I Thought Tai Chi Was USELESS

Today I'm visiting Dr. Mark Cheng to learn Tai Chi applications for real fighting (Yang style). Although Taichi is a popular health practice, it's a Chinese martial art designed for self-defense... not relaxation or mindfulness!

Filmed by William Ustav

☯️ BIO: Jesse Enkamp a.k.a The Karate Nerd™ is a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, National Team Athlete, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, Carrot Cake Lover & Founder of Seishin International - The World’s Leading Karate Lifestyle Brand.

🎥 WATCH ALL MY VIDEOS ⇩

🔔 SUBSCRIBE - so you don’t miss NEW videos ⇩

💪 MY TRAINING PROGRAMS:

👍 CONNECT WITH ME:

✍️ CONTACT ME ⇩

WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a health professional before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.

‼️ COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:

This video is under Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

#taichi #martialarts #karate

[KARATEbyJesse]

Subscribe if you enjoy videos like this 😊

[DrMarkCheng]

Enkamp Sensei, what an honor & pleasure it was to spend time with you sharing & recording this. I look very forward to your next visit to LA! 🙏

[Raivon]

I really like the fact that he's VERY adamant in stating that you need proper pressure testing to find out if something actually works, and he doesn't even try to claim that what he teaches will definitely help in a fight without proper sparring and whatnot

[PalmettoNDN]

The coolest thing about Mr. Enkamp is that he makes himself the eternal student. He knew Taijiquan forms have martial application because he is a true martial arts expert who loves learning and has a thirst for knowledge with an open mind. However he meets all of these outstanding experts across the world and always makes himself their pupil. He is always the empty cup - for us. Thank you, Mr. Enkamp! Your humility and class is an inspiration.

[CelynBrum]

Many years ago, I took Tai Chi classes at my university. The instructor was from China and the classes were tiny. He taught it as a combat art. We did the slow form and pushing hands, but also practised fighting - not just one-on-one, but multiple-on-one. Our teacher was incredible - if you did pushing hands with him, you would fall over, without him ever seeming to exert force, and some of the students who had been there longest were starting to get to that point.

I didn't keep his contact details when I left uni, and I regret it to this day. I loved those classes.

[lindaburns]

I love doing tai chi, really connects me to the physical and for 30 minutes a day not listening to the chatter in my mind. Peace. I'm 71 and grateful it keeps me flexible and centered

[SvirepiyBambr-xwrw]

I think that Dr. Mark Cheng is not only a skilful Thai Chi practitioner but a very talented educator too.
Much respect 🙏

[kennethmurray]

This video alone is why, in my opinion, you have one of the top Martial Arts Channels on the internet. Extremely powerful lesson that will benefit all fighters if they keep an open mind.

[JoJeromeMP]

T'ai Chi student and instructor here. I love how Dr. Cheng started with application, then shows how it looks in the form. Really great video! Thank you both!

[leviwally]

As a person in a wheelchair, i highly respect people who have full intentional controll of their body... martial arts, dancers, musicians

[piratejack]

I have been doing Tai Chi for a couple of years now. Started out as part of my gitness programme. Gradually i have become more and more aware of all the benefits that Tai Chi can have on your mind body and soul. I believe it should be taught in schools as it is such an uplifting and incredible experience to get in touch with your body and mind which Tai Chi gives you the oppurtunity to do so. At 71 i am really enjoying this new 'romance" with Tai Chi!

[tommykj]

Im a disabled vet, and I can't stress enough the wonders tai chi has done for me where physical therapy only felt as if it was hurting me more. Not only did it help physically but mental healing as well! I ended up moving to a different state as I was starting to learn the application end. Sadly theres no schools by me now.

[QuartzSage]

This video needed to be four times longer, so much knowledge, wisdom and philosophy I would love to see a part 2 with you exploring more of the practical application of Tai Chi, thank you!

[Legomanfred]

Tai Chi is like piano, first you get good, then you get fast. I've seen practitioners move lightning fast. Great video.

[thactwenty]

The slow motion builds the fine motor control neurons in the muscle, giving better muscle memory

[soundmind]

I'm a sandan in Shito-Ryu with about 18 years of study. This video has a tremendous amount of useful info I want to incorporate into the training at my dojo! And a lot of the content validates what my sensei and fellow karateka believe: work slowly to analyze mistakes, refine the techniques, develop balance, and tone the body. I also was amazed that I recognized karate kata moves in Dr. Cheng's forms. This is one of the best videos you've ever posted! Domo arigato.

[ziggydog]

As a Taiji player, the major obstacle to using Taiji for fighting is that most Taiji people do not fight. The tools are there, but people usually don’t do it. You learn to fight by fighting.

[carlossaborio]

Trained with a Tai Chi master for a bit during a summer vacation in highly school. We called him “the wizard”. The dude had incredible control over balancing himself and his opponents

[silys]

Jesse.. your opening up and going into Chinese fighting styles and learning about history has not just improved your understanding of martial arts but also open the eyes of many. Thank you.

[lazulie]

I always love seeing people advocate for tai chi as an actual martial art. Tai chi absolutely has its roots in combat and, as Dr. Chen notes, it's marketed as a health exercise - which it is - but it can be incredibly effective in defense if your practice those elements. This video just made me soooo happy. My school practices the martial side of tai chi, so this is refreshing. As noted in the video, it's all about the practicing. I'll stop gushing. This was a great video.