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 to view 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.

ZUO, YOU DANTUI GUI HUA

Push Hands Exercise 5 – Twist Down on One Leg in a Kneeling position

Here the pushing partner moves onto his/her front leg and connects to his/her partner’s shoulder blade. Left hand/right shoulder, right hand /left shoulder. The push is actually made up of three parts that are performed in one fluid movement. The first part of the push is made in a horizontal direction across the body, the second push is in a downward direction and the final part is in the outward/diagonal direction. Be aware of how the partner responds to the first push. See how he/she yields to the push. Does he root the push well or does he begin to rise up. If he/she does begin to rise, follow his/her movement  and push  in the direction the partner is moving.

By following his movement and applying a soft push you will need little or no hard strength. Also be aware that as he is rising he may be yielding, turning and softening the shoulder. By turning and yielding, he may be opening up an opportunity to draw you into the void and push you since you may be overstretched and off balance. So the pusher needs to be aware not to go too far forward when doing the pushing. If his knee has passed his toes when doing the push, then he/she has gone too far. The pusher stays aware and in the moment since at any moment there can be a change. 

Of course, if the push is strong and deep then you will have to turn and sink onto the back leg but this is not a desirable position. In this position you are in an disadvantageous position. Another possibility is the pusher connects to your shoulder but the push is not very deep into your body or your center. If you are aware of this, you may have time to separate from the pusher’s hand by making a circling movement with your shoulder. Then the pusher will be pushing into emptiness. This is an excellent moment to push since he has lost his root.