Description
This workbook is a step-by-step guide to push hands (t’ui shou). These T’ai Chi Chuan two person exercises are the foundation of the self-defense skills of the art. Written for the beginner through advanced practitioner and teachers, this book presents fun exercises and games that train sensitivity and responsiveness. Specific component skills of push hands (eg. sticking, listening, neutralizing, pushing, rooting etc) are systematically developed through sequential drills presented in the workbook. Important topics that are often poorly addressed in the English literature are explained in clear language and paired with activities.
What other people are saying:
“As a Grand Champion Push Hands competitor and instructor, I appreciate the format of the book and its usefulness. A book for the beginning student, advanced practitioner, or instructor. Nando clearly leads the reader step by step into the complex world of Push Hands in a fun and non-threatening way.” – Michael Gilman, Director of Gilman Studio, Port Townsend WA, author of 108 Insights into T’ai Chi Chuan and 101 Reflections on T’ai Chi Chuan.
“…very usable for T’ai Chi teachers and practitioners… some of the best explanations I have seen of these exercises. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in seriously studying T’ai Chi and T’ai Chi Push Hands.” – Eo Omwake, Director of Mind, Body, Spirit Academy of Martial Arts and Self-Cultivation, Chadds Ford, PA, Yang style, Kung Fu, Kempo Karate.
“… clear instruction, articulate and well balanced for the student of all levels of interest. A very generous offering.” – Kim Ivy, founder of Embrace the Moon Taijiquan and Qigong, Seattle, WA, Chen style, Yang style, black belt in Judo and Aikido.
“The lessons contained in the book not only teach one how to do push-hands in practice. It also guides one on how to push-hands and play T’ai Chi Chuan in life. …could teach much to all martial artists.” – James Tong, 6th Dan Daimon Ryu Budo, Taikyoku Kenpo-Karate.
“Nando’s combining of technical detail, practice drills, and creative exploration make it easy to see that this book would make a smart addition to the library of anyone serious about Tai Chi. Nando’s generosity with his knowledge and thoughtful instruction are a gift to the Tai Chi community.” – Jim Madras, Yang Style Taijiquan instructor and Director of the Natural Arts Center in Eugene, OR.
About the author
Nando Raynolds has practiced Yang style T’ai Chi since 1978 and taught since 1988. He is a licensed psychotherapist and has studied bodywork, yoga and the martial arts. He holds his 5th dan in Daimon Ryu Kenpo Karate. He wrote the instructional section for The Everything Book of T’ai Chi and Qigong and is a frequent contributor of articles to the Tai Chi Magazine.
A special message from Nando: I wrote this at the request of my students for a clear workbook that systematically taught the main points of the primary push hands patterns found in the Yang style. I am delighted to offer this text now to the public and I hope that you will use this book to advance the quality of your push hands and to share this method with others.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 – Introduction to Push Hands
- Chapter 2 – Movement Fundamentals and Principles
- Chapter 3 – Drills and Games Level 1
- Chapter 4 – Understanding the process of pushing
- Chapter 5 – Drills and Games Level 2
- Chapter 6 – Higher level internal skills
- Chapter 7 – Fixed step two handed patterns
- Chapter 8- Moving step
- Appendices:
- A: Learning how to relax
- B: Understanding physical self-defense
- Bibliography