I also agree allot with what he's saying but ...here's my grain of salt. He also answers his own question.
The posted quote said; " So other than fun and health and the nature of people to want to conform and look like each other, what the hell is the point?"
Allot I think,
1) Fun...fun is huge. Fun drives a big piece of human motivation. If it ain't "FUN"...people won't like it so much, let alone continue to practice it.
2) Health, this is another significant BIG REASON. If it can he keep you healthy and moving with better lubricated joints...Heck this reason alone is worth it.
Now, back to his point which I think is: "If you can't use it for fighting, then what good is it?" Correct me if i'm wrong...but that IS HIS POINT ...isn't it?
It doesn't matter to me if Tai chi as a style is not commonly trained for MMA or that weak people get their asses handed to them. Hey they took a chance and lost. big deal.
* Also lets refer to ALL TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS NOT JUST TAI CHI... OK. ... if I ask ANY OR ALL OF THE TEACHERS ON this board;
Have you ever taught a student (at least one) a traditional method or fighting technique that they were able to use in at least:
1) a full fighting situation or just plain old self defense at the spur of the moment?
2) on the job? Like a bouncer or some other spontaneous reason?
= to the effect that the student was able to defend themselves or make it work for that particular moment?
** IF you can answer yes to those questions....I say that is ALSO the POINT! In relation to the OP question.
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I taught a woman tai chi (Regular student not just some private). We also used to spar and standing grapple clinch allot. She was attacked once and threw the guy on his ass easily, thus defending herself. Is she a full on MMA fighter? NO, but she has the confidence to not get pushed around and will make you pay if you get close.
To me, that makes all the difference in the world.
I swear...for a guy with all his experience...i'm sure Dan can also say Yes to my questions.
Why does this same topic pop up every 5yrs or so?