Strong Man vs Tai Chi: Using Tai Chi to Overcome Strength; A Secret Revealed

In this video, Susan Thompson Tai Chi, picks a person she does not know who has considerable size and strength advantage and experiments to see if she can move him from his base when he resists. She demonstrates using the Tai Chi principle of connecting to the opponents fascia. Watch as Susan not only demonstrates success, but also teaches the technique in a short amount of time to someone not indoctrinated to Tai Chi.
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Your support is greatly appreciated! 💙

[@benparaan3618]

Awesome! I've been practicing Taichi for over a decade and I've heard fascia mentioned but nobody really explained what fascia is let alone find it. Thank you.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you. I am glad you found my video and were able to get some benefit from my teaching. I have several other videos on the fascia, so make sure to check them out!

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

Believe it or not, many movies with martial arts fighting try to display the “Fascia Strike”. You know when the the martial artist (Usually our ‘Hero’) will make a punch, but instead of drawing his arm, or fist back, he holds it against his opponent’s chest for a split-second. He then opens his hand for an extremely short, but powerful palm strike, usually sending his opponent flying backwards. In that split second, he is supposed to be “connecting” with his opponent’s fascia. I, personally, have never tried this technique on a person, but have seen it done in ‘practice’. It was a lot less dramatic than the movies make it, of course, but it was fascinating! The opponent stumbled back, nearly losing his footing.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@JasonMcCord-qk3yb What you are describing is a combination of more than just connecting to the fascia. So ...yes, in that split second there is a fascia connection, then there is a certain type of "energy" layered on top of the fascia connection to make the delivery of force more dramatic and effective. Usually it is Song (song is the opening of one's joints and a relaxation of the muscles upon that opened structure) then on top of the song is a type of delivery - Ji, Lu, An or Peng. Peng will lift the person off the ground and send them flying as if they were bounced off of a ball. You are the ball, they are repelled back by their own force. This is Peng. If you are connected to their fascia, it becomes even more dramatic. I hope this explanation helps to clarify. Truly interesting stuff!

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

@@InternalTaiChi Yes, that’s it exactly! It’s some pretty supernatural stuff.

[@benparaan3618]

@@JasonMcCord-qk3yb My son has hit me with this kind of strike when he was 9 years old. I was looking up at him sideways as I was knocked down to the ground. He hit me on the lower rib cage, left side. I wasn't knocked backwards, I dropped right where he hit me. He was my senior when we were both in kung fu.

[@harveyl1980]

It's amazing to see an American demonstrated a skill concept of 内家拳 so correctly with a lot fun. That's awesome.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@harveyl1980 thank you so much for the wonderful comment.

[@afshinator]

Nice explanation and demo. Txs. Request for a longer in depth version of this content, especially with how to connect form practice to this.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Absolutely! I certainly will do so. Right now I'm just demonstrating and laying the ground work so people can see it's possible. Later I'll give specific instructions, drills and put it into the context of our Tai Chi movements.

[@Pesquisando0b1011]

@@InternalTaiChi Very cool. Tell us more please!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Will do!

[@panosdiesel808]

Perfect, thank you!!! My teacher dimitris pitianoudis, instructor of wu tai chi, his teacher is bruce koumar frantzis, told me the same!! This is perfect, the real power, not from muscles, but from alignmentyour body, your bones!!! PERFECT!!!!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you so much. It is great, isn't it, when hear something that validates what we have learned or heard before? Thank you for commenting and providing your insight.

[@jvaikido1]

Yes, excellent. We practice to Relax completely, keep weight underside, keep one point, this is your center of gravity by your belly and finally extent your Ki.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you. All good outcomes for practice!

[@Judith-f9u]

I have learned so much from your videos. Would love to see more videos on this topic. Thankyou for all that you do to bring our tai chi to another level.

[@InternalTaiChi]

That is my goal, to bring Tai Chi to a better understood level. I'll definitely be posting more videos on this and related topics. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@Judith-f9u I have made a playlist on the topic of Fascia Tai Chi Secret. Make sure you check it out. 👍

[@spaideman7850]

you could explain the essence of tai chi better than any master tai chi, so far no chinese tai chi master had ever explained this to us. please continue your good work.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you for your kind comment! I will certainly keep producing videos and lessons to bring a deeper understanding of Tai Chi to the world!

[@thepianocornertpc]

My Chinese Master did explain...you were probably dealing with frauds .

[@romedbucher2854]

Many Tai Chi masters will not explain what they know will not be understood. You have to experience it with your entire being, not understand it in your head.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@romedbucher2854 I am showing the possibilities. Experiencing it is important but one must first know that it exists to discover it. A good teacher should be able to explain at least "step one" to point one in the right direction and to begin to feel it. If not, then why teach at all?

[@samm4870]

Wow! Perfect! You are a incredible teacher, Susan! Looking forward and hoping to be a student of yours someday! Best wishes!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you, Sam! I'm glad you're still watching. Thanks for the comments too. One day I'll do a workshop and maybe you can come and learn directly! In the meantime I always enjoy knowing you're watching, learning and valuing my videos.

[@joshpickles9022]

Susan seems like a lovely teacher 😊

[@InternalTaiChi]

Aaww. Thank you. My Tai Chi students seem to think so. 🙂

[@braedenmoses]

Super cool to see your success, Susan!! I took a couple of your con-ed courses almost a decade ago now and look how you’ve grown in your practice, understanding and ability to communicate these difficult to explain ideas!! Absolutely awesome, cheers :) P.S. I’ve continued my personal practice at a dojo “Genji Kai Karate and Tai chi” off campus Bowie in Fort Worth for the past 8 years, would never have if not for inspiration from you along the way 💯🎶🫶

[@InternalTaiChi]

Hi Braeden! Of course! I remember you. I remember you seeing me a few years later and sharing the story of the lady at the park that started having seizures and how you used Tai Chi in the moment to help her. Yes, my practice has certainly changed and expanded. I teach live streaming 3x a week, and still teach a few in person classes too. Plus the depth of practice has grown tenfold. It has been such a fulfilling journey. Thank you for reaching out and commenting. I think it is great for others to read that students from my past are still in touch! I hope you are doing well. And how inspiring to me (and hopefully others) that you have kept up the practice!

[@gotowealth]

i tried to push a taichi practitioner in a park in HongKong. he didn't resist, move or anything. he didn't move. he was very much stable. something mysterious about taichi.

[@InternalTaiChi]

He probably was in Song. If the person is in good level of Song, then you can't move them very easily.

[@hostnik777]

I’ve been seeing a lot of these demos on YT lately and my wife saw this and wanted to try. Neither of us got any reaction at all.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thanks for commenting. The one thing people leave out is connecting to the other person's joints. You probably had the fascia but didn't connect to the joints. If you were here, I could teach you both just as quickly and easily as I did Casey. ☺️ Feel free to email me and we can troubleshoot.

[@40JoCharles]

@@ChristianCBE that might be your 40 year old trick but that’s not what she is doing. 🙏🏼

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you @40JoCharles for your support and accurate insight.

[@stephenm3470]

Its fake nonsense for lonely people. Unless you're magic too?

