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Pushing Hands

(Tui Shou)

Pushing Hands can be described as pushing body, or manipulating the person centre, as a foundational partner exercise in Tai Chi, this activity blends playfulness and discipline to cultivate essential martial skills. It serves as a gateway to understanding the martial aspects of internal martial arts (內家 nèijiā) while developing reflexes, sensitivity, control, timing, footwork, coordination, and positioning.

Students begin with structured, square movements, gradually progressing to fluid, circular motions. Over time, students advance to performing drills with eyes closed, eventually incorporating stepping movements and practical applications. Pushing Hands teaches the art of yielding to force and redirecting it rather than resisting, offering profound lessons in adaptability and flow. This ultimately teaches us to respond to situations, not react to them.

Pushing hands Objectives

Fundamental skills

Listen, Stick, Adhere and Follow

Tai Chi core skills are often referred to as Jin, or trained force these include: Listen, Stick, Adhere, and Follow, these are learnt and developed while practising pushing hands, rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern science. These principles help practitioners harmonise with energy and movement while improving balance, coordination, and awareness.

Listen

(Ting)

This refers to perceiving subtle changes in force and energy through tactile sensitivity. Proprioception, mechanoreceptors, and the somatosensory cortex process this information, allowing practitioners to sense subtle changes in energy and movement. Through heightened sensitivity, you can perceive direction and intention, developing a deep connection with your surroundings.

Stick

(Zhan)

Sticking involves maintaining continuous contact with an opponent. It relies on precise motor control, tactile feedback, and muscle coordination, governed by the cerebellum and fascial system, to harmonise the practitioner with external forces.

Adhere

(Nian)

Adhering means moving seamlessly with another’s energy, adapting fluidly to their movements with balance and stability, emphasising adaptability. Mirror neurons synchronise movements, while fascia elasticity and vestibular stability enable seamless adjustments to shifting forces.

Follow

(Sui)

Following is the skill of yielding without resistance, redirecting force in a way that feels effortless and natural. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces tension, and uses kinetic energy principles to absorb and redirect force.

Core Pushing Hands Drills

Pushing Hands incorporates both fixed and moving step exercises, allowing students to explore progressively challenging drills:

Foundational Drills
Structured Patterns

  • Four Directions

  • Five Elements

  • Seven Stars

  • Eight Gates

  • Nine Palaces

  • Fu Yang

Advanced Progressions
Foundational Tai Chi Chuan Drills

The following are the basic Tai Chi Chuan drills we practiced in class. These drills form the foundation for developing students to a standard where they can listen to and feel their opponent’s movements and energy, ultimately becoming skilled Tai Chi Chuan martial artists.

Four Winds
(Four Directions)

The Four Winds, also known as the Four Directions drill, trains students in the use of the basic Tai Chi Chuan stance and its practical applications. Among its many benefits, this drill enhances coordination between the lower and upper body, which positively impacts the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It also fosters precision in defining hand positions when defending or redirecting an opponent’s attack.

Five Elements

The Five Elements drill is divided into two phases: attacking and defending. During the attacking phase, students aim for vital points such as the temples, the top of the head, and the kidneys. This phase helps students develop a natural ability to target and redirect attacks to these critical areas of the body. The defending routine allows students to refine their ability to neutralize incoming strikes and protect themselves effectively.

Seven Stars

The Seven Stars drill focuses on developing rhythm, coordination, and balance. It incorporates 45-degree angles during each step, whether advancing or retreating, teaching students the art of evasion. This includes side-stepping or slipping punches, which is one of the four basic defensive strategies in Tai Chi, along with blocking, seizing, and clinching. Practicing this drill builds the muscle memory necessary for performing evasive actions seamlessly, whether moving forward or backward.

Eight Gates
(Da Lü)

The Eight Gates drill teaches students how to transition in and out of a straight arm lock. For example, if someone places their hand on your shoulder, you can turn your body and redirect their movement into a straight arm lock. This technique is practiced eight times, stepping in and out of eight different angles, as attacks can come from any of these directions.

Nine Palaces
(Mirengai)

Mirengai is a more advanced drill that builds on the principles of the Four Winds. In this exercise, students move their legs within a square-shaped pattern, stepping forward and backward while simultaneously attacking and defending. Unlike simple bobbing and weaving, this drill uses the whole body for movement. Additionally, the drill involves completing a circular motion in nine distinct movements, enhancing the ability to respond fluidly to attacks from multiple directions.

These drills serve as the foundation for developing martial awareness, precision, and fluidity in movement, ultimately preparing students to master the art of Tai Chi Chuan.

