HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND LINEAGE

Chen Style Taijiquan Pushing Hands (Tui Shou) is the essential bridge between solo Technical Routine practice and actual combat. Within the Chenjiagou tradition, Pushing Hands is the laboratory where the Internal Power (Nei Jin) and structural integrity developed in the forms are tested against a resisting partner. This instructional series is presented by Grandmaster Zhu Tiancai, an 11th generation heir of Chen Style Taijiquan and one of the 'Four Buddhas' of Chen Village. His teaching provides a direct transmission of the ancestral methods used to develop 'Pre-consciousness' and 'Internal Sensibility.' Historically, Pushing Hands was the secret training method that allowed Chen family masters to achieve the state of 'The opponent does not know me, but I alone know the opponent.'

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE EIGHT ENERGIES

The practice of Pushing Hands is governed by the principles of 'Sticking, Following, and Not Separating or Colliding.' It serves as a melting pot for diverse martial skills, including grabbing (Qin Na), catching, wrestling (Shuai), and striking. The technical routine focuses on the application of the 'Eight Core Energies': Ward-off (Peng), Deflect (Lu), Squeeze (Ji), Press (An), Pull Downward (Cai), Split (Lie), Elbow Stroke (Zhou), and Shoulder Stroke (Kao). Grandmaster Zhu demonstrates how to use these energies to maintain a 'Fluid Structure' while under pressure. The goal is to cultivate a 'Whole Body Touch' sensitivity, where the skin and internal organs become highly responsive to the opponent's center of gravity and intent.

BIO-MECHANICAL ALIGNMENT AND SENSITIVITY

The bio-mechanics of Pushing Hands require perfect 'Spinal Alignment' and 'Dantian Rotation.' Power is not resisted with muscle; instead, it is neutralized through 'Silk Reeling' (Chan Si Jin) and redirected back to the source. Master Zhu emphasizes the importance of 'Sinking the Qi' and maintaining a 'Rooted' stance to borrow the opponent's strength—a concept known as 'Leading into Emptiness.' The training focuses on developing 'Listening Power' (Ting Jin), which allows the practitioner to sense the direction and magnitude of an attack the moment contact is made. This internal sensibility is what allows a smaller practitioner to overcome a larger, stronger opponent through superior bio-mechanical efficiency.

PRACTICE AND COMBAT MASTERY

This 2-DVD set provides over 90 minutes of technical instruction, covering both stationary and moving Pushing Hands. Grandmaster Zhu breaks down the 'Technical Routine' of various drills, showing how to transition smoothly between neutralization and 'Fa-Jin' (Explosive Power). The practice is designed to sharpen the martial artist's reflexes and tactical awareness, ensuring that the principles of Taijiquan are maintained even in the heat of an encounter. By following this systematic approach, students can transform their Tai Chi from a health exercise into a high-level martial skill, achieving the 'Super Techniques' aimed at total control over the combat space.