[@Choptron27]

Thank you for this channel, this is the first video I’ve seen and subbed! I’m currently training in TKD to build a strong leg and footwork foundation, along with agility and endurance, will move to upper body work later, but I really wanted to learn tai chi along side as my evening workout routine!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you. I am honored to be your very first channel to which you subscribed! :-) There are plenty of videos on my channel from which to learn. Check out my various playlists to see videos categorized by topic. www.youtube.com/@internaltaichi then select the playlist tab at the top. Enjoy!

[@francisng9796]

Well done. You get the hang of it. There is a lot more to it and a true master can do that in a split second and against a heavy puncher. But you are on the right track.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@francisng9796 thank you for the encouragement! I will get there for sure. I am already getting better and quicker. Almost like it's second nature. I still have a ways to go though. I'm not quick enough for punches yet. The key is to be a millisecond ahead of their intention. I'm usually late. But getting better. And thank you for understanding the context of this video. 👍

[@timmbot6082]

False. True masters have tried against a mediocre MMA fighter in China and he whooped them all. 😅

[@mkbuser]

I love your channel. I've been watching your channel since I discovered it about 8 years ago. I don't know why, but I thought you were based in New England. This video looks like it could have been filmed on my old street in Frisco TX. What a shocker!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you so much. Yes you are right! I live in the DFW area. In fact I used to teach Tai Chi in Frisco. Thank you for being a dedicated viewer.

[@reneeeason544]

@@InternalTaiChi Do you still teach in the Frisco area? Or do you know of anyone that does? Thank you! Love your channel!

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@reneeeason544 Sadly I do not. I do teach via livestreaming. Email me if you are interested. I have many folks from all over (including Frisco) who attend and love it!

[@kvedward]

Thank you for demonstrating and sharing the applications! Fascia has been a fascinating topic in the past year of my practice. I've always wondered how it's applied in Taiji pushhands and you've given me a revelation through this video. It's so simple once there is the base understanding. It's still is magic though!! :D

[@InternalTaiChi]

lol...yes it is still magic. It certainly feels like magic. It makes all of my students smile when we do it in class, like an uplifting electric energy fills the room. I will be doing a workshop on Saturday and will video quite a few of the lessons with hopes to post them for providing further helpful videos. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@walterjackson7420]

We're big fans of Susan Thompson!!!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@PracticeTaiji]

Excellent demonstration! Great explanation! Subscribed.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you for the comment, for watching and subscribing!

[@johng2779]

Ive got to try this. !!!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Give it a go! Let me know how it went or if you need help troubleshooting.

[@evaluna1974]

The name doesn’t really matter, I love it, just like Bowling with Balls haha! Glad I found this video, the first one that really lifts a bit of the mystery and connects it to my western neurological understanding of things. The guy’s with the good name’s obviously missed out on that!

[@InternalTaiChi]

@evaluna1974 thank you! It's like pulling the curtain back on the mystique of it, isn't it? Thanks for your comment.

[@AlghostUnit]

It's the balance, there's a difference between simply pushing and grounding your stance and then pushing, the second way to do it will work if your opponent stance is not as grounded as yours. It's a matter of position and understanding of weight distribution. When I was young I used to fight alot and litterally no one was able to make me fall becose I was understanding very well this principle and everyone was wondering how I was doing haha

[@InternalTaiChi]

When you were you young and experiencing that success, you were probably also doing other things intuitively and naturally, like applying Song in your body. From a pure physics standpoint, no "grounded stance" would overcome something twice my weight.

[@congamike1]

This is helpful. Thanks!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you!

[@RocknRollkat]

Oh Susan, no you dit-int ! Anothr excellent presentation, thank you ! Bill P.

[@InternalTaiChi]

LOL...yes. Thanks for making me smile. Good to hear from you. Thanks for watching. :-)

[@RocknRollkat]

@@InternalTaiChi Always a pleasure ! 😀

[@lsporter88]

Hey, that was cool. You've got great energy. Great video.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@lsporter88]

@ChristianCBE Yes of course, I was talking about her personality and charisma on camera. But yeah, that is a good trick, she might have been doing a couple of other simple things too that most Muggles don't usually think about.😉

[@InternalTaiChi]

I guess you could qualify all hidden Tai Chi techniques and intentions as "tricks." That is what makes Tai Chi so magical and counter intuitive. Thanks, @alsporter88, for your comment. 👍

[@simeonsimeonov5205]

Great explanation!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you!

[@EricSherrell]

Great explanation! Good job, both of you. :)

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you! He was a perfect person to demonstrate with. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@robertbrozewicz8003]

Ecellent, thank you

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you! :-)

[@DailyeDiscuss]

I'm a mid size slender Asian guy. when I push a taichi practitioner not only that person will move, he or she will fall down to the ground as well.

[@InternalTaiChi]

With the right touch and skills one can certainly do that! And not all (or many) Tai Chi practitioners have the fascia skill. Hopefully that will change over time.

[@silang8381]

I have spent years researching why on earth Tai Chi Chuan would ever have been known as The Supreme Ultimate Fighting Method. The simple truth is that it was once a grappling and striking style with all of the techniques that that are banned in MMA but somewhere along the line all of the effective grappling and striking techniques were abandoned because full contact sparring leads to injuries and fewer students.

[@Wolf88888]

I studied Yang Style Tai Chi and Taoism for years. The reason Tai Chi is called, 'The Supreme Ultimate Fighting Method' actually has nothing at all to do with it being the best or most superior fighting method; rather, it is a Taoist reference to 'The Supreme Ultimate' or Tao, also known as, 'The Way of Heaven'. (This is depicted in the Tai Chi or 'Yin-Yang' symbol.) In other words, Tai Chi is a martial art that is based in Taoist principles.

[@ange_mo]

You can thank Mao for that

[@ange_mo]

@@Wolf88888like Xing Yi Quan and Yi Quan

[@raul_jocson_]

"Supreme Ultimate Fist" is a based on an all too common dodgy translation. It's closer to say "High Polarity Fighting" which refers to both Taoist principles and the nature of the strikes and deflections. I'm curious about your research. What I've found is that there are powerful strikes hidden in plain sight in the forms, but everyone seems to think they're simply pushes. Also, there obviously isn't a ground game, but there are clinch and takedown defense techniques present in the forms.

[@Wolf88888]

@raul_jocson_ The title, 'Supreme Ultimate Fist' is perfectly fine; it's the misinterpretation of the name that's a problem. The 'Supreme Ultimate' part has little, or nothing, to do with it being "the best" martial art. In Chinese philosophy, the 'Supreme Ultimate' (Tai Chi) is another name for the Tao, or 'Way of Heaven'. Thus, a proper (but incredibly long and awkward) interpretation of the name might be, "The Martial Art that Operates in Accordance with the Way of Heaven".

