them. Thus an essential part of my fight training program has been to add in takedowns and submission attempts to the striking, kicking , throwing , locking, grappling, tui shou and defensive training that we normally did.
The Five Step Path of Tui Shou really proves its efficacy in groundfighting. The abilty to move with the opponent and not lock the arms and legs makes it difficult for arm bars and leg locks to be applied. The ability to stick to the opponents arms makes it difficult for them to strike even if they are sitting astride. Our softness and sensitivity alerts us to what they are going to do and hence take the approppriate action.However , on its own this is not enough. Having strategies to regain your feet and escape whatever holds you might find yourself in whatever the position on the ground will give focus to your actions and allow you to disrupt your opponent's strategy at the same time. Being purely defensive and reactive requires great stamina, concentration and skill. It is thus better to practise counterattacks and unbalancing techniques applied from the ground.
There are many Tai Chi practitioners who would regard this as heresy but when push comes to shove fighting is fighting and I would be remiss as an instructor if I did not prepare my students for any eventuality.