Aspects of Tai Chi

The original purpose for tai chi was as a martial or fighting discipline.  Within the tai chi form most of the movements can manifest as a martial application.  Even though I can see  possibilities of martial applications within my tai chi form, my training was in the meditative aspects of tai chi.

For example, when I do the "Backhand Slap" I can feel the hidden palm on my right side coming up and grabbing an opponent's fist that is coming towards me and then repulsing the opponent away with my left palm. 

However, my focus isn't on the martial aspect; instead, I focus on keeping a continuous flow from one posture into the next while breathing deeply and slowly.  I focus on relaxing my mind and body.  This approach is very calming which is why tai chi  is often called "fluid meditation" or "meditation in motion".