[@Staycoolfriends]

Wow , never seen this kind of esoteric wisdom before

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you. It may seem esoteric, only because it has been held back as a secret. In actuality is quite easy to understand and obtain once you have done it. 😊

[@GuappoSettanta]

I studied, practiced, and taught Tai Chi since 1971/1996. Useless against regular fighters. Tai Chi practicioners think they have access to Chi and all sorts of powers. Against any amateur Karate, MMA, UFC, Ju Jitsu practicioners, Boxing, they would not last a minute. SEriously. YOu want to move slowly and think you are getting in shape? Go ahead, but you're not. It is beautiful. It takes forever to learn properly, and you will not...NOT be able to fight especially not against some bigger fellow. The small Tai Chi guy against the big guy = small guy loses. This is reality!!!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you for your comment. This video is intended to demonstrate the technique of tapping into the fascia, not to showcase fighting skills. As I mention at the beginning of the video, I’m in the early stages of learning and sharing this new aspect of Tai Chi with my viewers. Understanding how to connect with the fascia provides important context for certain Tai Chi movements, often giving purpose to what might otherwise appear as empty motions. While I am not focused on fighting at this time, there are practitioners who have honed these skills to a level where they can be applied effectively in combat situations. However, the philosophy of Tai Chi emphasizes avoiding or deflecting conflict in the first place. Tai Chi is not limited to slow movements-it's a versatile art. Techniques like Fajin demonstrate its capacity for speed and power. I respect that your journey has taken a different path, and that’s perfectly fine. Wishing you continued success in your practice!

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

I have been studying Tai Chi for about 30 years (Along with Ju Jitsu and Krav Maga) By itself, I would absolutely have to agree with you. Which is why I love that Mixed Martial Arts have been so widely accepted these last few decades. I have always believed the Tai Chi has given a certain grace and fluidity to my movements, that just wouldn’t be there, were it not for my studies. When I needed it to save my own life, it was there for me.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@JasonMcCord-qk3yb I think in the MMA and fighting context, it is always good to have a mix of background and experience. I am not a MMA so enjoy Tai Chi and all of its various life applications. It sounds like you are a well rounded martial arts practitioner and have a great attitude of embracing the beneficial aspects of the various martial arts, including Tai Chi. Thanks for your insight, great attitude and for commenting!

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

@@InternalTaiChi Thank you very much! Honestly, of the three “Disciplines” I follow. I really get the most serenity from Tai Chi. It has had an immense impact on my life. I find true peace and happiness when I’m using my sword (Jian) to achieve my forms. I have always loved the workout. We Americans seem to think we invented “Isometric exercises”. Meanwhile the Chinese have been doing it for a couple thousand years! lol 😂

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@JasonMcCord-qk3yb Wonderful insight! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience.

[@philosopher8052]

Where are you? Do you recommend any schools or teachers in central florida

[@InternalTaiChi]

I am in East Tennessee. I do not know anyone in Florida. Finding a good teacher is one of the biggest challenges in Tai Chi. Don't give up the search!

[@berylrosenberg704]

How would a Sumo wrestler address this technique? What about a Judoka? Aikido practitioners aren't able to best high level Judoka, so something about this fascia engagement is known and can be countered. Otherwise, 120lb Tai Chi experts would be entering Judo competitions and winning them? Any explanations?

[@InternalTaiChi]

For those who have learned the fascia technique, it can, indeed by an effective technique in any martial art, even sumo wrestling. And you are correct, it can be countered. The key for countering it, is for the recipient to be in the state of SONG, a relaxed open quality. I cover how to achieve the quality of *_Song_* in my new upcoming book (to be released on Monday via Amazon Kindle -- Beyond Form; Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out). Thank you for the great question.

[@lazyguy3555]

I think the fascia is the body's energetic distribution system and houses the qi pathways that branch off to the organs.

[@InternalTaiChi]

What a great insight! I think so too. Have you read the book: "Fascia: What it is and Why it Matters”? From the sound of your comment, I think you would really like that book.

[@lazyguy3555]

@@InternalTaiChi I have not read it, but thanks for the suggestion. I just found it on Amazon.

[@HiFilover168]

I wonder if this technique can use it on NFL offensive lineman.

[@InternalTaiChi]

lol...I actually wondered that myself. I think it is possible and I think we see it when the offensive lineman rolls past, or slides their hands across the defensive lineman's shoulder pads to roll them. This technique works even through clothing and the padding. Now if I tried it on them, hahaha, probably not. 🙂

[@maciekzajac1652]

Aikido perspective YES, IT IS THE WAY. The more push, squeeze the quicker is your oponent crash landing. Stay relaxed and oponent's brain knows nothing

[@InternalTaiChi]

You have a great understanding! Thank you for commenting and supporting my work.

[@willeel3750]

The fascia is like an envelope of thin fiber that encloses the whole body like a sheath. It is the basis for trigger point therapy. There are trigger points throughout the body that are connected to muscles in other parts of the body. So, for instance, when you feel pain in your arm, the trigger point might be in the scalene muscle on the side of your neck. Locate that scalene and release the trigger point with pressure to relax the muscle in the arm that hurts. The acupuncture meridian is something different. It is where the chi energy flows throughout the human. There are meridians where energy may be blocked. Using pressure you may remove the blockage. Another way is by practicing tai chi. The movements of tai chi are meant to increase the flow of that energy. It is all part of Qi Gong a much more expansive and older science an art of understanding the nature of our being.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight. Well said! 👏

[@MrGreasem]

Works every time.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Yes, it certainly can! Thanks for commenting.

[@Raykenn1]

Great demonstration 👍

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you! 😊

[@jason2014]

At the end.."I'm going to resist just as much" while you were obviously not resisting at all

[@InternalTaiChi]

Until you feel it you won't understand it. I was resisting as much. In fact the more I resist the more it will shoot me back. It may not look like it to you because of my size difference. I mean really, how much can I resist this very strong gentle man? But in fact I'm offering lots of resistance. That's the magic of this. It looks like nothing. Thanks for watching.

[@jason2014]

​@@InternalTaiChi I was comparing the way you resisted without the fascia trick vs with the fascia trick. Your effort level was clearly different in those two cases.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Hi Jason. It may look that way, certainly. However, the way this works, the harder I push, the more it will eject me away. So although it may not look like I am pushing the same amount of force, I truly am. Also keep in mind, the individual I am pushing is easily twice my weight, so it is hard to determine how hard I am pushing...kinda like watching me push a wall. lol. Your comment gives me good ideas for my next video, and for that I am thankful. I am a therapist and so have access to some measurement tools. I will try to use a meter that shows the amount of pressure I am issuing so it is more concretely evident. Thanks for watching and engaging your thoughts. Wishing you all the best.

[@kiranjoshi2025]

Thanks for explaining power of tai chi over raw physical strength. Can you pls give some demo on power of chi alone.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Yes, I will do that. I will say it is a more subtle technique and sometimes hard to show on video. Also, it will bring alot of doubters. :-) But I will make a video. I have a short showing moving someone with Song and Qi. Thanks for watching and for making the request!

[@martin5504]

What is the value of this technique? Pushing people around only?

[@InternalTaiChi]

Lol..what a GREAT question! No one else has asked this. There is much more value to this technique than pushing people around. In fact what is demonstrated here is Tai Chi fascia secret 101. It is the lowest hanging branch. Eventually, the touch becomes so light and one can influence someone else's attitude and posture with simple intent (Yi). Eventually we move into energy such as Qi and different states of momentum on that energy, to the point that one can (I know most will bawlk at this) influence the attitude and events around you to a more positive experience. Thank you for asking this great question and for watching.

