www.ChenBing.org [email protected] The Chen Family Taijiquan’s Five Kinds of Push-Hands (陈氏太极拳 五种推手法: chénshìtàijíquán wǔzhǒngtuīshǒufǎ) Written by: Bosco Seung-Chul Baek (白承哲) The Eight Energies The previous article, Finding Fangsong, explained the basic concept of sinking energy into the dan tian (氣沈丹田: qìchéndāntián) using internal and external preparations to achieve a type of relaxation called Fangsong (放松: fàngsōng). In Taijiquan, Fangsong is considered to be the ideal and complete form of relaxation. Practitioners would do well to use Fangsong at all times while practicing any configuration Taijiquan exercises. “Fangsong and Qichendantian” are critical concepts that are applied to the push-hands of the Chen family Taijiquan. After reaching a certain level of Taijiquan practice confirmed by a qualified instructor, a practitioner is expected to execute push-hands to understand different energies for applications. In the Chen Taijiquan system, there are five push-hand methods that are set up in a way for practitioners to comprehend the eight energies derived from “Peng” energy (掤勁: péng jìn). The eight energies are Peng (掤 péng: Ward-off), Lu (履 lǚ: Roll back), Ji (擠 jǐ: Press), An (按 àn: Push), Cai (採 cài: Pull-down), Lie (列 liè: Split), zhou (肘 zhǒu: Elbow), and Kao (靠 Kào: Shoulder stroke). These energies are correlated to interact with each other so they can be harmonized even when making various changes based upon the yin and yang principle. After a practitioner becomes familiar with the push-hands method, the free step push-hand method is the next step. This movement is non-arranged thus enabling a practitioner to better understand the eight energies during practice. It is important to keep in mind that the five kinds of push-hands are not utilized in any combat application. Rather it is purely designed for the practitioner to understand the eight energies. Correlation of the Eight Energies The purpose of this article is to focus on the essential techniques taught by Master Chen Bing (陈炳: Chén Bǐng). From this, a practitioner can compare Master Chen Bing‟s practice to the traditional Chen Family methods. A brief diagram of the correlation of the eight energies will help understand how to apply the proper energy against the other energies. There are four main energies and four supportive energies. The four main energies interact substantially and the other four energies are complementary to them.
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( : chénshìtàijíquán wzhngtushuf)
The Eight Energies
The previous article, Finding Fangsong, explained the basic concept of sinking energy into the dan tian
(: qìchéndntián) using internal and external preparations to achieve a type of relaxation called
Fangsong (: fàngsng). In Taijiquan, Fangsong is considered to be the ideal and complete form of
relaxation. Practitioners would do well to use Fangsong at all times while practicing any configuration
Taijiquan exercises. “Fangsong and Qichendantian” are critical concepts that are applied to the push-hands of
the Chen family Taijiquan. After reaching a certain level of Taijiquan practice confirmed by a qualified
instructor, a practitioner is expected to execute push-hands to understand different energies for applications. In
the Chen Taijiquan system, there are five push-hand methods that are set up in a way for practitioners to
comprehend the eight energies derived from “Peng” energy (: péng jìn). The eight energies are Peng (
péng: Ward-off), Lu ( l: Roll back), Ji ( j: Press), An ( àn: Push), Cai ( cài: Pull-down), Lie ( liè:
Split), zhou ( zhu: Elbow), and Kao ( Kào: Shoulder stroke). These energies are correlated to interact
with each other so they can be harmonized even when making various changes based upon the yin and yang
principle. After a practitioner becomes familiar with the push-hands method, the free step push-hand method is
the next step. This movement is non-arranged thus enabling a practitioner to better understand the eight
energies during practice. It is important to keep in mind that the five kinds of push-hands are not utilized in any
combat application. Rather it is purely designed for the practitioner to understand the eight energies.
