Typical tai chi yield and return on the same or similar line is too long and tactically ineffective and dangerous in real combat.
DO NOT FOLLOW the enemy’s movement: always instantly change on yield and seek the shortest attacking return path which ultimately should be simultaneous.
This requires developed Sensitivity and Ghosting lightness plus full body movement and dynamic balance.
Start changing right from the get go and always turn INTO the opponent.
Develop the ability to sense the tightness that precedes the enemy’s intention to hit. If your hand is on their body, that is the moment to unbalance them at a different angle from their resistance as they become rigid and unstable.
Or, you can hitchhike off their resistance and strike at a different angle/target.
John repeats: never use your thumbs to grab or push, only as antennas.
Stay as close as possible without pressure.
This changing/instant return allows you to either hit at will or twist and break the enemy’s limbs/neck because your instant return allows deeper entry to now vulnerable, unaligned targets.
Developing all the above enables you to better deal with 2 attackers.
John combines the above with devastating destructions from GC Combat Boxing.
How to Practice “Instant Return” solo: Washing the Body/Polishing the Sphere.
Practicing these 2 drills correctly is CRITICAL to developing “Instant Return” and becoming Unavailable and Unavoidable.
Washing the Body/Polishing the Sphere develops: Creativity, visualization, Improvisation, Balance, footwork, Sensitivity, Body Unity, Looseness, power and Anywhere Striking.
Essential Training Tool: The GC Combat Mobile, coming this winter.
John also stresses importance of doing Ninja/Vacuum Walk 5 minutes every other day for dynamic balance development.
This allows you to be always RELEASING PRESSURE.
You can do 10,000 hours of choreographed strikes and techniques and you will get nowhere in the chaos of real violence.
“Always changing, always changing.”
