Pushing Hands
Pushing hands is a partner exercise in which we learn to feel and observe external and internal movement in ourselves, and another.
Pushing hands is also one of the traditional methods for development and management of Taiji forces.
Taiji aims to develop the latent powers and forces that are present within each of us.
The roots of Taiji practice can be found in the martial arts, and Pushing hands was originally a form of training for unarmed combat, but modern Taiji application has now shifted primarily to body and healing arts.
The practice of pushing hands is much more than simply executing certain movements with another person.
The interaction of forces within oneself in the practice of Taijiquan is now extended to the interaction of forces within oneself and with the partner.
Touching on the physical, energetic, emotional and mental level is done in a friendly manner and with the greatest respect for each other’s individuality.
There is no opponent, no winner nor loser, only mutual development through better understanding and handling of Taiji forces through the interaction with one another.
Moving with and through Taiji forces seems at first more difficult in Pushing Hands, because of the physical contact and the habitual use of muscle power.
The welfare of the partner is always paramount.
Pushing hands is also the primary approach to learning and applying the skills of Taijiquan as a self-defense technique.
An appropriate response to incoming forces (defense) becomes the appropriate response at the appropriate time in appropriate ways (attack).
Yin changes into yang, yang changes into yin.
By reacting appropriately and just at the right moment we develop freedom of movement and the ability to imbalance the other person.
This interaction can lead to further exploration, through advanced Pushing Hands, Da Lu, Sansou, Qi Bagua (no physical contact), to formless application.
Adhering, sticking, following, pushing, developing listening power, peng-lu-ji-an or free movement, soft versus hard, enjoyment and training without the need to win or to make the other lose, respect, concern for the welfare of our partner, these are some of the issues addressed by the practice of pushing hands.
Open to all: by prior arrangement only