Unveiling the Story of Push Hands
Push Hands, or Tui Shou in Mandarin is a fundamental training method among many Tai Chi disciplines.
It’s often practiced with a partner and is designed to develop sensitivity, balance, coordination, and martial applications within the framework of Tai Chi principles. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Tai Chi movements flow like water, embodying the harmony of yin and yang. Push Hands is a captivating exercise that reveals many of the art’s profound philosophy and practical applications. Yet it is not strictly a part of any Tai Chi discipline. More a practice created for the martial art aspects of Tai Chi.
Legend whispers tales of Tai Chi’s inception atop the mystical Wudang Mountains, where the venerable monk Zhang Sanfeng drew inspiration from nature’s dance. Witnessing the fluid combat between a snake and a crane, he glimpsed the essence of Tai Chi—the soft yielding of the snake and the evasive grace of the crane. Thus, the ancient art was born, with Push Hands nowhere in sight.
Push Hands serves as a bridge between theory and application, inviting practitioners to embark on a journey of discovery alongside a partner. Through gentle yet purposeful movements, participants delve into the intricacies of energy exchange, balance, and sensitivity. In the ebb and flow of Push Hands, one learns to yield to force rather than resist, harnessing the principles of Tai Chi in practical combat scenarios.
As practitioners engage in the dance of push and pull, they cultivate mindfulness, relaxation, and a profound connection with their bodies. Each movement becomes a meditation, guiding them towards a state of inner harmony and tranquility.
The practice of Push Hands is as diverse as the landscapes it traverses. From slow, meditative exchanges that soothe the soul to lively bouts that ignite the spirit, each session offers a unique opportunity for growth and exploration. Through diligent practice, practitioners refine their skills, honing their sensitivity and deepening their understanding of Tai Chi’s timeless principles in a Martial Arts application.
We in our practice, do not study Tai Chi as external martial application. We practice Tai Chi for health reasons from an inner perspective and therefore a much subdued practice. Please come along and join us for a class and discover for youreself the art of moving meditation.
