The effectiveness of Tai Chi in combat relies on several foundational concepts that differentiate it from "harder" martial styles:
Yielding to and pulling an opponent's force past you. Press (Ji): Short-range, forward-squeezing power. Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications
Spiraling or opposing forces applied to two points on an opponent. Elbow Strike (Zhou): Using the elbow for close-range power. The effectiveness of Tai Chi in combat relies
Every movement in a Tai Chi form contains specific combative intents, ranging from strikes to joint locks (Chin Na) and takedowns. Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications