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 (1981). At the New York Chinese Martial Art Championship
and Tri-State Kung Fu Full Contact Tourament, a student won the
heavyweight division (1996). In 2006, after a three consecutive
appearances in
the Baltimore tournements and a two-year undefeated run, one student
was voted Fighter of the Year by the United States Kuo Shu Federation.
This is a testament to the originator of the Yang style of Tai Chi
taught at the Center, who was known as Invincible Yang.
San Shou Form
A two-person empty-hand form desvised by
Master Chu to demonstrate the applications of all the moves in the Long
Form. This form is taught in two 10-week special classes. Pre-requisite: Tai
Chi Short Form.
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.
