Martial Arts & Self Defense - White Plains, New Rochelle, Yonkers & the Bronx

                                                    - Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan, literally translated, means ultimate chi (energy) boxing. It is a Taoist martial art (although you need not be
Taoist to practice it) that is designed to benefit health as well as self defense. However, if one approaches the art only for
the health benefits without regard to the self defense aspects, the health benefits will not accrue properly.

Tai Chi Chuan is seen as ultimate in the sense that in its traditional form, the emphasis is upon building character first, and
lethal force in combat is de-emphasized. With this approach, the capacity for lethal force is maximized during training over
the long run.


Tai chi utilizes slow movements in forms to study principles, and then testing the skills gained through push hands
competition. The opponent is thrown by taking their balance, much as in Judo.  While one must be relaxed and soft while
practicing the form quite often, Tai Chi also teaches how to utilize and control force in different ways. For example, Chen
style uses force in their main form while Yang style maintains a secret form for that purpose. The ability to use and control
force is a critical aspect of self defense, and the art will not be fully effective as self defense without it.  A number of
schools in the New York region incorrectly teach that one must be soft and relaxed in combat, which is neither logical nor
martial. Tai Chi has numerous styles such as Chen (the original), Yang, Sun and Wu.
Scarsdale Aikido
4 Gray Rock Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-574-6498
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