Correlation of the Eight Energies
The purpose of this article is to focus on the essential techniques taught by Master Chen Bing (:
Chén Bng). From this, a practitioner can compare Master Chen Bings practice to the traditional Chen Family
methods. A brief diagram of the correlation of the eight energies will help understand how to apply the proper
energy against the other energies. There are four main energies and four supportive energies. The four main
energies interact substantially and the other four energies are complementary to them.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
The eight energies are derived from the Peng energy and it has two different definitions in the Chen
Family Taijiquan. The first definition is Internal Expansion. This is characterized by cultivating the internal
energy, Qi (energy), from the dan tian area. Achieving this will allow the body to act in an elastic state, which
allows a practitioner to adapt and react against any forces. The second definition of Peng is Warding-Off. This
is characterized in the push-hands practice in order to differentiate and define the eight energies. Master Chen
Bing states that the goal of push-hands is to understand the differences in the eight energies. Practitioners will
find marked deviations in their energy while training. The push-hands practice would be a meaningless without
comprehension. This is the reason why the classical push-hands practice requires deeper understanding of
relaxation and neutralization of the different energies. If done correctly, the five push-hands methods not only
become a foundation for Taijiquan, but also a foundation for adaptive understanding as time passes. The five
kinds of push-hands are the cornerstone to an upright practitioner of the Chen Family Taijiquan.
The Five Kinds of Push-Hands
1. Pulling Flower (: wnhu)
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2) Double-hands Pulling Flower(: shungshuwnhu)
2. Fixed Step Push-Hand (: dìngbùtushu)
3. Cross-Moved Step Push-Hand (: shùnbùtushu) or Step forward and backward (:
yjìnytuì)
5. Free-Active Step (: huóbùtushu) or Randomly Pluck Flower (: luàncihu)
Note: Master Chen Bing is a direct descendant of Chen Wangting. He is the next representative of the Chen
family Taijiquan after Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. Bosco Seung-Chul Baek is the only disciple of Master
Chen Bings in the United States. Official website is www.ChenBing.org
Model : Bosco Seung-Chul Baek (left) and Master Chen Bing (right)
1. Pulling Flower
a.Single-Hand Pulling Flower (Picture: SH 1, SH 2, SH 3 and SH 4)
(left: ward-off, right: ward-off)
In practice of “single-hand pulling flower,” there are four main energies to observe. The L and An energy
appear more clearly than the Peng and Ji. Using the hands and body, create dan tian stability to establish “core
and rooting”. Sinking hips and the dangled sacrum are required to perform this practice and the hands of two
practitioners have to maintain contact at all the times. Maintain the body in a straight and upright posture.
Shoulders should feel heavy and steady when maintaining inner relaxation. After achieving this, the dan tian
becomes an „antenna to sense delicate movements.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
SHPF 2
(left: ward-off and roll back, right: push)
The right method to push is with the arms and the entire spine. This is so that and you will not go further
than your toe line when keeping balance. The person on the left should maintain a bent and a relaxed hip
posture when being pushed. As soon as the pushing energy ends, the left person has to absorb and neutralize
the forward force. This is called “roll back” and it happens after the ward-off. Opening the lumbar is necessary
to have more flexibility, but there should be no concave or convex. It is totally flattened and relaxed. If there is
curved area on the lumbar, the practitioner has to go back and fix the standing post. Your sinking energy has to
be maintained because the dan tian stability is being challenged by the change of energy. Both practitioners
have to feel all things occurring to them while doing this. If one person looses one of the essentials, he will be
pushed out of balance because his dan tian does not have a firm capacity against the force.
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SHPF 3
(left: Push, right: ward-off and roll back)
When the person at the right finishes pushing, the person at the left has to change the direction of force and
turn his body with dan tian rotation. While turning the body, do not loose your relaxed sacrum and maintain Qi
connection from the dan tian through shoulders. Many practitioners tend to be stiff and tense when they feel
unnatural force from a partner. Dan tian rotation is simply turning of the waist, however, the whole body has to
be relaxed and the sunken sacrum is the key to do it.
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SHPF 4
(left: ward-off and roll back, right: push)
The same requirements are applied in the opposite direction. The purpose of this practice is to achieve
basic sensitivity with the sinking energy. In order to get high quality of practice, this has to be executed slowly.
Slower practice needs more intention to control the body and it brings more perceptivity. It is not hard to
understand how to change and apply the correct energy against the other four energies. Please remember to
maintain complete relaxation (: fàngsng) at all times.
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2) Double-Hands Pulling Flower (Pictures: DH 1, DH 2 and DH 3)
DHPF 1
(left: ward-off, right: roll back)
The only thing that differs from the single push-hands is that practitioners need to use both arms and
they have to be more specific when relaxing the shoulders. The arms are raised and dropped with shifting. By
practicing this, the practitioner can confirm whether or not Qi connection is made from the arms to the dan tian.
For example, arms become stable and solid if the dan tian is linked with them. This is the standard path of
relaxation in push-hands exercise. During double push-hands, prevent the neck from leaning back while lifting
the arms. Hands will sometimes feel cold if the practitioner does not sink energy and the pelvic region is not
bent. Ceaseless efforts of the standing post and the silk reeling exercises can prevent these kinds of errors.
