Pushing Hands is an intriguing, two-person exercise in which both parties simultaneously go with each other’s flow of force in order to uproot and off-balance one another. You will learn how to relax when stressed and become aware of how you react under pressure. Compassion and gentility felt during push hands results in gentle pushes rather than invasive or painful punches, throws or kicks.
Push Hands is a controlled method of stepping in, rooting, etc … and should not be thought of as “real fighting.” T’ai Chi push hands requires control and awareness, even moreso than solo T’ai Chi training, and presents a much greater challenge than solo practice. Responding to force, relaxing without collapsing, receiving in order to give, going with the flow and relaxing into gravity create a living matrix, a T’ai Chi force-field called “Peng.”
There are no perfect masters, and no perfect forms or systems. Any T’ai Chi Ch’uan style practiced with insight and humility will produce results. Finding a teacher, classmates and forms you like, trust and respect is the most important factor.
This workshop is open to all, all skill levels are welcome. Yes even and especially beginners!
Be like water, flowing over obstacles and
seeking the lowest level to nourish all things.
