Overview

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes defensive strategy over offensive strategy. It has a solo form, weapons forms, and partner practice: Pushing Hands. The evolution of training is to learn the form first, then to begin working with partners in Pushing Hands to develop the martial aspect of Taijiquan. Taijiquan's martial strategy is to use soft movement and precise observation or sensitivity to control and defeat an opponent. The basis for this is in the Pushing Hands skillset. Pushing Hands emphasizes connecting to and redirecting incoming attacks with minimal effort. A relaxed body and calm mind are key ingredients, so the effective self-defense techniques and wonderful health benefits of Taijiquan --balance, stability, increased focus, reduced stress-- develop much more quickly working with a partner than by practicing alone. The fundamental concepts learned in the solo form such as balance, alignment, smooth coordinated movements, breathing, and Qi development come to fruition in Pushing Hands.

Pushing Hands at YMAA Boston

Few organizations can teach Taijiquan as a martial art as well as YMAA does. The instructors at YMAA Boston train in a program developed for practical use. The curriculum is setup to develop an understanding of the martial applications of Taijiquan. In the United States, this vital aspect of training has largely been neglected. YMAA Boston carries on a legacy of practical, effective Taijiquan as taught by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. This legacy is respected internationally for martial content.

YMAA Boston teaches Pushing Hands in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Classes are geared towards the individual. Students can look forward to an exciting exploration of the art. The teaching staff at YMAA is among the best available in the country today, with decades of experience in all facets of teaching Taijiquan.

Learning Pushing Hands

"Learning Taijiquan and not doing Pushing Hands is like buying a car and not driving it."

- Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Solo form practice is already quite beneficial to one's health and body, but to truly grasp what the form embodies and what Taijiquan is meant to do is impossible without Pushing Hands. The philosophy of Taijiquan is "use the soft to defeat the hard." Taijiquan forgoes the hard, muscular power of most martial arts to rely on proper physical structure; it achieves the desired result with minimum effort. Pushing Hands builds your whole body's strength, stamina and self-confidence.

Pushing Hands teaches the practitioner to sense the opponent’s intention and short-circuit his actions, dealing with aggression effectively and efficiently. This sensing, or Listening Jin, incorporates all of the body’s senses in synergy, giving a fast, accurate appraisal of events. Listening Jin is a cornerstone of Taijiquan which is developed in Pushing Hands. Whether you gently neutralize your opponent, leading him into "emptiness," or explosively use the strength of your entire body to strike, Pushing Hands promotes a focused mind, relaxed body and calm spirit.

Working with a partner teaches a practitioner the real meaning of the concepts behind Taijiquan. Pushing Hands develops greater sensitivity to oneself and others.

Pushing Hands enhances:

• coordination
• reflexes
• perception

Pushing Hands builds:

• strength
• endurance
• self-confidence

There are a large variety of two-person Pushing Hands exercises designed to encourage growth and sensitivity. YMAA Boston fosters learning in a positive, challenging environment suitable for people of many levels of physical ability. Students can train at a level consistent with their intention under the instruction and supervision of accomplished Taijiquan practitioners in a community that encourages growth and camaraderie.

Internal Power

"Power is generated in the legs, controlled by the waist and manifested in the hands."

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Regardless of age, gender, or size, we all have physical capabilities greater than what we are aware of. Pushing Hands unites the body into a dynamic whole, allowing the strength of our entire body, internally and externally, to be used in combat. Once the body is unified, strength and stamina develop in a systemic fashion. Instead of isolating a single muscle or limb and exercising to strengthen it, the whole body is challenged, causing an increase in physical ability and confidence.

Old or young, woman or man -—training Pushing Hands will make you a more formidable person. Taijiquan’s explosive power, Fa Jin, can be learned by anyone. Practicing Fa Jin builds internal power and sharpens response time. The soft, yielding power of Taijiquan, Hua Jin, helps the body stay agile and supple. Combining the two powers makes a better, stronger person.

Class Prerequisite

Students attending Pushing Hands classes are expected to know the complete Yang-style Taijiquan form.