Double hands „pulling flower also cultivates rooting ability and makes the dan tian rotate vertically.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
DHPF 2
(left: press, right: ward-off)
The arms are dropped and both people press. The energy of “press” is for containment when ward-off
or forward force exists. The body should make a spiral orbit when the weight changes forward and backward.
When a practitioner stabilizes the arms and legs, the pattern of this practice will begin to flow naturally.
However, the body could to lean to one side if Qi is not flowing and the dan tian is lost.
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DHPF 3
(left: ward-off (upper hand) and roll back (lower hand), right: roll back (upper hand) and ward-off (lower hand))
Arms should have more roll and pitch than the previous double-hands pulling flower, which have two
independent circles. At the same time, a practitioner has to have two different energies for the arm raise. For
instance, the left person has the upper ward-off and lower roll back when the right person has the upper roll
back and the lower ward-off. Practitioners are required to make circles with the right intention of these energies.
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DHPF 4
(left: roll back (upper hand) and press (lower hand), right: push (upper hand) and roll back (lower hand)
The four energies continuously operate and practitioners are able to find deviations in their postures that
need to be corrected. Taijiquan forms and push-hands are considered a needle and thread because practicing
forms is a prerequisite for push-hands. When a mistake is found, he has to seek and correct it by practicing
forms and will figure out how important the form practice is to make “flowing Qi.” Dan tian rotation
(: dntiánnèizhuàn) is required to do “roll back” and “press.”
2. Fixed Step Push-Hand (Picture: FSPH 1, FSPH 2 and FSPH 3)
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FSPH 1
Orbits of arms become three-dimensional shapes vertically and horizontally. It is more complicated to
execute than the previous steps and the key practice of the five kinds. The pattern is done with a pair; ward off -
roll back, push - press, press - press and roll back - ward-off. This can be a reverse when direction change
occurs. The most important fact is that dan tian leads all movements of arms and hands. If the dan tian does
not move and turn, the arms can not be moved. A practitioner needs to keep bending the hips (Kua ) properly
with arms when energies come toward him and dan tian needs solid capacity to react to them.
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FSPH 2
(left: press, right: press)
While he presses, maintain a loose shoulder and elbow structure while responding to the An energy.
The result is that he cannot create “qichendantian” condition. The key is letting the Kua (hip, ) to control the
arms because the pelvis depends on the stability of the bent hips. If he feels the pushing force is coming too fast,
he should bend the kua and try to keep the straight lumbar (opening the Mingmern area) with dan tian. Then the
transition of energies will be smooth and natural. However, rotation of dan tian has to be subtle and it cannot
disobey a physical limit of the pelvic rotation.
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FSPH 3
(left: press, right: push)
When he pushes, he has to think of the four basic directions of dan tian rotation. Technically, dan tian
has two horizontal directions and two vertical directions with circular movements. The dan tian has rotation
when it has to neutralize and change incoming energy. It always moves and works with arms because it is the
center of power. Many practitioners are not aware of this point, especially when they practice hastily. Master
Chen Bing states that dan tian should feel heavy with stability but the rest of the body should feel light and be
flexible.
3. Cross-Moved Step Push-Hand or Step Forward and Backward (Picture: CMPH 1, CMPH 2 and CMPH 3)
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
CMPH 1
(left: press, right: ward-off)
In this practice, your energy will be cultivated very vigorously because of stepping. The main point to
understand is the pull-down, split, elbow, and shoulder stroke while training. When stepping forward and
backward, it is possible to feel weakness of your energy and inappropriate step position against your partner.
The four supportive energies must have the silk reeling energy which includes the core dan tian energy. It is the
spiral energy that can penetrate through the body. Based upon the eight energies, the other five energies come
with stepping forward and backward. They are Advance (: jìn), Retreat (: tuì), Look-left (: gù), Look-
right (: pàn) and Central equilibrium (: dìng). It makes up the final thirteen principles with the eight
energies. The stance is an opposite direction from your partner. This is called “Cross moving” due to the
opposite stance. When he steps forward with the right foot, the other has to step backward with Press energy to
Ward-off. Equilibrium is commonly used as a standard meaning for a quite long time, but Master Chen Bing
defines it as “dan tian centered” because energies return to the dan tian after changes.
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CMPH 2
(left: roll-back, right: ward-off with elbow)
The silk reeling energy has to go through the shoulder and it has the energy of expansion. The level of
Taijiquan study will be clearly shown if one has more superior Jin (: jìn) to the other. Jin is considered more
advanced energy than Qi ( energy), which has solid and stable power. Jin is formed when Qi is maxed out
and overflow from the dan tian. Applications are revealed and energies of practitioners mutually increase due
to changes of stepping and silk reeling energy. As warm water flows into cold water, one of practitioners is
preferred to be at a higher level to stimulate the others dan tian and Qi. Their energies contradict and cross
until it finishes.
(left: shoulder stroke, right: roll-back)
It is prohibited to lean forward when he uses energy of shoulder stroke because it is easy to loose
balance. It is necessary to find out the feeling of “weight on the heel” and the same thing happens for “roll-
back.” The width of feet cannot be more than 4 feet to prevent difficulty of energy changes. Qi has to be kept
in the dan tian at all times to develop its capacity for energy neutralization.
4. Big Roll-Back Push-Hand (Picture: BRPH 1, BRPH 2, BRPH 3 and BRPH 4)
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
BRPH 1
(left: roll-back, right: elbow)
First of all, this practice requires a low posture. If the kua is not fully developed to execute it, he might
do a mid-stance. The best thing is to go low to the ground because absorbing and neutralizing energies with the
low posture help you condense Qi very intensely into the dan tian. This is the stage where you can develop and
increase your study of Taijiquan to the next level. Fangsong is required at all times. Practicing this sometimes
brings sort of „burning energy within the dan tian and the dangled sacrum is very important to control your
natural breathing. One of the key sentences of Taijiquan principles called “the upper chest empty and the legs
full (: shàngx xiàshí)” is specifically needed.
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BRPH 2
(left: roll-back, right: push with shoulder stroke)
This is the mixed practice derived from “cross moved step push-hand” with low posture. Watch for
changes of the eight energies and practice smoothly until energies flows. A lot of practitioners cannot relax
easily and they have a hard time getting used to it. A great tip is that two practitioners should stopped-motion
during the exercise such as the standing post for a few minutes. It can be five minutes or more. This exercise
will help open the Kua and the pelvic region. If too much energy is burnt and breathing not natural, practice is
no longer effective and must end to prevent damage.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
BRPH 3
(left: press, right: press)
Even though he can go low, it is hard to generate the silk reeling energy with the dan tian core. The
practice often becomes leg torture unless the silk reeling energy exists and dan tian revolves. In addition, some
practitioners have back pain if the lumbar is not relaxed and it has concave or convex shape. The only answer
to solve this kind of problem is to relax the chest and have a rounded upper back (: hánxingbábèi.)
Shoulders and hands will be alive and energetic if there is the condition of fangsong. The silk reeling energy
appears vastly with proper dan tian rotation.
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BRPH 4
(left: shoulder stroke, right: roll back)
Qi of two practitioners affects each other so that their energies are forged into Jin. Jin is considered
stronger energy than qi and it has a piercing power that can perforate into any part of the body. As qi becomes
Jin when it flows and dan tian increases its capacity, the energies are fully developed and the silk reeling energy
appears and disappears suddenly. If the pelvic region is stiff and a practitioner lowers the body beyond the right
posture, the perineum (: huìyn) looses qi and rooting is lost.
5. Free-Active Step or Randomly Pluck Flower (Picture: FAS 1, FAS 2 and FAS 3)
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FAS 1
(left: roll-back, right: push with shoulder stroke)
After mastering the four previous kinds, flower moving step is required to confirm whether he
understands the eight energies and the five principles with stepping forward and backward. It is going to move
randomly, but there are the thirteen disciplines of the Chen family Taijiquan practice. Although some people
say that it looks like ballroom dancing, it is definitely not. It is faster than other kinds of push-hands when
compared. In this practice, he should look for: Advance, Retreat, Look-left, Look-right and Central equilibrium.
This should be done very quickly with the eight energies. This is the essence of push-hands practice of the
Chen family and can inform you of the free style of push-hands training. Taijiquan is supposed to have four
characteristics: sturdiness, softness, fastness and slowness. If it just has slowness, it cannot seize the all
requirements of Taijiquan because there are not full changes of the yin and yang energy.
