Bao wrote:cloudz wrote: generally speaking it doesn't matter to me. But when it matters to me to adhere to tai chi chuan, then I'm of the opinion that you can't ignore that the primary strategy is to counter. So much so that in that particular style it has become part of it's identity. Even if you don't always use it, you should be working and training towards it.
...Commit and accept that side of Tai chi and work towards it as a primary strategy, or just walk away from it and do something else instead.
The classics says:
. . . “If my opponent seem close, I seem closer”.
If your opponent moves in, you know his intent is to attack or to set up an attack. Adapt to the intent. Closie in more than your opponent. Move closer to your opponent than he suspects. Now you can put your hands on his. Take control. Now you can wait for an attack, when you control the distance as you want and as you can feel him with your hands.
If you are in a PH or grappling situation and have connection, even if he does nothing, you should still fill in the gaps, find the holes in the posture, his weakness, maybe go for that third leg. This is using yang against yin, nothing that against basic tai chi principles. There’s no forcing, no use of unnecessary strength or effort. You can fill in the gaps and take him down effortlessly. If he change or resist, change and follow his movement. Fill in again.
Where in the Tai Chi classics is that written?
marvin8 wrote:How do you "trap the opponent," when the opponent is moving, controlling the distance and attacking with low kicks, punches, etc.? It can be difficult.
Holly Holm and Amanda Nunez KO'd Ronda Rousey (olympian judoka) by not "closing in:" not playing to Rousey's strength/game. Instead, it was the matador vs the bull.
As in the Tai Chi classic:
Wang Zongyue wrote:Empty the left wherever a pressure appears,
and similarly the right.
If the opponent raises up, I seem taller;
if he sinks down, then I seem lower;
advancing, he finds the distance seems incredibly long;
retreating, the distance seems exasperatingly short.
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming wrote:To attack where opponent is strong is called “mutual resistance.” This is inefficient, and contrary to taiji principles. You must train so that you automatically meet the opponent’s substantial (attacking) jing with and insubstantial (defensive) jing. As you defend, you may simultaneously counter or set yourself and your opponent up for your counterattack.