YANG TAI CHI PUSH HANDS

Here are a number of instructional disks on the formal constraints and specific tactics of the practice of push hands. This second series is shown by two instructors: Zhang Dong Wu and Gao Lian Cheng.
Click pictures to enlarge.

New! VCD# 1765 Taiji Intermediate Push Hands
by Li ZHen Da
A Double VCD , VCD pricing, Chinese Only

There is much to learn about Push Hands and we like this double VCD. This is part of a three-part series and we found the intermediate level the most interesting. Sifu Li gives not only detailed instruction on the major special attacks and controls of Tai Chi but shows many ways to practice where simple single hand circling reinforces a specific technique. To our minds this method of non-competitive (initially) Push Hands used to set up a sequence which the players can then counter atttacks is much closer to the true purpose of the exercise than many slow wrestling matches we have seen. A Double VCD

VCD# 1717 Taiji Push Hands
A Double VCD , VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Teacher Ding Shui De returns with this new double VCD on the art of Push Hands according to the Yang style. Production values are up and this VCD looks pretty close to DVD quality. Ding’s instructions are precise and clear. There is no subtitles just Chinese instruction but most of his points are so neatly made they are obvious. He demonstrates classic patterns with some new variations. He knows how to move his entire body and shows it in his demonstrations. Stationary, walking, single, double and other methods of Push Hands are covered. He walks us through more advanced methods like corner stepping, an unusual Da Lu, and some basic Push Hands strategies. The main thing is that he doesn’t show “faked” applications. A Double VCD

VCD# 1552 Taiji Chi Nah
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The movements here are generically Chi Nah, which can be seen as a separate study from any individual style. Yet it is good to see these actions in a Tai Chi context. Also Chin Nah, which is an art of the practical and the applied, cannot be studied too closely or seen too many different ways. This disk concentrates on arm controls and joints locks, especially centering on elbow control. Pretty clear demonstrations assuming a little knowledge.

VCD# 1553 Push Hands Self Defense
A Double VCD , VCD pricing, Chinese Only

This two disk set might very well be called "Effortless Thows" as is another DVD we sell by Tim Cartmell. In essence this is a series of throws performed from Chen style Push Hands (by that we mean low stances and mirror steps such as your right and your partners left being leads simultaneously). In every case the throw is executed from the middle of a hand pattern and, in most cases, the execution is clean and clear. Double VCD.

VCD# 1554 Practical Push Hands
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

This is a great deal like watching a Judo coaching session. Basically Zhang's two student move to the Push Hands position then execute an immediate take down. Zhang shows the details and the fine points of the throws. Good, practical and efficient use of the body. The method that should be adopted with most throwing techniques.

VCD# 1555 San Shou Usage
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Continuing with the dynamics of Tai Chi throwing. In this case there is a greater emphasis on counter throwing. Zhang himself demonstrates the throws. His movements are tight and strong and the takedowns are real given the situations. He concentrates here on angular changes in the footwork, a key element of throwing.

VCD# 1556 Taiji San Shou Usage
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

This disk is Gao Lian Cheng demonstrating. Here we see the applications done in a "street fight" mode with right punches and charges moves counter with pushes, throws and locks.

Teacher: Li De Run, fourth generation disciple of Yang style Tai Chi. Chairman of ShenYang Research Center. Demonstrator: Zhu Chang Hai.

Yang Jian Hou, son of Yang's creator Yang Lu Chan, taught Hu Xing Zhai who in turn taught Li De Run. This method is highly organized taking the practitioner no only thorugh a seties of steps but different angles and formations. Probably the most consistent and sequential of all presentations of Push Hands. Applications are shown but are somewhat secondary to the general plan of progressive steps.

NOTE: In this case we are recommending the DVD versions of these disks because they have useful English language translations.

Click on pictures to see larger versions.

VCD#256 Yang style Tai Chi Four Sides Push Hands
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Performed by Li De Run a fourth generation inheritor of Yang Tai Chi. This is the extension of all the other Push Hands routines. The practitioner must master the actions of the Four Cardinal Moves; namely Beng-Lu-Ji-An or Ward off/Rollback/Press and Suppress. The players then develop continual movement, proper waist action, strong leg moves and sensitized arms. This is the fourth in the series.

VCD#257 Yang style Tai Chi Free Step Single Push Hands
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Performed by Li De Run a fourth generation inheritor of Yang Tai Chi.
Single Hand Push Hands practice is an important step in the development of Yang Style Push Hands. Single Hand Pushing positions the players side to side and therefore initially more "realistic" in the entry relationship. It also highly develops Beng or Ward Off energy and encourages practitioners to engage there waists less they be toppled. This is the first in the series.

VCD#258 Yang style Tai Chi Fixed Double Push Hands
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Performed by Li De Run a fourth generation inheritor of Yang Tai Chi.
Based on the Single Push Hands , this level trains crossing two hands, and single hand transforming. Following, leading and sticking are all combined. Through moving together the players keep well aware of erect posture, fluid motion, nimble waist movement and strong but flexible stance training. This is the third in the series.

VCD#259 Yang style Tai Chi Free Push Hands
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Performed by Li De Run a fourth generation inheritor of Yang Tai Chi.
Based on the Double Fixed Push Hands , this level allows more flexible foot patterns. Numerous basic patterns other than the basic Four Hands is shown. Many of these are clever and useful variations of single actions in the form. For example, Play the Guitar can be the basis of a Push Hands pattern and, from there, players learn how to smoothly apply the technique. This is one of the more organized series on the practice of Yang. This is the third in the series Push Hands.