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FAS 2
Understandings of the all-sided support (: bmiànzhchng) becomes necessary. The theory of
all-sided support is defined by the status of perfect fit for any changes and it requires a natural energy
circulation while training. The all-sided support refers an invincible practitioner who keeps it and the energies
of the whole body have to be solid under any circumstance. If ones energy is not integrated, it will be a result
of loosing a balance or hard to maintain status of dan tian stability. Practitioners should watch the others
emptiness and fullness of body structure and be able to break the weakness.
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FAS 3
(left: roll-back , right: push with shoulder stroke)
The position of practitioners is switched due to changes of stepping and it can be changed to any
direction responding to the thirteen disciplines. Sturdiness should appear suddenly with softness and speed
vanishes swiftly with slowness. The negative and positive continuously react and interfere with different
energies as shadow exists when sun begins to rise.
Change of the Yin and Yang
Practicing push-hands is to comprehend the changes the eight energies with the other five steps when
stepping forward and backward. Therefore, it is 13 Taijiquan disciplines that are 8 energies plus 5 steps
(advance, retreat, look left, look right and centered). It deals with changes of the negative (: yn) and the
positive energy (: yáng) based upon the thirteen disciplines in Taijiquan. Energies always change if it moves
and changes. Practitioners have to understand not only the form but also the push-hands to achieve the ideal
goal: “comprehension of energies.” Taijiquan is not mysterious and often it is misunderstood due to lack of
comprehensions. Some demonstrations of exaggerated or non-realistic push-hands never work in reality.
However, the usage of the eight energies works no matter build or experience. The reeling silk (or silk reeling)
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energy is spiral power that can penetrate through any part of the human body, but it has to have core movement
with the dan tian. The Chen familys five kinds of push-hands have many sources and a practitioner should
have an authentic instructor to learn correctly. This is why instruction from an original Chen family lineage is
crucial for the highest level of accuracy in Taijiquan. When great realization and illumination harmonize
joyfully, they draw a clear picture of Taijiquan practice. What that happens it is hard not to practice Taijiquan.
With each practice, comprehensions will deeper understanding and pure wisdom. Usages of the energies have
no limit as long as one develops the study of push-hands.
*Note: This article was published by the Inside Kung-Fu magazine in the issue of August 2009. However, the
The Eight Energies
The previous article, Finding Fangsong, explained the basic concept of sinking energy into the dan tian
(: qìchéndntián) using internal and external preparations to achieve a type of relaxation called
Fangsong (: fàngsng). In Taijiquan, Fangsong is considered to be the ideal and complete form of
relaxation. Practitioners would do well to use Fangsong at all times while practicing any configuration
Taijiquan exercises. “Fangsong and Qichendantian” are critical concepts that are applied to the push-hands of
the Chen family Taijiquan. After reaching a certain level of Taijiquan practice confirmed by a qualified
instructor, a practitioner is expected to execute push-hands to understand different energies for applications. In
the Chen Taijiquan system, there are five push-hand methods that are set up in a way for practitioners to
comprehend the eight energies derived from “Peng” energy (: péng jìn). The eight energies are Peng (
péng: Ward-off), Lu ( l: Roll back), Ji ( j: Press), An ( àn: Push), Cai ( cài: Pull-down), Lie ( liè:
Split), zhou ( zhu: Elbow), and Kao ( Kào: Shoulder stroke). These energies are correlated to interact
with each other so they can be harmonized even when making various changes based upon the yin and yang
principle. After a practitioner becomes familiar with the push-hands method, the free step push-hand method is
the next step. This movement is non-arranged thus enabling a practitioner to better understand the eight
energies during practice. It is important to keep in mind that the five kinds of push-hands are not utilized in any
combat application. Rather it is purely designed for the practitioner to understand the eight energies.
Correlation of the Eight Energies
The purpose of this article is to focus on the essential techniques taught by Master Chen Bing (:
Chén Bng). From this, a practitioner can compare Master Chen Bings practice to the traditional Chen Family
methods. A brief diagram of the correlation of the eight energies will help understand how to apply the proper
energy against the other energies. There are four main energies and four supportive energies. The four main
energies interact substantially and the other four energies are complementary to them.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
The eight energies are derived from the Peng energy and it has two different definitions in the Chen
Family Taijiquan. The first definition is Internal Expansion. This is characterized by cultivating the internal
energy, Qi (energy), from the dan tian area. Achieving this will allow the body to act in an elastic state, which
allows a practitioner to adapt and react against any forces. The second definition of Peng is Warding-Off. This
is characterized in the push-hands practice in order to differentiate and define the eight energies. Master Chen
Bing states that the goal of push-hands is to understand the differences in the eight energies. Practitioners will
find marked deviations in their energy while training. The push-hands practice would be a meaningless without
comprehension. This is the reason why the classical push-hands practice requires deeper understanding of
relaxation and neutralization of the different energies. If done correctly, the five push-hands methods not only
become a foundation for Taijiquan, but also a foundation for adaptive understanding as time passes. The five
kinds of push-hands are the cornerstone to an upright practitioner of the Chen Family Taijiquan.
