myriad of manifestations in creation, that is, the realm of all possibilities.
In taijiquan the other action energies and applications of the various pos-
tures are to be viewed as points along a continuum of an infinite number
of possible responses to an opponent. One is never committed to any par-
ticular action or application, and like water, one can change in an instant,
depending on circumstances. Water—with its soft, formless nature—is con-
sidered by the Daoists to be the strongest force in nature, able to blend, fol-
lowing the path of least resistance, and to wear away even the hardest of
objects without itself being harmed. In metaphorical fashion, the taijiquan
fighter strives to follow the example of water.
The mainstay of partner practice is push-hands (tui shou), a type of
sparring exercise. Kicking, punching, striking, and joint-locking, although
implied, have been removed to eliminate serious injury. The setup of un-
balancing, throwing down, or projecting the opponent away is emphasized
and cultivated. Because this safe method of martial skill development uses
little space and no protective gear or special clothing, this martial art is eas-
ily pursued by two persons at any place and at any time.
This practice may take many forms that range from quite fixed, gen-
tle, and cooperative routines to an aggressive “freestyle” that may resem-
ble smooth, standing forms of jûdô or wrestling. Initial training should al-
ways be cooperative, safe, and prearranged, and emphasize sensitivity and
sticking to the partner’s movement. One learns to “feel” the partner’s
force—whether it is weak or strong and where it is solid or empty—so that
one may react properly, placing the partner at a disadvantage.
Popular push-hands practice forms include:
Stationary Two-Hands.This deals with basic lead-hand pushing and
neutralizing, coordinating hand pushes with body movement, especially
from the waist. These are fairly square-on attacks.
Four-Hands Practice, both stationary and stepping. This deals with
the actions of peng (ward off), lu (roll back), Ji (press), and an (push), the
first four of the eight energies previously mentioned. It is more difficult to
learn, and more interesting to practice. Again, it develops skills against at-
tacks from the front.
Big Roll-Back (Da Lu) This deals with an opponent attacking from
the corners, and is a method of practice of the other four of the eight ener-
gies: cai (pull down), lie (split), zhou (elbow), and kao (bump).
Freestyle Push-Hands. This may also be done stationary or moving. It
refers to a wide range of practice, from skilled players running through the
previous routines in a spontaneous and lively manner to actual competition
of unbalancing, projecting, and throwing down the opponent. Some
schools, such as Chen style, practice a very vigorous, competitive form of
this push-hands practice.626 Taijiquan (Tai Chi Ch’uan)