HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND THE ART OF Pushing Hands

Chen Style Taijiquan Pushing Hands (Tui Shou) is the essential bridge between solo form practice and actual combat. Originally known as 'Jie Shou' (Hand-Touching) or 'Da Shou' (Striking Hands), this practice is central to the Chen family's martial training. It is themed around the 'Spiral Silk Reeling' (Chan Si Jin) energy and the principles of 'Adhere and Follow' (Zhan Nian Lian Sui), 'Not Separating, Not Colliding' (Bu Diu Bu Ding), and 'Yielding to Strength' (Sui Qu Jiu Shen). Master Zhang Jianping, a direct disciple of Grandmaster Chen Fake and an 11th generation inheritor, presents this comprehensive guide to Pushing Hands. He emphasizes that this practice is not just about technique but also about cultivating internal sensitivity and strategic thinking, aiming to 'Know the Opponent Before They Know You' and to 'Control the Enemy by Neutralizing Their Force.'

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE EIGHT ENERGIES

The Pushing Hands routine is governed by the 'Eight Methods' (Ba Fa): Ward-off (Peng), Deflect (Lu), Squeeze (Ji), Press (An), Pull Downward (Cai), Split (Lie), Elbow Stroke (Zhou), and Shoulder Stroke (Kao). Master Zhang demonstrates various drills, including Single Pulling Flower, Double Pulling Flower, Disorderly Treading Flower, Four Straight and Four Corner techniques, Large Peng and Large Lu, Fixed-Step Pushing Hands, and Moving-Step Pushing Hands. These exercises are designed to develop the practitioner's sensitivity in the skin and internal body, allowing them to sense the opponent's slightest movement and intention. The practice focuses on 'Leading the Force with the Waist' and coordinating the hands, eyes, body, and steps into a unified whole.

BIO-MECHANICAL ALIGNMENT AND Internal Power

The bio-mechanics of Chen Style Pushing Hands require a high degree of 'Body-Mind Integration.' Master Zhang explains that the power originates from the Dantian and is expressed through the 'Python Waist' rotation. The 'Silk Reeling' energy is crucial for maintaining a 'Fluid Structure' that can absorb and redirect force. The practice emphasizes 'Sectional Relaxation,' which allows for the sudden release of 'Fa-Jin' (Explosive Power) when needed. The goal is to achieve a state where the practitioner can 'Control the Heavy with the Light' and 'Defeat the Solid with the Empty.' This requires constant awareness of the opponent's center of gravity and the ability to apply force at the most opportune moment.

COMBAT APPLICATIONS AND PRACTICAL MASTERY

This 158-minute instructional DVD provides a detailed breakdown of dozens of practical combat applications derived from Pushing Hands. Master Zhang Jianping demonstrates various seizing (Qin Na) and striking techniques, illustrating how the principles of Taijiquan translate directly into effective self-defense. The practice is designed to enhance reflexes, strategic thinking, and the ability to 'Lead into Emptiness.' By mastering these Pushing Hands techniques, the martial artist gains a profound understanding of combat dynamics and develops the skill to 'Win by Defeating the Strong with the Weak.' This DVD is an essential resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Chen Style Taijiquan's martial applications and achieve true combat mastery.