The Five Kinds of Push-Hands
1. Pulling Flower (: wnhu)
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
2) Double-hands Pulling Flower(: shungshuwnhu)
2. Fixed Step Push-Hand (: dìngbùtushu)
3. Cross-Moved Step Push-Hand (: shùnbùtushu) or Step forward and backward (:
yjìnytuì)
5. Free-Active Step (: huóbùtushu) or Randomly Pluck Flower (: luàncihu)
Note: Master Chen Bing is a direct descendant of Chen Wangting. He is the next representative of the Chen
family Taijiquan after Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. Bosco Seung-Chul Baek is the only disciple of Master
Chen Bings in the United States. Official website is www.ChenBing.org
Model : Bosco Seung-Chul Baek (left) and Master Chen Bing (right)
1. Pulling Flower
a.Single-Hand Pulling Flower (Picture: SH 1, SH 2, SH 3 and SH 4)
(left: ward-off, right: ward-off)
In practice of “single-hand pulling flower,” there are four main energies to observe. The L and An energy
appear more clearly than the Peng and Ji. Using the hands and body, create dan tian stability to establish “core
and rooting”. Sinking hips and the dangled sacrum are required to perform this practice and the hands of two
practitioners have to maintain contact at all the times. Maintain the body in a straight and upright posture.
Shoulders should feel heavy and steady when maintaining inner relaxation. After achieving this, the dan tian
becomes an „antenna to sense delicate movements.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
SHPF 2
(left: ward-off and roll back, right: push)
The right method to push is with the arms and the entire spine. This is so that and you will not go further
than your toe line when keeping balance. The person on the left should maintain a bent and a relaxed hip
posture when being pushed. As soon as the pushing energy ends, the left person has to absorb and neutralize
the forward force. This is called “roll back” and it happens after the ward-off. Opening the lumbar is necessary
to have more flexibility, but there should be no concave or convex. It is totally flattened and relaxed. If there is
curved area on the lumbar, the practitioner has to go back and fix the standing post. Your sinking energy has to
be maintained because the dan tian stability is being challenged by the change of energy. Both practitioners
have to feel all things occurring to them while doing this. If one person looses one of the essentials, he will be
pushed out of balance because his dan tian does not have a firm capacity against the force.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
SHPF 3
(left: Push, right: ward-off and roll back)
When the person at the right finishes pushing, the person at the left has to change the direction of force and
turn his body with dan tian rotation. While turning the body, do not loose your relaxed sacrum and maintain Qi
connection from the dan tian through shoulders. Many practitioners tend to be stiff and tense when they feel
unnatural force from a partner. Dan tian rotation is simply turning of the waist, however, the whole body has to
be relaxed and the sunken sacrum is the key to do it.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
SHPF 4
(left: ward-off and roll back, right: push)
The same requirements are applied in the opposite direction. The purpose of this practice is to achieve
basic sensitivity with the sinking energy. In order to get high quality of practice, this has to be executed slowly.
Slower practice needs more intention to control the body and it brings more perceptivity. It is not hard to
understand how to change and apply the correct energy against the other four energies. Please remember to
maintain complete relaxation (: fàngsng) at all times.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
2) Double-Hands Pulling Flower (Pictures: DH 1, DH 2 and DH 3)
DHPF 1
(left: ward-off, right: roll back)
The only thing that differs from the single push-hands is that practitioners need to use both arms and
they have to be more specific when relaxing the shoulders. The arms are raised and dropped with shifting. By
practicing this, the practitioner can confirm whether or not Qi connection is made from the arms to the dan tian.
For example, arms become stable and solid if the dan tian is linked with them. This is the standard path of
relaxation in push-hands exercise. During double push-hands, prevent the neck from leaning back while lifting
the arms. Hands will sometimes feel cold if the practitioner does not sink energy and the pelvic region is not
bent. Ceaseless efforts of the standing post and the silk reeling exercises can prevent these kinds of errors.
Double hands „pulling flower also cultivates rooting ability and makes the dan tian rotate vertically.
www.ChenBing.org [email protected]
DHPF 2
(left: press, right: ward-off)
The arms are dropped and both people press. The energy of “press” is for containment when ward-off
or forward force exists. The body should make a spiral orbit when the weight changes forward and backward.
When a practitioner stabilizes the arms and legs, the pattern of this practice will begin to flow naturally.
However, the body could to lean to one side if Qi is not flowing and the dan tian is lost.
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DHPF 3
(left: ward-off (upper hand) and roll back (lower hand), right: roll back (upper hand) and ward-off (lower hand))
Arms should have more roll and pitch than the previous double-hands pulling flower, which have two
independent circles. At the same time, a practitioner has to have two different energies for the arm raise. For
instance, the left person has the upper ward-off and lower roll back when the right person has the upper roll
back and the lower ward-off. Practitioners are required to make circles with the right intention of these energies.
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DHPF 4
(left: roll back (upper hand) and press (lower hand), right: push (upper hand) and roll back (lower hand)
The four energies continuously operate and practitioners are able to find deviations in their postures that
need to be corrected. Taijiquan forms and push-hands are considered a needle and thread because practicing
forms is a prerequisite for push-hands. When a mistake is found, he has to seek and correct it by practicing
forms and will figure out how important the form practice is to make “flowing Qi.” Dan tian rotation
(: dntiánnèizhuàn) is required to do “roll back” and “press.”
2. Fixed Step Push-Hand (Picture: FSPH 1, FSPH 2 and FSPH 3)
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FSPH 1
Orbits of arms become three-dimensional shapes vertically and horizontally. It is more complicated to
execute than the previous steps and the key practice of the five kinds. The pattern is done with a pair; ward off -
roll back, push - press, press - press and roll back - ward-off. This can be a reverse when direction change
occurs. The most important fact is that dan tian leads all movements of arms and hands. If the dan tian does
not move and turn, the arms can not be moved. A practitioner needs to keep bending the hips (Kua ) properly
with arms when energies come toward him and dan tian needs solid capacity to react to them.
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FSPH 2
(left: press, right: press)
While he presses, maintain a loose shoulder and elbow structure while responding to the An energy.
The result is that he cannot create “qichendantian” condition. The key is letting the Kua (hip, ) to control the
arms because the pelvis depends on the stability of the bent hips. If he feels the pushing force is coming too fast,
he should bend the kua and try to keep the straight lumbar (opening the Mingmern area) with dan tian. Then the
transition of energies will be smooth and natural. However, rotation of dan tian has to be subtle and it cannot
disobey a physical limit of the pelvic rotation.
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FSPH 3
(left: press, right: push)
When he pushes, he has to think of the four basic directions of dan tian rotation. Technically, dan tian
has two horizontal directions and two vertical directions with circular movements. The dan tian has rotation
when it has to neutralize and change incoming energy. It always moves and works with arms because it is the
center of power. Many practitioners are not aware of this point, especially when they practice hastily. Master
Chen Bing states that dan tian should feel heavy with stability but the rest of the body should feel light and be
flexible.
3. Cross-Moved Step Push-Hand or Step Forward and Backward (Picture: CMPH 1, CMPH 2 and CMPH 3)
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CMPH 1
(left: press, right: ward-off)
In this practice, your energy will be cultivated very vigorously because of stepping. The main point to
understand is the pull-down, split, elbow, and shoulder stroke while training. When stepping forward and
backward, it is possible to feel weakness of your energy and inappropriate step position against your partner.
The four supportive energies must have the silk reeling energy which includes the core dan tian energy. It is the
spiral energy that can penetrate through the body. Based upon the eight energies, the other five energies come
with stepping forward and backward. They are Advance (: jìn), Retreat (: tuì), Look-left (: gù), Look-
right (: pàn) and Central equilibrium (: dìng). It makes up the final thirteen principles with the eight
energies. The stance is an opposite direction from your partner. This is called “Cross moving” due to the
opposite stance. When he steps forward with the right foot, the other has to step backward with Press energy to
Ward-off. Equilibrium is commonly used as a standard meaning for a quite long time, but Master Chen Bing
defines it as “dan tian centered” because energies return to the dan tian after changes.
