so is tai chi?

Question

is the one that moves really slow right?

Answer 1

Yes.

But it's still considered to be a martial art. The emphasis is different. Back when it was being developed, it was taught as a slow dancelike form practiced for health benefits because actual martial arts weren't allowed to be taught.

I study both kempo and tai chi, and I find that the practice of one helps the practice of the other.

Answer 2

Yes, unfortunately that is mostly what you will learn about Tai Chi here in America. However, the first form created, the Chen style form, has a lot of bada*s moves in it. Originally, Tai Chi was practiced at both full and slow speeds, and there is even Tai Chi sparring! The reasoning for practicing it slowly is to make sure that each move is done perfectly, then fast speed is to make sure you can do the moves at combat speed. You do not need to do Tai Chi slowly to cultivate your Chi properly, it is the movements that do that, not the speed. The actual English translation for Tai Chi Chuan is "grand ultimate fist." Tai Chi is also the first martial art that Bruce Lee learned, (a lot of people will say that he learned Wing Chun first, but that was his second. He was taught Tai Chi by his father since he was little). Its concepts of attack redirection and using your legs, midsection, shoulders, and arms simultaneously during attack were the basis for many of his Jeet Kune Do techniques. So there's a little bit of info on Tai Chi for ya.
Happy Training

Answer 3

No. Not always. In the yang style tai chi which is for good health, you move slow. In chen style tai chi, you move slowly and release explosive power at some points. Chen style tai chi was actually made as a martial art while yang style was just made as an exercise.

Answer 4

The incorrect way to practice it is slow.

Tai Chi is based on the principles of Yin Yang. If so, then it is supposed to be done fast and slow, hard and soft, rising and sinking, etc.