[@edwardrichard2561]

My uncle has been doing martial arts since the early 70s. He got a black belt in Karate. Trained in other disciplines as well. But for majority of his training he’s trained in Tai Chi. He is absolutely convinced that it’s the best art. I am starting to notice in the UFC that the traditional arts are slowly getting used in mix martial arts. Zabit Magomedsharipov is a great example. Wu Shu practitioner. Though he retired early he was like watching a Kung Fu movie fight scene.

[@InternalTaiChi]

It really is a fascinating world in the world of Martial Arts. There are many differences, but there are many overlaps and similarities as well. I wish I had done martial arts way sooner in my life, but at this point, Tai Chi is giving me so much; martial arts and otherwise, that I am forever grateful that I found Tai Chi and can spread the art to others. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ATITKD]

Strong guy.. roll your shoulders forward and harness the energy from the earth.

[@InternalTaiChi]

thanks for your input. Strong guy learned really quickly and did a great job learning the technique. He has no tai chi experience and truthfully was just agreeing to my asking him to resist my attempts at pushing him. You are correct that harnessing from the earth does help!

[@simsan2438]

Thank you Shifu Susan!

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are welcome! :-)

[@ericfroshnider3524]

3:01 and 4:05 Nice application I am working to make this feel noncrazy that way I feel it will be more accessible for me to use.Hopefully with a little more experiance

[@InternalTaiChi]

Just a bit of practice and trusting the technique and you'll have it in no time.

[@ericfroshnider3524]

​​@@InternalTaiChiThank you for the encouragement I go to a pushhands meet up in Los Angeles.I have an awesome teacher I met there who showed me something very similar to what your demonstrating here

[@InternalTaiChi]

Finding a good practice partner is often the most challenging part. You're lucky you have a group to work with!

[@ericfroshnider3524]

​​​​​​@@ChristianCBEIf shes doing this by only physical means then he will feel this and resist with enough streagth not to be moved. You can move someone by bypassing the physical and using sensitivity to enter and connect to feel where there is streagth and where there is no support and yes you do change the angle but there is alot more going on

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are correct, Eric. Thank you for the insight and support. :-)

[@176Taichi]

this is one little trick, not really Tai Chi Kung Fu, But can explain some of the rules of Tai Chi，for example，No reliance on Force to win in Tai Chi.

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are right! No reliance on force to overcome force. It is so counter intuitive!

[@surfwriter8461]

I'm not sure what you mean by declaring this "not really Tai Chi Kung Fu". It is a standard practice or technique used to overcome muscle force by accessing the fascia of the opponent and issuing chi (or jin) through that network in the body. This is one element of internal power, something that separates hard styles from soft or internal ones, if done properly. It's not a "trick" but a key approach to overcoming hard force.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@surfwriter8461 lol...when I first saw your reply I thought you were addressing me! I realize now you were responding to @176Taichi. yes, you are absolutely correct and you stated it very well. Thank you for your understanding, support and sharing your insight.

[@176Taichi]

@@surfwriter8461 I know, the reason I said so is that kung fu is not just pushing back your opponents a little, It's completely all-dimension fighting, we can not only use this technique to do that. No disrespect， just， 🙏discussing。

[@ange_mo]

It’s not a trick. It is vital knowledge

[@trumplostlol3007]

All these "systems" assume that your opponent comes to you to attack you first assuming there is no faking. How about if you have to close the distance to fight your opponent? Or your opponent is athletically superior and can close the distance very quickly so that you can't even react to the attack?

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are correct in that to be successful one must be preemptive. There is a saying in Tai Chi - whoever gets there first, wins. Indeed if the other person is faster than you, you will likely not be successful. As I shared at the beginning of this video my intention is to share my journey as my skills develop. Thank you for watching and for sharing your insight.

[@jl1876]

she legit dont mess

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you. 😊

[@user-iu7rf6yt3l]

Suzan, pls try to do it on to the body rather than on to the arms only.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Sure. I can show that too. Did you see the video I made of connecting the fascia through a t-shirt? That is much like doing it on the body. But thank you for the request, I will make a video demonstrating and showing how to connect to the fascia on the trunk/body of someone.

[@user-iu7rf6yt3l]

@@InternalTaiChi Yes I though about the Tshirt but touching directly with one or two hands could be more "powerfull" I believe. Thanks so much it's been years since I try to understand and You've made it clear (vs "I send the energy inside ... bla bla).

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@user-iu7rf6yt3l Ha! Ha! yes, I understand the "energy" blah blah. I will try to make the video this weekend!

[@robintropper660]

The first thing we are taught in Tai-Chi/Chi-Gong is to "learn to feel the Chi" ... that is always very mysterious, so I really appreciate demonstrations like this and Yang Jwing Ming (YMCAA) that "translate" that into body mechanics we can understand.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Yes, feeling and sensing is very hard to translate into words and communicate to students. This technique in the video is actually pretty mechanical. The sensing part is connecting to the fascia. I learned the fascia connection from Shifu Lin of Phoenix Mountain Tai Chi. He also can demonstrate and communicate very clearly.

[@foppo100]

Judo is a system where you use the other person power.You go with it.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Yes. Many of the martial arts have overlap. Aikido also borrows the momentum from the opponent. Tai Chi too! :-)

[@CuttingEdgeSystema]

Just tapping into the balance. Nothing "western" about the other way - in fact we know about "fascia" thanks to western science

[@InternalTaiChi]

The western example was the issuance of force without regard to the fascia. Force on force. The technique used instead, is to use a lighter touch while tapping into the fascia. This is a more eastern approach in my perspective. You are correct that we are discovering more scientifically about the fascia thanks to western medicine. Perhaps a better delineation on my part would simply be Force/Strength vs light touch and fascia connection rather than whose responsible for the concept.

[@carlw]

You do, most don't

[@wyntertaichiandqigong]

Nice video!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@drthinguyen-phuocndptlac2468]

i'm a bit confused : you pushed casey over by confusing his nervous system b/c the force of your push stays in the fascial layers, not directing your force through his muscles or bones... and then you also said that if he can lift using his fascia, then he can lift more?? can you clarify? esp about how to access our fascia to lift more or be stronger (and presumably faster)...?

[@InternalTaiChi]

This is a great question. The key is to bypass your own muscular force as well and to use your fascia as much as possible instead. I'll make a video demonstrating the differences. In the meantime you can try holding and carrying two fairly heavy grocery bags. First carry them by contracting your muscles, your biceps, deltoid, etc all working. This is how we normally carry the bags. Next, let your arms down by your side while carrying the bags. Imagine the external mesh of fascia and become comfortable with the weight you're carrying, allowing it to spread over your back. Now you're sending and using the fascia to support and carry the bags instead. When you lift the bags to the counter, continue to spread the force weight across the body rather than to the muscles. The interesting thing is fascia remodels itself based on how we use it. If it speed you want, you can develop the fascia to support speed and reduce injury.

