I find that most students of Tai Chi are primarily interested in Tai Chi for its health benefits. However, Tai Chi is a style of martial art, so it definitely has self-defense aspects within its practice. Many people in the martial arts community, though, are dismissive of Tai Chi as a martial art, based on observations such as the lack of Tai Chi stylists among professional fighters. I recommend watching the following YouTube video by Shirley Chock, as she makes some excellent points regarding the true value of Tai Chi in this domain. Ask yourself this question: What’s more important–the ability to knock out an opponent, or the ability to flow with any situation in being able to harmonize or reconcile with any person?