All people are welcome to join us regardless of Level/Style. Sifu Mike will introduce the principles and practice of Tai Chi Tui Shou, known somewhat erroneously as “push hands.” Essentially Tai Chi Tui Shou is the practice of Tai Chi with a partner, taking the solo work and bringing it alive and to another level. In this class, part one of an ongoing monthly series, Mike will introduce the “Pre-Push Hands Exercise/Drill” which is a 4 Step Exercise which teaches the basic Principles and Physical Dynamics of Tai Chi Tui Shou.
Some of the Key Principles/Concepts of Tai Chi Tui Shou (which translates as essentially the “Tai Chi Tenacious and Sensing Hands”) include: Never Resist/ Never Let Go (non-interference): Sticking, Following, and Listening, and Absorbing and Redirecting Force (Level One). Developing “The Touch” is a key part of practice and can only be learned live and in person from someone who him/herself has learned learned from another who has developed the proper “Tai Chi Touch” and has passed it on. Videos and Zoom won’t and can’t do this.
Future Classes will build on this introduction, though people can join anytime. Topics will include various single and double hand tui shou methods, tui shou with steps (initially linear, forward/backwards, but later all directions), free-style tui shou methods (single and double), the infamous “Tai Chi Pinball” exercise and much more. Push Hands/Tui Shou Training is an intermediate level Tai Chi Practice and bridge between the solo work and Tai Chi Applications Training and later Tai Chi Sparring/Free Fighting (for those in condition and ready for that).
Class size is limited so please contact Mike to reserve your spot. Mike has introduced many, many people to the principles and practice of Tai Chi Tui Shou, from Seniors to Extreme Full Contact Fighters and everyone in between. This class will be conducted in a safe and respectful environment, check the ego and “tai chi politics and elitism at the door.” Thank you.
A young “Little Dragon” Bruce Lee learning Tai Chi Tui Shou from his Father, who was his first teacher.