Can tai chi be an effective self defense?

ive seen tai chi before its practised with slow movements that help relief stress and stuff. but one thing ive been wanting kno is can the movements work against an attacker?|||Have you ever heard of Masutatsu Oyama? He was a karateka who was known for his great skills and devastating power. In fact this dude killed bulls with his bare hands. He trained 14 hours a day and defeated hundreds of other martial artists across the planet. He was considered invincible and always searched for a good challenge. So one day he fought an old Tai Chi master in china and - lost! So I guess it can be very effective in a real fight.

Excs my english, I麓m german|||Yes. However most Tai Chi instructors teach it as a health and meditative exercise. Some Tai Chi styles like Chen are more obvious in their martial art aspects but regardless of Tai Chi style every move in the form can be applied within the martial art context.|||Tai Chi is one of deadliest arts, but few progress to the point of learning the real stuff from a master who will teach it.|||Yes only if u can find a good teacher to study under. There is a shortage of good Taijiquan teachers.|||if you believe tai chi is effective self defense, then unicorns fly around at night too