Abstract

The practice of Pushing Hands (Tui Shou) is generally thought of as a means of enhancing the practice of Taiji Quan, but it is also an independent practice in its own right. Pushing Hands develops sensitivity to the body's internal state and can be used to help control the emotions, the circulation of energy and physical balance. This book teaches the reader how to act or react in harmony with any external event without losing their 'balance' or center, enabling them to respond with confidence and flexibility to each situation.

Illuminating the principles of body construction, this accessible and practical guide to Pushing Hands explains the eight types of concentration and the six "efforts" required to master them. Taking the reader through the thirteen principles of Pushing Hands and nine keys of movement which enable the proper flow of energy, the author provides a thorough understanding of the various elements of Pushing Hands practice. Exercises for developing concentration and pushing hands techniques are clearly explained and illustrated throughout the book.

Whether practising Pushing Hands in conjunction with Taiji Quan or as an independent practice, this book is ideal for practitioners and students of Chinese martial and health arts.

This book's alchemical approach to push hands is unique and there are some good insights to be found here. For me the most interesting sections were those on the taiji ball exercises and I don't know of any other book in English that touches on these.
Absolute Tai Chi
Oleg Tcherne is a practitioner of internal martial arts with over 25 years of experience. The main focus of Oleg's practice is Daoist Alchemy. He has undergone teaching with Daoist monks in China and has practiced with a variety of masters. He currently teaches and practices Chen style Taiji Quan with Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang.