We have begun to explore the Yangjia Michuan Taiji Tuishou (Push Hands) exercises in our Saturday intermediate class. Wang Yen-nien taught the complete set of 15 exercises at the NYCYMT sponsored 1996 Workshop, which took place at the West Side YMCA and at Mercy College in the Summer of 1996. With help from others, and Master Wang’s permission and encouragement, I was able to document the event and have made the videos available for those who wish to study and learn Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan. As we begin to practice each exercise I will post corresponding links for study. There will most likely be ads that come up, which I have no relation or connection to, as these videos are on my YouTube channel. This blog/site will remain ad free.

Click here for access to the other Push Hands exercises

We have been publishing Mark Linett’s Tuishou notes from his time learning from Master Wang in Taiwan. Here is an excerpt from Mark’s notes about Push Hands exercise # 2. It is a suitable companion to the video and will help students better understand the tuishou journey.

Tuishou Exercise # 2 (Part 2)

You, Zou Zhuan Yao  (Chien Tui)

Right /Left, Twist the Waist (the body’s center moves to the front leg when pushing) 

This movement is similar to the first movement except the person receiving the push sinks down on the rear leg and turns the waist in the direction of the front leg rather than rising up to yield to the push. (As in Exercise #1) If the push comes to the right shoulder turn the waist to the right. If the push is to the left turn the waist to the left.

The person pushing has to move from the back leg and come down onto the front leg while turning the waist 45 degrees and squaring the waist. It is important to square the waist so that we do not go too far with the push. Using the momentum ofthe movement onto the front leg and the turning of the waist gives power to the push. Connectingthe pushing arm to the waist and the legs is essential here. Also, it is important for the pusher to gently tuck the back as he/she is making the push.

But the person who is doing the pushing must first create an opportunity before making the push since he can easily be pulled as he/she comes onto the front leg to make the push. When coming down on the right leg, use the left hand to push while moving onto the left leg. Use the right hand to push with the left leg forward. This push is similar to the one in exercise #12, Two Hands Move in Vertical Circular Movements (Shuang Shou Li Yuan Tuishou)

Additionally, the pusher needs to stay in contact (Ting Jing) with the body of your partner while making the push to see what your partner’s response is. Is there turning and yielding to your push or is there resistance? If there is turning and yielding then just follow and apply a second push. This is quite a stable push and it allows the pusher to get closer to the partner. Usually it is necessary to 

develop an opportunity or an opening before pushing on the front leg. It is rarely used as a first push. For example, the pusher can do a Pull Down (Cai) to open up the shoulder or side of the body, then this front leg push can be tried. The danger with this push is that it is very easy to broadcast that you are doing this push since it is a bit of a distance from the back leg on to the front leg. When attempting this push, one needs to be aware that if the partner is skilled and experienced, he may understand your intention and wind up pushing or pulling you down. Develop power on the front leg and to feel the connection between the front foot and the opposite hand.

 It is possible to practice this in one of two ways, standing in front of a wall with the back foot facing 45 degrees and the front foot gently touching the wall with all your weight on the back leg. Slowly move onto the front leg gently and mindfully pushing on the wall. While pushing, lift the back foot to be sure that the push is genuinely coming from the front leg and feel that the power of the push is generated from the foot leg and the waist rather than from just the arm. Also check to see whether the waist is square and on a horizontal plane.  It can also be practiced by first standing with all your weight on the front leg with the opposite hand gently being in contact with the wall, feeling the connection between the opposite palm and the leg. Hold that posture continuing to feel the connection. It is not a push and release but a touch and hold position. 

Finally, Wang Laoshi reminded us that in pushing, first we have to connect and bond with the partner. When pushing, be relaxed; use the mind, and chi. Be soft. The purpose of first bonding is to send the partner’s energy into the void. Find a way to round the pusher’s energy. Imagine catching a ball. We use a round movement because if a straight movement is used, the force will be bounced .Your partner will want to get away from you once you stick to him. Just like gum, he/she will want to get rid of it once it sticks to him.

Deflect with Song (relaxation) and Ro (softness), never losing contact, absorbing and sticking. The partner feels controlled even without making a push. Be ready for that moment.