PUSH-HANDS (sensing hands, Tui Shou) are sensitivity training with a partner that relies on all of the principles and structure of T’ai Chi Chuan. In practice, typically One “player” the antagonist applies a gentle pressing or pushing force. The other “player”, the receiver passively brings the force into their “sphere of control” and redirects the force past them self. Once a force is extended to the point where the antagonist can no longer exert force without jeopardizing their own structural integrity and balance, roles change and the new antagonist pushes back, searching for flaws in the new receivers structure. The game continues either as an exercise to help each other improve their understanding and skill at applying T’ai Chi principles, or as a more competitive endeavor, as appropriate. Proper push hands practice reinforces, and is in turn reinforced by Chi gong and form practice. Push-hands helps to develop sensitivity, balance, and numerous martial abilities including the ability to blend with aggressive forces, redirect, and counter at close range. Push-hands can be practiced at many levels, one handed, two handed, stationary, or with free movement, fast or slow, with or without martial applications, etc. It can be used by people practicing primarily for health benefits as a way of “checking” the correctness of their form.

At Ziran T'aichi Kungfu Center, We Practice Push hands on Monday Nights

last updated 8/01/05