Tai Chi for MMA preparation?

Jabinski · 06-12-2008, 06:01 PM

Hi

Do any fighters think that soft martial arts such as Tai Chi Chuan have a place in preparatory MMA training.

I go to Tai Ji Quan classes and it's amazing, though I haven't done a hard martial art in some time.

Years ago people used to talk about how TMAs would do in the cage. I'm not talking about that. I"m asking about how Tai Chi or Yoga would help attune the mind and body.

Peace.

v1o · 06-12-2008, 06:30 PM

I heard Frank Shamrock practises meditation before fights. So he probably does some of the "soft stuff" to prepare himself.

Mochan · 06-12-2008, 07:15 PM

Meditation/visualization is important in ANY sport. Tai Chi isn't exactly about that though. It uses visualization but not the kind that is useful in a combat sport.

**Gogoplata86** · 06-12-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mochan

Meditation/visualization is important in ANY sport. Tai Chi isn't exactly about that though. It uses visualization but not the kind that is useful in a combat sport.

Not useful? Tai Chi is hypothetically the only martial art that cannot be defeated. You accept your opponent's energy, their speed, and their power and use it against themselves. Tai Chi would be very effective in combat when done by the right person.

Jabinski · 06-13-2008, 01:27 AM

My teacher talks about application a lot which means fighting. I'm not convinced but I do see the positive effects it has had on my life.

I agree that harmonising mind and body is important in any sport.

onime · 06-13-2008, 07:05 AM

Taiji/Tai Chi , Pa Kua/Ba Gua etc CAN be a usefull addition to a fighter's arsenal IF the person teaching is aware of the combative side of these arts.

That being said, it is in no way a replacement for conventional standup.

Jabinski · 06-13-2008, 08:13 AM

This place has sure matured in the 7 years I've been here.

It used to be that you'd start a thread about Tai Chi and get flamed.

Sherdog has graduated to adulthood.

Congratulations.

John Lambert · 06-15-2008, 07:47 PM

I should get back into doin' Tai Chi and Chi Gung again. As said before, it doesn't take the place of your normal trainin', but there's bunki that you can pull from it to apply to fightin'. It's also good for active recovery and all that.

Chris_Keller · 06-16-2008, 12:25 PM

Bruce Lee is dead, and Kung fu doesnt work.

Get over it.

Just kiddin!

ChachiKiller · 06-18-2008, 10:52 PM

Tai chi has been described as meditation in motion. It's sole purpose is to center yourself.