lightning knife

i no, i no u hate 'which martial art is best' threads
this is not one
my parents are forcing me 2 do kung (although tai chi lang system), which admit i am uncomfortable with
we learn techniques similar to karate but we do not do ANY technique application, we do not practise blocking strikes at all, this would not bother me if i hadnt talked 2 a level 1 blackbelt who said he had done any even basic sparring! this seems wrong 2 me especially as i do not not not not like tai chi praying mantis anyway. so could someone please help me out
also i have heard that tai chi takes up to 15 years to learn to apply in combat