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Archives for October 2013

Push Hands – Part Three

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Push Hands 6b
The last two photos of our recent Push Hands in the park session.

One of the areas I experimented in was to try and stay rooted while placing myself in a disadvantaged position. One of the fellows I was pushing hands with pushed my elbow upward which I allowed and he said, ‘your elbow should be down’.

I agreed with him and explained, ‘I’m experimenting’. He looked puzzled.

Push Hands 7a

Usually I try and obey the Tai Chi principles and adopt the correct structure to reduce the chance of being pushed off balance (sometimes it works – sometimes it doesn’t).

But I read a Tai Chi book awhile ago which discussed the point of staying rooted when in a very poor position.

So I figured it was worth testing this theory out because there are going to be times when I’m out of position and I need to remain rooted so I can counter attack.

I’m still working on this theory and I’ll let you know if it works in about fifty years time 😉

Push Hands – Part Two

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Push Hands 4aSome more photos from our September Push Hands in the park session; held once a month.

One of the many things I like about our Push Hands sessions is the ‘unknown’ factor’. I never know what level a new player is until I Push Hands with that person.

Because it’s open to the general public and for all levels it’s always a pleasure to test my skills against this ‘unknown factor’.

Push Hands 5b

When you Push Hands with the same person on a regular basis there is a sense of predictability in the rythym of the Push Hands workout. But with an unknown you are really tested to use your ‘listening skills’.

Our next Push Hands session is on 27th October and you are welcome to come along and test your skills in a friendly environment- check the details here

 

Tai Chi Push Hands – Part One

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Push Hands 1aPush Hands 2aPush Hands 3aHere are some of the photos of our recent Push Hands in the park session from last Sunday.

The boys are practicing fixed feet free style push hands. For readers who are new to Tai Chi; fixed feet refers to keeping the feet in one position and free style refers to any arm movement that a Tai Chi player prefers to use.

The key Tai Chi principle of relaxation is necessary to practice effective Push Hands.

For safety reasons, in moving free style Push Hands, we generally don’t do foot sweeps and/or locks unless both partners agree.

If you are interested in coming along to this free session held every month then check the previous post for details – September: Push Hands in the Park. The next session is on Sunday, 27th October.