[@nottarookieapparelcompany2403]

You're confused because it's silly. Fascia Ishtar some mystical "system" that your body is confused by... your body knows exactly what fascia is surrounds every connective tissue organ etcetera in the body

[@InternalTaiChi]

I am an occupational therapist and have an intimate knowledge of the fascia and it's feedback system. I have dissected and held human fascia in my hands. What are your qualifications to make such as statement? Our muscles, joints and tendons/ligaments have golgi receptors which work and are activated through heavy work, gravity and force and gives us proprioceptive feedback. When someone issues through the body directly, these golgi receptors are activated and give the person proprioceptive feedback, allowing them to know exactly where the force is coming from and how to counter it. The fascia on the other hand does not have these receptors. Our neurological system can not interpret light influence upon the fascia. That is where the body gets confused and can't engage an immediate counter to that issuance. All I ask is that you try it before you start name calling and labeling with derogatory comments such as "silly."

[@CL-nn8cl]

More like this plz 😉

[@InternalTaiChi]

You bet! I have two more ready to go. I'm choosing random people to keep it real. Thanks for watching!

[@weilunkang]

Hey Sue, i could not see your comments on my phone's YT app at all. Did you reply to a comment that I previously posted, or did you send me a DM ?

[@InternalTaiChi]

I replied to your YT comment but maybe it is not showing because the individual we were both commenting on was deleted. I was just thanking you for your support in that exchange and that both I, and my viewers appreciated your supportive comment! Thank you! (I am not sure how to direct message you..lol).

[@weilunkang]

@@InternalTaiChi Ahh, got ya. Yeah, I'm just keepin' it real and telling it like it is. Some people just love to assume things without doing full research into them first, or come from a background where those things are a normal part of life. For those who are knowledgeable in both Chinese martial arts (not the actual fighting, but just knowledge of how they work and their philosophies) AND astrophysics and quantum physics, you would know that "chi" is basically the Higgs Field. If you know how to manipulate chi, then you would be able to manipulate matter and energy as well (since the Higgs Field is what gives particles their masses in this universe). Like "The Force" in Star Wars, if you can manipulate chi, you can use it to heal or make a living organism (or any other matter) "explode" from the inside out !! And there's a branch of Chinese martial arts specializing in this style of kung fu that not too many non-Chinese know about, and it's called "Nei Kung" (or "Internal Kung Fu") and it's sub-branch more famously known as "Chi Kung" (or literally, "Pressure Kung Fu", from which the "chi" part of the term "tai chi" comes from), and yes, you would have to spend at least 20 years of your life isolated as a hermit, away from society, focusing on learning nothing except this type of martial arts before you can even achieve any sort of neophyte results, and that's a fact !! Anyway, I love what you're doing, spreading and teaching the basics of taichi for the benefit of society. You oughta be commended. Keep up the great work and YT channel. BTW, it used to be that YT allowed users to write personally to each other, but it was more of like an email style where each user had their own YT inbox. So, my bad, maybe "DM" wasn't the best term to use. lol

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thanks for sharing your insight and support! 🙏

[@weilunkang]

​@@InternalTaiChi Sure, anytime ! Yea, not everything can be googled or Wiki'd.

[@40JoCharles]

Great work 💪🏼👊🏼🙏🏼🙂☯️

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you 🙌

[@krenx]

Excellent

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you!

[@anthroposophe]

That was beautiful.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you! 😊

[@dekipower]

at the end she called him subject..., that's cheeky from that tiny, thin and old woman !!!

[@InternalTaiChi]

I am not sure what you are referencing. I was nothing but respectful to this kind gentleman who agreed to let me spontaneously make a video with him. You might have misheard. I never use the word "subject." He did really well in learning the technique quickly. I have all the respect for him! You are right about one thing...I am tiny. lol.

[@User-kjxklyntrw]

I think Tai Chi need to using inner force power "Chi" and muscle power as outer power, and Tai Chi movement speed, so will become more powerful in combat.

[@HughGard-rc7cc]

Does she mean " Viscera" ?..

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thanks for the great question! Viscera and fascia are different anatomical structures: Viscera refers to the internal organs in the main body cavities, particularly those in the chest (thoracic cavity) and abdomen. These include organs like the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, kidneys, etc. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that forms a continuous web throughout the body. It's made up of collagen and surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and organs. It appears as a thin, white, fibrous layer and serves several purposes: - Provides structural support - Allows smooth movement between structures - Helps maintain proper body posture - Acts as a pathway for nerves and blood vessels - Plays a role in force transmission throughout the body While fascia can surround and support visceral organs (called visceral fascia), it is a distinct tissue type from the organs themselves.

[@JerryDozierKanishkaCombatives]

Cool!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you. ☺️

[@gpasprimus6505]

This was faschinating

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you!

[@Craig144_1]

How would this knowledge help a person to lift more weight? Dumbbells don't have fascia.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Ha! You are right, dumbbells have no fascia...but you do. So what you do is imagine your fascia as being like a net. Let the dumbbell cradle in the fascia rather than trying to hold it with the muscle. The lifting then comes while keeping the weight cradled in the fascia. You would use the muscle to initiate the movement but the fascia "holds" the weight throughout. It is very hard to explain via text. I am putting up a video from one of my recent workshops that shows how to use fascia throughout your daily movements for more efficiency and less strain to the joints. I hope it will help explain your excellent question. Thank you for watching, thinking and asking a great question!

[@Craig144_1]

@@InternalTaiChi it's difficult to imagine what you are explaining but I think I kinda get it. Very intriguing. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. You have very gifted talent.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@Craig144_1 Thank you. I appreciate your openness to it. Really anyone can do it!

[@MattCantSpeakIt]

So if she can grab his wrists, concentrate for a minute and a half, you can move him back by 6 inches. incradable.

[@InternalTaiChi]

I am 110lbs. The gentleman is much bigger and stronger. I could grab his wrist and push with all my might and would not be able to move him. Think about it. The technique used bypasses the neurological system for balance and allows me to sneak under the radar of resistance. Therefore I can move him. Thanks for commenting.

[@MattCantSpeakIt]

@InternalTaiChi my point is if you have to concentrate and tap into his fashia... No matter the weight difference, you've been KOed long before you could do anything... Tai chi is about forms, and staying in shape in your older days. Let's not pretend this lets you fight like Jackie Chan...

[@InternalTaiChi]

​@@MattCantSpeakIt Thank you for sharing your perspective. You're right that Tai Chi has multiple aspects - from health maintenance to forms practice. In this particular video, I'm specifically demonstrating fascia manipulation techniques and being transparent about my learning journey. This is one component of understanding the underlying principles of Tai Chi movements, particularly the spiral patterns in traditional forms. While I respect your views, I stand by the authenticity of my practice and teaching. I wish you well in your own Tai Chi journey.

[@MrPookiexL3oi]

Remember this is just a drill. Do not think you can fight with this because you will get yourself into a lot of trouble.

[@InternalTaiChi]

That is a really great comment and thing to point out. In time, with more practice in spontaneous situations, the technique can be used to deflect incoming forces. I am not at that skill level yet.

[@littlecannon]

This is why I like to call taijiquan friction boxing.

[@InternalTaiChi]

That is a really great name for it! Superficial friction, just riding on the top surface. Thanks for watching, for your insight and comment!

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

A mixed race martial artist explained that Chinese martial art teachers do not teach non Chinese students the complete skill levels. Only the physical forms of movements at most. The inside muscular and tendon behaviors are racially separated. Ancient Tai Chi was used in combat, but those forms are very specialized and restricted. Regular Tai Chi Chuan is basically designed for exercise as per the same martial artist. It has no value on the street despite the popular movies.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Tai Chi as it is presented today, in most instances, is highly diluted and altered from its original form. Originally developed as a martial art, it has gradually shifted into being viewed primarily as exercise. The deeper underpinnings of Tai Chi need to be preserved to maintain the art's integrity and completeness and to increase the understanding that Tai Chi goes beyond just exercise. Some practitioners, teachers and masters today, thankfully, are working to share these complete teachings openly. This video demonstrates one of these foundational techniques, providing additional context and meaning to the traditional forms. At this stage of development and presentation, I am focused on sharing the technical understanding rather than martial applications. Thank you for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

[@privacyghost]

Pretty good. Hands placement isn't issue when you reach higher stages

[@InternalTaiChi]

Very true.

[@privacyghost]

@@ChristianCBE that's just a beginner stage demonstration

[@ranjanroy82]

Tai ji is primarily a fighting style. How is any of this relevant to actual combat ?

[@InternalTaiChi]

Great question. With the right level of skill an opponent can be easily disengaged. I am NOT at that skill level (yet). But also what I am demonstrating has other applications that I am more interested in; moving more effectively, preserving my joints, generating power with less effort, etc. The martial art application, while impressive, is the lowest hanging branch of what Tai Chi and this technique can provide to one's life. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Wolf88888]

Anyone who believes that Tai Chi is fake or is not an effective martial art needs to check out the Tai Chi masters of Wu Dang Mountain demonstrating true combat Tai Chi. In its actual martial form, Tai Chi is just as lethal, if not more so, than any other martial art.

[@zecollecter8747]

A lot of talk about the fascia, but that's not what she's doing. She's gently moving around his resistance until she finds an in and she goes with that. The human body can't resist in more than one direction at once. So you can confuse it, trick it, start moving in one direction to set up resistance and then move in another and another. You can compound the effect so that it feels like the pusher didn't use a lot of effort, and they didn't. Not grabbing using your hands is also confusing for the opponents body as humans are pretty handsy creatures. Lot of brain space dedicated to use of our hands and also interpreting where other bodies are by the grip they have on us. The fascia talk is just distraction and asian mystique that doesn't add anything to what she does. Plenty of great info on fascia from people in the massage and body work space. As well as pragmatic advice from Kelly Starrett in the strength training world.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thanks for your comment...and your doubting. I enjoy the doubters because it points out how challenging it is to believe what is seen, while for me it is so easy to do. Firstly I want to thank you for providing your input in a respectful manner. I am actually not changing the angle of my force and I am solely using the fascia. Rather than my repeating myself it might be beneficial to read some of my other comment responses. If you want, of course. You might not be interested. Anyway, I do know a lot about fascia and its neurological connection to the postural and vestibular system. Another great source is Thomas Myers, although his info is more about body works rather than how it relates to Tai Chi. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors and thanks for watching!

[@zecollecter8747]

@@InternalTaiChi Thanks for writing back. My comment was more for people watching than it was to you. I've lived in Asia for over 20 years training martial arts for 4 -8 hours a week almost the whole time. I know there are a lot of ways to confuse the nervous system. There are many ways for a 110lb woman to move a strong man. I've regularly trained with teachers who've dedicated their lives to figuring this stuff out. Often they are great at doing, but not great at explaining what's actually happening. I'm familiar with fascia - from Davinici to Thomas Myers. But in my humble opinion those explanations don't add to what you're doing. If you're moving skin and muscles you're also moving fascia. So if you gripped his wrists and pushed you should get the same effect - since you'd be moving his fascia in that case too. But he'll be able to resist you because his proprioception will dial in on how to resist your body. More so if you grip his wrists firmly. You won't get the same effect as in your video. It fits the criteria of what you've explained about moving his fascia but it doesn't get the same effect. How would you explain that in terms of fascia? I'd suggest it's not about fascia. (Of course fascia is involved beause it's part of the body. But it's not the explanation for what you're showing.)

[@InternalTaiChi]

​@zecollecter8747 Thanks for your comment. Honestly at this point I am so fatigued out by trying to explain this to folks. I am absolutely certain that it IS about the fascia. Much of what you comment about I agree with. However, I do not agree with some of it, especially that this is not about the SUPERFICIAL fascia. So let's just agree to disagree. I wish you the best in your endeavors.

[@zecollecter8747]

@@InternalTaiChi Funny how you went from enjoying the doubters to being fatigued from having a very small number of apparently knowledgeable people disagree with you. Your certainty and need to be right wore you out. Funnily - like a strong person using brute strength when a more delicate approach would have saved time and energy. There were many opportunities for you look for common ground, or bend and give, but it seems like you really want to win and be the teacher. Universal principals that we discover in martial arts can accelerate our learning and reduce our bumps along the way. Good luck out there.

[@InternalTaiChi]

​@@zecollecter8747@zecollecter8747 I still enjoy the doubters. I think the major contributing factor to conversation fatigue, is I have covered everything you have discussed, both common ground and not, many times over in previous discussions. And I know I won't change your opinion. That's okay with me. My goal is different than yours. Furthermore, If one resorts to accusations and belittling comments about my credibility I become even less interested in repartee. While I do not disagree with you on all points, I do not agree on some, but I have remained respectful of your insight. I'm in the middle of a huge out of state move. My energies should go toward uplifting and enlightening conversation (and unpacking boxes). So I will leave you here.

[@fauxz3782]

Very impressive on the lady's side. But... When the man is doing it to her, i feel as soon as she gets a little bit of the feeling she exaggerates her reaction to move back. Ive trained with people who do internals that have done the same thing as if its a positive reinforcement. If he was to do it to a thrid party it might be less effectivie

[@InternalTaiChi]

This is good insight and viewpoint. Keep in mind I am about 100lbs lighter than him. If he was doing it to someone of equal size the initial results might not be as dramatic. He did learn fast and I did not exaggerate. You'll see differing results as I video more people. The good point you do make is it is important to practice with a variety of people, strengths, mindsets and sizes.

[@Loooppp]

Balance is about entire body, we can see hes arm going back at a point that elbows touching body, after that your force make the job to unbalance. Maybe you are right, but second thing is people of you choice(s) are unbalanced, with upper part to big (body building). Try with me !

[@Loooppp]

...oh ! I just take that position and come back to my comment, of course its all about the right foot 😅we dont place it like this to resist, its to easy to apply a little lateral force and next, push with one finger. Now ask a normal guy (not a bodybuilder without legs) and ask him to turn the rear leg 90°, i wait for your vidéo.

