T’ai Chi Chih and Martial Arts

I am writing because I am concerned about an attitude that appears to be developing, that the two practices (T’ai Chi Chih and Martial Arts) are mutually exclusive. In addition, I am disturbed by the implication that there is something wrong, less-evolved about the study of martial arts versus the study/practice of T’ai Chi.

While we must be clear with our students that T’ai Chi Chih does not have its roots in the martial arts (as does T’ai Chi Ch’uan), I believe it is also important that we do not devalue the study of martial arts to our students.

The study of a martial art is every bit as much about gaining inner balance, inner strength and focus, as is the study of T’ai Chi. A martial artist confronts inner issues at every belt level, from personal fear barriers to the ability to stay focused, to being aware of everything around him/her. Above all, a martial artist learns to respect and value not only his or her self, but all others as well. A true martial artist is not looking to fight an “enemy” out there, but to conquer his/her own inner demons. By building confidence, both in one’s physical strength and agility and in one’s ability to face a situation calmly and with focus, a martial arts student learns to face life’s challenges with his/her own inner resources.

In addition to being a T’ai Chi Chih practitioner and certified teacher, I am also a martial art student. I have found the two practices to complement each other dramatically. The study of a martial art often includes meditation. For me, that meditation is T’ai Chi Chih. T’ai Chi keeps me grounded. My martial art practice strengthens my body and in strengthening my body, strengthens my spirit as well. In the combination of the two, I am growing and taking more definitive control of the direction my life is taking and in discerning what that direction needs to be. The study of a martial art has not pushed me away from my inner self. To the contrary, it has brought me face to face with myself!

I do not wish to imply that studying a martial art is for everyone. Nor do I wish to suggest that we necessarily bring up the subject with our students. What I am saying, is that we should not discourage a student from practicing both. For it may be in the combination of study, that the student will grow dramatically.