Tai Chi Push Hands: The Martial Foundation of Tai Chi Chuan

Tai chi push hands practice is a necessary step for tai chi practitioners to develop their sensing, listening, and yielding skills, and to obtain a profound sense of feeling of their own body and mind. This book provides the theory, qigong foundation practice, jing (power) practice, two-person stationary push hands practice, two-person moving push hands practice, tai chi rollback and press push hands practice, international standard push hands routine, and two-person free style push hands, as well as martial art applications in tai chi push hands practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2020
Publisher: YMAA Publication Center

Tai chi push hands practice is a crucial aspect of tai chi that elevates it to a true living art form. It involves two individuals engaging in a series of "light touch" moving and walking routines, which serve as a means to develop tai chi's sensing, listening, and yielding skills. These skills are integral in advancing tai chi as a martial art.

The Dao De Jing, a classic text, emphasizes the importance of knowing others, particularly opponents, in understanding oneself. Through the practice of tai chi push hands, practitioners gain a profound sense of connection with their own body and mind, enabling them to regulate and control body balance, health, perseverance, compassion, and overall spirit.

It is noteworthy that tai chi provides a lifelong journey of learning and progress, with the ultimate goal being a deep understanding of oneself and one's role in nature. This book aims to impart knowledge on various aspects of tai chi pushing hands, including:

The theory of tai chi pushing hands: This section delves into the principles and techniques behind tai chi push hands, including the use of energy, timing, and intention.

Tai chi qigong foundation practice: Tai chi qigong is a complementary practice that enhances the body's energy flow and promotes overall well-being. This section covers the foundational exercises and movements that form the basis of tai chi qigong.

Tai chi jing (power) practice: Tai chi jing is a form of internal cultivation that focuses on developing mental and spiritual strength. This section explores the techniques and exercises to enhance tai chi jing and cultivate inner power.

Two-person stationary push hands practice: This practice involves two individuals standing in a designated space and engaging in push hands movements without moving. It focuses on developing sensitivity, timing, and coordination.

Two-person moving push hands practice: This practice involves two individuals moving around a designated area while engaging in push hands movements. It emphasizes the application of tai chi principles in dynamic situations.

Tai chi rollback and press push hands practice: This practice combines elements of tai chi and qigong, focusing on pushing and pulling movements to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance.

International standard push hands routine: This section outlines a standardized push hands routine that is commonly practiced in tai chi competitions and events. It emphasizes the principles of balance, timing, and coordination.

Two-person free style push hands: This practice allows for more creative and spontaneous movements, allowing practitioners to explore different styles and techniques.

Martial art applications in tai chi push hands practice: Tai chi push hands has practical applications in martial arts, particularly self-defense. This section discusses the martial aspects of tai chi push hands and how they can be applied in real-life situations.

Dr. Yang, a renowned tai chi master, emphasizes the martial roots of tai chi chuan. He reminds practitioners that every movement in tai chi has a unique martial purpose, and without this martial foundation, tai chi practice may lack a deeper meaning or feeling.

This book is complemented by two companion videos, which provide additional insights and demonstrations of the techniques covered in the book. The videos are sold separately and can be a valuable resource for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of tai chi push hands.

In conclusion, tai chi push hands practice is a vital component of tai chi that enhances practitioners' understanding, skill, and overall martial prowess. By engaging in this practice, individuals can cultivate a profound sense of connection with their body and mind, regulate their health and well-being, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their role in nature. This book provides a comprehensive guide to tai chi pushing hands, complemented by two companion videos, making it an invaluable resource for tai chi enthusiasts and martial artists alike.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 185 x 238 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781594396458