I want to take tai chi instead of a hard style of martial arts?

I have recently developed an interest in Tai Chi based on the slow moving meditation and martial aspects involved. The style i am currently in called Tang Soo Do, is a much harder style with kicks and punches. This can cause a lot of damage to the body. I was hoping to redirect their energy more in Tai Chi without brute force. What is your opinion of this and would anyone recommend doing this instead of another style?|||Tai Chi does do that, but it requires patience and practice to learn how to use it in a martial art context. It does seem as if there aren't many masters who teach it in a self-defense context nowadays. I would recommend you doing it if you like the idea of yielding and benevolance towards the enemy, i.e. not wanting to unleash your anger in a flurry of attacks, because if you do that in Tai Chi, it will only cause you to lose your relaxation, structure and focus. It really depends on your personality and willingness to take up the mentality of Tai Chi, as well as an understanding of basic Chinese Philosophy (e.g. Ying and Yang, the elements).





If you're interested in seeing how they practise redirecting the flow of energy in Tai Chi, you can watch this Tai Chi 'push hands' exercise video:





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XALpOmuQR鈥?/a>|||Go for it. Tai-chi emphasizes the fluid weaving around the opponent's strikes, rather than blocking, which is meeting force with force. You begin with forms and chi-gung, to train your mind and body to develop exact control and fluidity. Push Hands (a two person exercise) then teaches you to use the opponent's force against them, to neutralize their force and to use internal energy. You become a master of how your body and mind work together for maximum efficiency. Then you learn the fighting. Tai-chi-Chuan includes punching, kicking, grappling, groundfighting, joint locks and pressure points. You use the absolute minimal energy and movement for each action. If you are struck, your body is trained to dissapate the force into the ground. This system is a real study of how to use your mind and body properly. But, as many people know, it is also very beneficial as a health exercise and a form of meditation. Grandmaster William C. C. Chen is the major teacher of this system of fighting. I am a student of his, teaching in Sound Beach, Long Island, NY.|||its really ur choice. i have taken 3 different martial arts and im taking kempo right now, but it truelly comes down to what u want. if you want to have less harm done to ur body or someone else's body, then u should try Tai Chi. Martial Arts a meant for self defense and mastery of the body, just keep that in mind.|||what ever calls to you man if you like tai chi go for it i love how the stretches make your body feel =)|||Well make sure u find a good teacher.