In a fight things often move into close range quickly. At this range maintaining stability, and being able to redirected the opponents blows and momentum are crucial skills.
In t’ai chi fighters traditionally used the term ‘pushing hands’ to describe the exercises and training that builds this ability.
The idea is to use the arms, hands and whole body as a highly sensitive radar system that can feel and accurately predict the angle and magnitude of an opponents force or intended force. Using soft touch, and a calm mindset, we feel for the earliest possible sign of intended movement, which we immediately neutralise and render harmless. Training also teaches us how, when and where to apply forces onto the opponent to uproot and off balance them, which makes them more vulnerable to our finishing techniques.
There are eight core drills that build this spontaneous ability to detect, neutralise and counter force using the sense of touch rather than our vision. Each one trains specific movements or forces we can use, so we end up with a comprehensive repertoire of solutions to an opponents force.
The exercises also build fitness, flexibility and footwork patterns.
Ultimately wrestling with someone good at pushing hands is likened to being a boat at sea in a storm, tossed around at the will of the ocean with no chance at all.
