Push Hands

Pushing hands drills develops an ability to sense an incoming push or force, then redirect it. It also teaches a mindset.

The principles of push hands are very special. One must let go of the ego and give oneself to follow others, yielding to the push or force and let the opponent have the initiative.  Instead of force against force you lead the incoming energy into emptiness. At the same time, one tries to understand the opponents’ intention and movements. On one hand one must develop patience, sensitivity, and self-control; on the other, one must change with fluid circumstances.  One is at the same time trying to gain and being willing to give up.  Since if one is unwilling to give things up, one will be unable to change with the circumstances in opportunities. Sometimes one has a great opportunity to attack, but if one’s opponent changes, one must also change, and not keep rigidly to pursuing that opportunity. Do not try to gain an advantage by unskillful force.  If you practice with any sort of fixed attitude or method, then you will be sluggish, and it will be easy for your opponent to take advantage of you or trap you.  If you are always thinking of attack, and thus cannot adapt to changes in your opponent's actions, you will not gain anything.  This mindset can be applied to other aspects of life.