The Eight Powers of Tai Chi in Push Hands

Push Hands is where Tai Chi’s principles come to life, transforming abstract concepts into dynamic, interactive practice. Central to this journey are the Eight Powers, or “Ba Men” (Eight Gates), a framework of techniques that balance defence, offense, and adaptability.

The Four Primary Powers
Foundations of Stability and Flow

These powers build your structure and sensitivity, forming the core of Tai Chi movement.

  • Peng (Expansion/Ward Off)

    The energy of expansion. In Push Hands, Peng stabilises your structure while deflecting external pressure, creating resilience under force.

  • Lu (Diverting Force to the Side/Roll Back)

    The art of yielding. Lu teaches you to guide your partner’s energy into a circular path, neutralising their strength while maintaining balance.

  • Ji (Push/Press)

    Focused, concentrated energy. Ji applies controlled pressure to your partner’s center, demonstrating precision and intent during Pushing Hands.

  • An (Diverting Force Downwards/Press/Push)

    The power of grounded projection. An channels energy downwards, using your whole-body alignment to gently yet firmly unbalance your partner.

The Four Secondary Powers
Versatility and Strategy in Action

These powers refine your ability to adapt and respond dynamically to your partner’s energy.

  • Cai (Pluck)

    A quick, downward motion. Cai disrupts your partner’s balance or breaks their grip, creating openings for further movement.

  • Lie (Split)

    Spiralling energy in opposing directions. Lie destabilises your partner through precise rotational force, embodying Tai Chi’s spiralling dynamics.

  • Zhou (Elbow)

    Compact, close-range power. Zhou uses the elbow as both a weapon and a structural reinforcement in tight encounters during Push Hands.

  • Kao (Shoulder)

    Full-body integration. Kao applies energy through the shoulder, enabling strikes, bumps, or redirection while maintaining structural integrity.

Key concepts of the Eight Powers

Benefits of Pushing Hands

Enhances neuroplasticity, strengthen the myofascial network, and improve mind-body coordination, enabling practitioners to achieve balance, adaptability, and efficient energy flow in harmony with their environment.

  • Learn to Feel your partner’s intent through subtle physical contact

  • Maintaining your center of gravity and neutralising external force

  • Redirect incoming force, or transform it into an opportunity.

  • Refine timing, positioning, and movement.

  • Builds confidence through dynamic partner interaction.

These skills train your body and mind to work together, improving focus, relaxation, and adaptability. Scientifically, they enhance your nervous system, strengthen your connective tissues, and teach you to move efficiently and harmoniously with the forces around you.

Endless flow of change
Why Choose the Ptah Khi School for Pushing Hands?

At the Ptah Khi School, we don’t just teach Tai Chi; we embody its transformative principles through competition and mastery. Here’s why you should choose us to deepen your understanding and skills in Pushing Hands:

Success in Championships

In 2024, our students and instructors showcased world-class skill by winning three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze in National Championships Pushing Hands competitions. This success demonstrates our commitment to not only teaching Tai Chi but also performing at the highest levels.

Tui Shou British National championships BCCMA
Learn from Championship-Winning Experts

Our instructors bring direct, real-world experience from the competitive arena. Learn from those who compete at the top levels and bring home victories. Their expertise ensures you’re trained by the very best in the field, guiding you to develop precision, confidence, and mastery.

The Four Stages of Skill Development
Holistic, Science-Backed Training

We integrate ancient Tai Chi wisdom with cutting-edge scientific understanding, offering a deeper, more effective approach to Push Hands. Our students don’t just develop physical power, they gain mental clarity, emotional balance, and an understanding of the body’s energy systems, creating a holistic training experience.

Stages of controlling your opponent
Tailored Learning for Every Level

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, our instructors provide personalised guidance. We adjust techniques and training plans to suit your individual progress, helping you cultivate your skills at your own pace, with tailored support every step of the way.

Grappling techniques
A Supportive, Collaborative Community

Push Hands is a dialogue between partners. At Ptah Khi, we foster a collaborative environment where students share feedback, refine techniques, and grow together. You’ll be part of a community that supports and challenges you, encouraging mutual development both inside and outside the training hall.

Elemental Pushing Hands Practice
Innovative, Cutting-Edge Training Methods

Our teaching methods combine ancient practices with modern training techniques, ensuring your experience is both progressive and rooted in tradition. At Ptah Khi, we emphasize fluidity, adaptability, and the seamless flow of energy, all essential for mastering Push Hands and excelling in real-world application.

Five strategies for close quarters

Join the Ptah Khi School

Begin your journey today. Join our community and unlock the power of Pushing Hands to enhance your Tai Chi practice and overall well-being. Together, we’ll cultivate balance, connection, and mastery.

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