Is tai chi a good martial art to take?

is tai chi a good martial art to take

the martial aspect in Tai Chi is very different from most other Martial Arts. For one, you don't fight. You move. You don't confront or spar or have contact with opponents. It is not what it is about.

It is a series of moves based on defense & counter actions from 'genuine' fighting scenarios. Done slow and focused. With focus on yourself; your breathing, your balance, your center. It take the core philosophy of moving and coordination that is required for all martial arts, but it applies them very much for a self-development application.

While initially Tai Chi was conceived to hide the fact that you were practicing a martial art, these days is it more a dance or an exercise. Yes; millions of Chinese do this daily, but out of a socializing and hobbyist intent. They'd meet in parks and have some exercise this way.

That is not to say it is easy. The coordination and balance takes some time to get right, and your legs get a solid workout as you are to do most movements and transitions with a low center of gravity. You have various forms of Tai Chi and various styles, and some - like the Chen style - would use short bursts of energy (pretending to strike for example). But never with contact.

But you don't take Tai Chi up as to learn how to fight. It is more about meditation through movement. Great way to warm up or unwind, improves your breathing, and if done properly you end a set of Tai Chi feeling more energetic, but not in a hyper active way.

depends, its more about excercise and focus than defense.

Yes

If your Tai Chi teacher shows you how to fight with Tai Chi, then it is one of the best arts to learn. If your Tai Chi teacher tells you that it is a "health dance" and not really used for fighting, then your teacher is an idiot find a new teacher. The big problem is that the teachers of Tai Chi that will actually show you how to use it in a combative way are few and far between.

If you'r looking for self defense you can use immediately forget it. If your looking to improve your health go for it. If you have trouble with the school bully today learn a few punches and some courage. Good luck.