[@InternalTaiChi]

If I more clearly understood your comment, I will gladly make a video. This is not about stance, strength, upper body strength, rear leg at 90 degrees, whatever. No matter what and under ANY circumstances should I be able to move a guy twice my size. Just saying. I have done this technique with many people of various sizes, strengths, stances...lol...I even do it to my dog (he gives me the stink eye when I do) and it simply works. I do enjoy the naysayers though! Because it reminds me how hard to believe this really seems.

[@Loooppp]

@@InternalTaiChi sorry for my english, i watch to videos and if you stay in a normal position (like walking) you have no lateral balance. Its easy to understand, try yourself (i talk for people because you know). After being unbalanced laterally, its easy to push you back, just about timing. This is so obvious in the video with your big friend at your home (last atempt) he first fall laterally first.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@Loooppp no worries about your English. If you like, you can respond in your own language and I can respond back in your own language. Anyway, if you look at my video on Momentum, you can see that it does not matter what stance I have, or from which angle the power is coming. In that video I have a very shallow stance and am easily pushed, but when I employ Song and fascia, I can not be moved, even by a big guy. 🙂 I know it is really hard to wrap one's mind around this. Many try to explain it away by mechanics and physics. There are mechanics, but it relates to the human anatomy of the neurological receptors of the person receiving the force through the fascia. I am an Occupational Therapist with specialty in vestibular and neurological disorders, so I really do have much credibility and knowledge on the subject. The fascia is interpreted very differently by neuroreceptors than any other part of our anatomy. That is why it is so effective in moving someone. Now, am I successful 100% of the time. Not yet! I am about 90% successful, no matter what the other person's size, stance and force. That is pretty good especially since I am only 5 feet tall and 110lb! 😀 I have enjoyed our dialogue. Take a look at my video, Moving With Momentum.

[@Loooppp]

@@InternalTaiChi je ne conteste pas la realité du fascia, ni l'angle vertical ou spiral appliqué. Par contre, je peux moi-même me mettre en déséquilibre sans l'assistance de quelqu'un si je place mes pieds comme monsieur. Il n'y a effectivement aucun appui latéral, il suffit de pencher la tête un peu trop 👐 bravo pour votre stoïcisme !

[@dlk3904]

Sorry I don’t think it has to do with fascia. It has to do with leverage. When you “connect to his fascia” you are holding him higher up on his arm. It has to do with leverage. Tipping over a large stif refrigerator doesn’t take much force if you push at the top. Doing a hip throw is easy on a stiff guy. If the same person went limp it’s much more difficult to toss him. Try connecting to his fascia but hold him on his wrists like you did “the wrong way”. You will have the same result.

[@InternalTaiChi]

I enjoy the doubters! I am 110lb. This guy is easily over 200lb of muscle. There is no way I can move him with "leverage." And just FYI, I can't tip my refrigerator either, no matter how high I push at the top. Each to his own. Wishing you the best in your journey.

[@DonEdward]

Great video. so, can this guy contact me about this great deal on a bridge? also, you can see where he got his covid shot.

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are welcome to poke fun at me, but not this gentleman. He came to my house to buy a grill that I had on Facebook marketplace. I had never met him before nor did I coach him before I started the video. He was gracious to allow me to video him. I am grateful to him. His patch is for something else, not a covid shot. If you feel the need to poke fun I ask you go elsewhere.

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Not to be a troll here as Tai Chi already receives it's fair share of negativity from naysayers within the MMA community on the regular, but did you really name your channel "Internal Tai Chi"? Talk about redundant, it's like a channel devoted to professional swimming naming its channel, "Wet Water Swimming", or a carpentry channel called "Working With Wood From Trees", or a channel devoted to art called "Painting with Pigments" or a bowling channel called "Bowling With Balls". I have been involved with Chen, Yang, and Wu styles of Taijiquan starting back in the late 80's and I have yet to hear of any branch of Tai Chi that was purposely external in its training or use. That said your skill in Tai Chi is excellent, your knowledge of Tai Chi is excellent and your ability to teach and explain everything clearly is also excellent.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Ha! Ha! I like your comment and insight. You are very correct that it is a redundancy. However, and sadly, many people only know and have experienced Tai Chi from a superficial, external manner. You have been blessed in your martial art journey if you have not witnessed that. Many people start completely external (learning just the movements for "exercise") and never realize that there is an entirely different and valuable part to Tai Chi which involves that which is not seen, but is felt and cultivated in a different way than just in movements and forms. Also, keep in mind KZbin algorithms works on WORDS and TITLES. So the wording, no matter how redundant it may seem, is helpful in people finding me. By the way, I play Uke too! Wishing you the best.

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

@@InternalTaiChi Ok, that's a valid point, and I can understand why you named your channel the way you did in regards to the algorithms used on YT and the misconceptions beginners may have with what Tai Chi is. That's awesome that your a fellow Uker, I love playing it daily. May you have continued success with your channel and wishing you the best as well.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life Thanks for understanding. One of my main goals is to elevate the knowledge of what Tai Chi is, and ...isn't. 🙂 I have a degree in music, but my instrument was a low brass instrument. When I could no longer play it due to the weight of it, I dabbled in other instruments. I'm not super advanced, but I enjoy the Uke! That is great that you play it daily. Enjoy!

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

@@ChristianCBE You’re wrong, and don’t know what you’re actually seeing. If you touched hands with her you would change your arrogant tune.

[@frutonica.studio]

Haha, hey bro, just want to let you know that you got one like from me. It’s the same rant as my teacher talked to some old folks 20 years ago about “qi gong martial art”. Well, good martial art includes qi in it already. If some schools need separately qi gong form, there might be something wrong.

[@jarrodoreilly4328]

I never see this working in the real world only on these little demonstrations that doesn't show a lot

[@InternalTaiChi]

Lol.....the demonstration is a small window into the possibilities. I am not going to go ask someone to attack me for the sake of a video. Thanks for watching though.

[@bg8fairpoint610]

Crazy is the right word

[@InternalTaiChi]

You might mean this is a derogatory sense...but working with the fascia seems unbelievable, so I do understand the skepticism. I was once there myself.

[@AK_UK_]

Can you still do this in a martial setting? For instance if someone has a knife in their hand or if they're wearing a coat? If they're wearing a coat how can you assess the correct pressure?

[@InternalTaiChi]

You ask really great questions. I personally do not feel I have the skills (yet) to confidently use this skill in a martial setting. Eventually I will though. So, the answer is YES. All you need is a bit of contact and you can use the fascia to take them off balance. And if they are wearing a coat, you pull on the coat, to get to the fascia! The coat works to your advantage. You do not need to assess their posture, only feel and sense it. The more refined you get with the skill, the less touch pressure you need.

