Why Martial Art Techniques are so important (even the useless ones) Part 1

[@Greendragontaichiandqigong]

Yes, techniques are great when you find yourself in a flow where the technique appears. Because you have practiced something many times you may find yourself in a position where you say "I've been here before" and the appropriate technique comes out. I tell people the first thing you attempt probably won't work but the changes that occur create the opportunities. If that makes sense. Thank you for your videos!

[@paulpowell774]

As always, great to listen to other practitioners feelings, and thoughts. from the Planet. :-)~

[@ZeroRoze1052]

I am happy to see you making videos more frequently, as of late. I would like to see you make a series about the applications for the 24 form forms to compliment your 24 form forms lessons. Because I know all the moves, but not the applications. Please please.

[@taichipandabat6153]

Bro, this might sound funny....but remember in matrix when Morpheus said to Neo when he is ready he don't have to dodge bullets......well when you get to a point where you understand force then you don't need to use applications or techniques.....i don't want to sound like an adept but i took me sometime to really understand this :) good luck going through the applications.....

[@warshipsdd-2142]

excellent discussion

[@DomenicDatti]

Sometimes, the other person does, in fact, have a lovely duck. In that case, the technique always works! Thanks for the video :)

[@AsianTeas]

Techniques work just fine. The whole key is the setup. One sets up another. If he doesn't change, then the first one works, if he changes, then he helps setup and falls into the next one. The first few are just asking, but if he doesn't neutralize then they do the job. Once a person is on the run, in reaction mode, it's over. He sets up the techniques for you. We want them to react. Those very reactions are what makes techniques work.

[@symbolsarenotreality4595]

So fa jing is already there as potential and becomes apparent when the conditions are right for its emergent effects to be generated

[@cotymcclung6088]

Great vids

[@Orimthekeyacolite]

The one thing I feel like slightly disagreeing on is that you make it sound as if one can only learn defense in a method-based way, but to learn to attack one has to go technical. I'd say it's actually possible to learn to attack and finish in a method-based way as well - it's just a much longer road. For example in our system Chin Na and Sanshou are the highest levels in the student's program, it takes more than a decade to get there step by step. That's when your understanding and skills are so advanced you can actually practice joint-locking, striking, throwing and all those other things as a unified method. Breaking it down as separate technical moves is only a crutch for those who are not at that level yet. Which is why external styles are supposed to give quicker results. Would you agree or am I missing something here?

[@bencoomer2000]

Funnily enough, I had an argument about "that's not Tai Chi!" The way I was taught Repulse Monkey easily turns into a hip throw, which offended someone that does Judo. He couldn't dispute that it was in the form, and it worked, but it had to be "Judo's." Just weird.

[@marioscharalambous6402]

i see you do not consider the possibility the opponent will kick you in the groin or on leg..........so in a real street situation , you would not last even few seconds. You are so Great Ian Sinclair but this kind of training is not real self defence. In tai chi we first protect our groin or attach the opponents groin....is that right?

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

In this instance, it was not a possibility, due to the nature of the interaction. But thanks for pointing it out. This exercise is not a fight.

[@NetPwn]

I would love Joe Rogan to interview you it would be epic.

[@brianscott3622]

Guess that is why all things (techniques) come from Wu Chi. A Point in correct time manifestation. The trick is being structurally right and sense aware at top speed not practice speed. N'est ce pas?

[@digitsdigitsdigits808]

My dad's old Jiu Jitsu instructor was one of those dudes who was in every sense a master, though he didn't compete. Occasionally, though, he would spar with some visitors, usually world-class themselves, and he'd win every time. According to my dad, the scariest parts were his submissions -- my dad never saw him do anything other than a rear naked choke, a triangle choke, an armbar, or a kimura. Dad taught me all four in 20 minutes; it's some of the most basic stuff you _could_ learn in Jiu Jitsu. The real game, as you said, wasn't those basic techniques; it was "controlling the board" and getting the other dude in a compromising position that warranted those insanely basic techniques. Or, maybe, the old maxim is true: "Mastery is mastering the basics."