T'ai Chi • Kung Fu • Kids Martial Arts • Pro-Shop

Tui Shou: Tai Chi Push-Hands
Article by Alexandre Malet

Tui shou is the practice of "pushing hands", where we maintain and refine the principles of qigong and taiji while practicing with a partner. It provides an opportunity to improve our sensitivity, and to understand better the meaning of qigong and taiji by spontaneously and creatively expressing the qi awareness and martial applications of the taiji form. Through the practice, we can begin to see that taiji is more than a martial art so it can become a form of communication that is universal, and based on the intensity of qi and intentions of the participants. If we view the principles as our grammar, techniques as our vocabulary and intentions as meanings, then we can understand "qi" as being the overall language.

Pushing hands can be practiced in a variety of ways and is consequently accessible to anybody of any age. The soft way is the most well known, and is the best way to practice for health and to realize the subtle communications between practitioners. It also allows martial techniques to naturally arise, safely and using a minimum of strength, reducing the chance of injuries or tensions.

Once the body and mind have properly integrated the principles, pushing hands can then be practiced in a more dynamic fashion, with progressively more emphasis on martial efficiency. It still remains a soft practice, but it is done with a higher level of intensity.

Short Clips of Push-hands: 1 • 2 • 3

Interesting Article for Experience Tai Chi Push-Hands Players: Click Here

How do I get started? Click Here

Tom Gohring's School of Tai Chi and Chinese Kung Fu
6611 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78752 • 512-422-4245 • www.taichitom.com