[@AK_UK_]

@@InternalTaiChi really appreciate the replies and engagement Susan! ♥

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are welcome. It looks like you are following Shifu Lin as well. He has a good video demonstrating warding off a pseudo knife attack with this fascia strategy. Check it out if you haven't already. 👍

[@romedbucher2854]

hm... fascia seems to be the new buzzword. It's the tough skin that wraps around our muscles, same material as the sinews. So yea, it's tough. But being a system different to the muscles? I don't get this explanation, to me, it's nonsense. It doesn't explain how a small woman can move a giant twice her weight. You can use the fascia by stretching it with the help of postures, then it will release a lot of force when contracting, and yes, that's used in Tai Chi as well as in other martial arts. In Tai Chi, that's always done in circular movements, which makes every energy release from fascial tension into a torque, thus amplifying the force. Sometimes the circular movements are so small the circle is not even noticeable, but it's always there. Can't even see that mentioned here. But that's only one aspect of how to transfer energy in Tai Chi. Biomechanics is another one, and without perfectly lined up movements to the smallest detail, Tai Chi will not happen. Then there's the use of body mass, even when your body mass is small, if you use it cleverly, it adds to the force. Between those, you have already the explanation for transferring astonishing amounts of energy from one person to the other. If you like, you can add chi flow to this.

[@InternalTaiChi]

You offer much insight and I enjoyed reading your feedback. There certainly is overlap when employing various Tai Chi skills and it is next to impossible to cull or sift only one out to demonstrate. Certainly I am probably using more than one technique and don't even realize it. However, the focus and intent of this demonstration is around the fascia. If you go to Thomas Myer's website, he has a great free video on the various viscosities and consistencies of fascia. Fascia can change, almost miraculously to adjust to the force it is receiving. Sometimes it is like liquid and sometimes it is like sinew, tough and strong. It responds to the demands placed on it. The Fascia system seems to work off a different neurological feedback loop than say, our joints and muscles. The fascia is responsible for neuro-postural responses through our vestibular system and directly connects to and controls our trunk to maintain balance through the complex vestibular reflexes and responses. Whereas the other systems (muscles and joints) tend to respond to perturbances of balance through the ankles and through a more direct system called the proprioceptive system. When someone pushes with force, they are tapping into the other person's proprioception system which is an easy read for the opponent to deal with. The vestibular system is much harder to decipher. As for the spiraling and the subtleties you mention, I try to remind viewers that what I am teaching and demonstrating on video is not all that I know. A good teacher attempts to create attainable milestones and goals and clearly demonstrates those for the student to build success upon. Also, I am still learning and growing too! I never pretend to have ALL the skills. It sounds like you have a good background and deep insight into the wonders of Tai Chi. Thank you for sharing your ideas and knowledge.

[@edwardkaeser2533]

Just watch tai chi master vs. Mma video...

[@InternalTaiChi]

This video is not about fighting. I know it is easy to misunderstand and think that it is. It is simply demonstrating a key concept in Tai Chi that helps to equalize force, size and strength. Thanks for watching.

[@mcdadypete]

I guess if I stand there, let you manipulate my body without resisting.I guess you can do something to me.😂

[@InternalTaiChi]

Lol...that's okay.. you can resist me but I can still move you. :-)

[@KhadijahJoySams93]

So 😎

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you.

[@Canard_Ivre]

next you'll claim aikido throws aren't just people throwing themselves to the ground

[@weilunkang]

@@Canard_Ivre Why do you keep talking with your big mouth and not have the balls to go to China and challenge the martial arts masters there and film yourself getting your butt kicked by them and post your videos on YT so we can all laugh at you getting your butt kicked in China , huh ?

[@InternalTaiChi]

Again, I actually like it when I get doubters. I used to be one! But instead of publicly stating my opinion I set about finding out if what I was seeing was real. When it was done to me, I knew in an instant that it was! Our mind and our words either keeps us and our world small, or it can expand and take us to new places. Hoping your journey at some point takes you to a place or person/teacher that will show you what is possible.

[@iceagestoneage8067]

First subject ? 😱

[@InternalTaiChi]

Yes my first random person with no knowledge of Tai Chi or what I was going to do. As opposed to my students who have some anticipation and understanding. Casey therefore is my first random person to try this with and more to come!

[@lelfet3177]

These are defensive techniques designed to literraly break the opponent arm or leg and run away. Notihing to do with MMA

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@lelfet3177 I prefer a softer approach. Disable the offense and run without breaking bones. Or just run....lol.

[@lelfet3177]

@@InternalTaiChi yes I do agree. Fighting should only be used for survival ... 😇😊😉

[@williammcleroy558]

A surgeon has more aptitude to fight a big dude than a tai chi practitioner... 😂

[@InternalTaiChi]

I run from surgeons. lol.

[@williammcleroy558]

@InternalTaiChi Me too honestly... 🤣

[@gatocles99]

The real Tai Chi masters were renowned for their great strength. And would train daily with heavy stones and sticks/poles. Without great strength, Tai Chi does not work in a real fight. Don't fall for staged tricks. Train heavy.

[@InternalTaiChi]

😂 You are incorrect. The classics say 4 ounces to move 1000lbs, meaning a light weight can move a heavy weight. If these "masters" trained for brute strength, they only did so to reflect the opponents attention away from the light touch strategy. Thanks for commenting though!

[@gatocles99]

​@@InternalTaiChi Nice try. Modern western wrestlers, sumo wrestlers, Shuai Jiao wrestlers, and others all use "4 ounces to move 1000 pounds" (id est, leverage and timing), and still train for strength. Tai chi got a bad reputation because the practitioners and fake "masters' got lazy and soft, and publicly got their butts kicked, often by untrained amateurs. The real tai chi masters were and are strong, and always trained for strength.

[@InternalTaiChi]

I agree but it is a different type of strength. A soft, internal strength with proper mechanics.

[@thepianocornertpc]

Little to do with the fasciae. More with the hand covering a larger surface. Just physics the chinese know already for thousands of years.

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are incorrect, but thanks for the comment. Next video I will demonstrate connecting to the fascia and moving the person with two fingers. Thanks for the video idea!

[@thepianocornertpc]

Looking forward.

[@thepianocornertpc]

​@@InternalTaiChiyou're a funny girl

[@thepianocornertpc]

@@InternalTaiChi YOU are incorrect....and that's a fact.

[@RodrigoCascalles]

Muito simpática!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Obrigada!

[@40JoCharles]

I see the haters enjoyed this one. That means you are doing something right. 😂👌🏼💪🏼👊🏼🙏🏼☯️

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you! That is what my mentor and Tai chi friend says as well. It is hard to believe and understand unless you actually feel it. Thanks for the insight, support and comments!

[@Forestwaves-a27]

Stephen Watson could answer whether tai chi is effective as a martial art 😂

[@olekchumak7373]

Yeh it's call biomechanics!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Yep...see comment above.

[@richardh1467]

👍👍👍🙌

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you.

[@antonsaputro6668]

No power in fascia it is something else

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are correct! There is no power in fascia when we connect to it with a light touch....that is why I can move him so easily. 😁 However, when we resist against it, the fascia has tremendous power. This is why a person can catch a ball at high speed and it doesn't break the fingers. The fascia acts and reacts to the force, creating a solid supportive and at the same time, resilient structure.

[@iamtarkeshwar]

Ammazeee

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you

[@TepidJean]

really just pushing a different direction, when pushing wrong she is grounding him by pushing his frame into his feet. there is no magic, its all physics and architecture

[@InternalTaiChi]

Please look at this video where I clearly show that is not the case: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3aslK2uq9Fnd68