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It is a two persons drill used to practice the combat skills of Taijiquan
Called "tui shou" in Chinese, this practice consists of two persons
coming in contact through their hands
The purpose is to upset the opponent's balance
by using spiralling movements typical of Taijiquan
Its purpose is to control a stronger opponent
by accommodating and redirecting the opponent's force
or as the Chinese say:
"Deflect a thousand pounds with a force of four ounces"
To this purpose, the hands are used to sense the opponent's force,
intentions and the changes to their centre of gravity
Push Hands represents the foundation
for the martial aspect of Taiji
Therefore Push Hands is "the art of knowing the opponent",
while Taiji is the art of knowing oneself
At the opportune moment, one can send the opponent off,
with a sudden burst of energy
There are many different types of energy and techniques
for intercepting, listening to, or neutralizing the incoming force
For the new student, the challenge of this course
can be described as becoming open to the idea
that one can extend energy beyond the physical body
“Opening” and “extending”
were the words most often heard during the workshop
The style of Push Hands taught is the Chen style,
characterised by:
* low, big stances
* facing the opponent at an angle
* spiralling movement
* throwing techniques
Hands have their own way of communicating
We may be seen using them to sense,
like the ants use their antennae
I also found a special beauty in this dance of the hands
Push Hands will develop your sensitivity and listening skills
and will make the greatest contribution to improving your taiji form,
regardless of the particular style of taiji that you practice
Although the course was physically demanding,
I found that by the end of the day,
my energy levels were going through the roof
There were many other groups
learning other skills in a friendly and happy atmosphere
Master Peter Wu attended to each group
and shared his skill with openness and kindness
We all shared in our love for Taijiquan
After all, we are only grown up boys
who still like to play