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San Shou - Fighting
In addition to its quiet,
peaceful practice, Tai Chi is known for its superiority as a martial art.
By developing internal power and the technique of yielding, tai chi students
can neutralize opponents with much greater speed and strength. This is summed
up in the saying, "four ounces deflect a thousand pounds." Because Tai Chi
is a fighting art, training in self-defense applications also provides essential
refinement for one's practice of the form.
Students from the Center have excelled in fighting tournaments,
winning the heavy-weight and middle-weight titles the last time a full contact
kung fu competition was held at Madison Square Garden. This is a testament
to the originator of the Yang style of Tai Chi taught at the Center, who
was known as Invincible Yang.
Street Fighting
"If one lives in Venice, one should know how to swim." Easy-to-learn
self-defense techniques for dealing with potentially life-threatening
situations. The techniques, based on Tai Chi principles, will enable you
to overcome a much stronger opponent. Each class includes solo exercises
and two-person sparring practice using chest protectors when appropriate.
Pre-requisite: None. Classes usually held on Saturdays.
Fighting I
First training in the self-defense applications of Tai Chi. Class consists
of solo practice of various movements from the Tai Chi form at fighting
speed, usually covering several different kicks and hand techniques while
working on twisting and rooting. Pre-requisites: Tai
Chi Short Form. Classes are on-going and can be joined at any time.
Fighting II
Two-person workout wearing chest protectors. Fixed-position attacking
and yielding. Emphasis on a loose waist and strong root for maximum striking
power and for neutralizing attacks. Pre-requisites: Tai
Chi Short Form and Fighting I. Classes are on-going and can be joined
at any time.
Fighting III
Applying fighting techniques in sparring while wearing boxing gloves.
Begin with a fixed footwork and form; more advanced students practice
free-form sparring. Classes begin with fifteen minutes of punching and
kicking warm-up. Pre-requisites: Tai Chi
Short Form, Push-Hands, Fighting I, and
Fighting II. Classes are on-going and can be joined at any time.
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