The sentiment sums up perfectly the essence of training in the martial arts. It is the sort of phrase I wish I had thought up. Borrowing from Oscar Wilde, perhaps one day I will. If you are new to T'ai Chi you might be put off by talk of martial arts, with all the images of violence the phrase can conjure up. That is to misunderstand both T'ai Chi and the martial arts in general.
Fighting is secondary.
The art of T'ai Chi embodies this more than most because, uniquely among the martial arts as far as I am aware, it is often practised solely for the purpose of exercise without reference to martial aspects. Then, and only then, can you guarantee to make progress, for progress is not just for the gifted or naturally adept, it is the natural consequence of diligence and perseverance. Diligence because the only true way to learn the art is through continued practise, and perseverance because it is not always possible to practise, particularly in a university where exams and other deadlines have priority. It is easy to miss a week or two and then feel that you have fallen behind, never to catch up. T'ai Chi is not like that.