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CMPH 2
(left: roll-back, right: ward-off with elbow)
The silk reeling energy has to go through the shoulder and it has the energy of expansion. The level of
Taijiquan study will be clearly shown if one has more superior Jin (: jìn) to the other. Jin is considered more
advanced energy than Qi ( energy), which has solid and stable power. Jin is formed when Qi is maxed out
and overflow from the dan tian. Applications are revealed and energies of practitioners mutually increase due
to changes of stepping and silk reeling energy. As warm water flows into cold water, one of practitioners is
preferred to be at a higher level to stimulate the others dan tian and Qi. Their energies contradict and cross
until it finishes.
(left: shoulder stroke, right: roll-back)
It is prohibited to lean forward when he uses energy of shoulder stroke because it is easy to loose
balance. It is necessary to find out the feeling of “weight on the heel” and the same thing happens for “roll-
back.” The width of feet cannot be more than 4 feet to prevent difficulty of energy changes. Qi has to be kept
in the dan tian at all times to develop its capacity for energy neutralization.
4. Big Roll-Back Push-Hand (Picture: BRPH 1, BRPH 2, BRPH 3 and BRPH 4)
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BRPH 1
(left: roll-back, right: elbow)
First of all, this practice requires a low posture. If the kua is not fully developed to execute it, he might
do a mid-stance. The best thing is to go low to the ground because absorbing and neutralizing energies with the
low posture help you condense Qi very intensely into the dan tian. This is the stage where you can develop and
increase your study of Taijiquan to the next level. Fangsong is required at all times. Practicing this sometimes
brings sort of „burning energy within the dan tian and the dangled sacrum is very important to control your
natural breathing. One of the key sentences of Taijiquan principles called “the upper chest empty and the legs
full (: shàngx xiàshí)” is specifically needed.
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BRPH 2
(left: roll-back, right: push with shoulder stroke)
This is the mixed practice derived from “cross moved step push-hand” with low posture. Watch for
changes of the eight energies and practice smoothly until energies flows. A lot of practitioners cannot relax
easily and they have a hard time getting used to it. A great tip is that two practitioners should stopped-motion
during the exercise such as the standing post for a few minutes. It can be five minutes or more. This exercise
will help open the Kua and the pelvic region. If too much energy is burnt and breathing not natural, practice is
no longer effective and must end to prevent damage.
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BRPH 3
(left: press, right: press)
Even though he can go low, it is hard to generate the silk reeling energy with the dan tian core. The
practice often becomes leg torture unless the silk reeling energy exists and dan tian revolves. In addition, some
practitioners have back pain if the lumbar is not relaxed and it has concave or convex shape. The only answer
to solve this kind of problem is to relax the chest and have a rounded upper back (: hánxingbábèi.)
Shoulders and hands will be alive and energetic if there is the condition of fangsong. The silk reeling energy
appears vastly with proper dan tian rotation.
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BRPH 4
(left: shoulder stroke, right: roll back)
Qi of two practitioners affects each other so that their energies are forged into Jin. Jin is considered
stronger energy than qi and it has a piercing power that can perforate into any part of the body. As qi becomes
Jin when it flows and dan tian increases its capacity, the energies are fully developed and the silk reeling energy
appears and disappears suddenly. If the pelvic region is stiff and a practitioner lowers the body beyond the right
posture, the perineum (: huìyn) looses qi and rooting is lost.
5. Free-Active Step or Randomly Pluck Flower (Picture: FAS 1, FAS 2 and FAS 3)
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FAS 1
(left: roll-back, right: push with shoulder stroke)
After mastering the four previous kinds, flower moving step is required to confirm whether he
understands the eight energies and the five principles with stepping forward and backward. It is going to move
randomly, but there are the thirteen disciplines of the Chen family Taijiquan practice. Although some people
say that it looks like ballroom dancing, it is definitely not. It is faster than other kinds of push-hands when
compared. In this practice, he should look for: Advance, Retreat, Look-left, Look-right and Central equilibrium.
This should be done very quickly with the eight energies. This is the essence of push-hands practice of the
Chen family and can inform you of the free style of push-hands training. Taijiquan is supposed to have four
characteristics: sturdiness, softness, fastness and slowness. If it just has slowness, it cannot seize the all
requirements of Taijiquan because there are not full changes of the yin and yang energy.
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FAS 2
Understandings of the all-sided support (: bmiànzhchng) becomes necessary. The theory of
all-sided support is defined by the status of perfect fit for any changes and it requires a natural energy
circulation while training. The all-sided support refers an invincible practitioner who keeps it and the energies
of the whole body have to be solid under any circumstance. If ones energy is not integrated, it will be a result
of loosing a balance or hard to maintain status of dan tian stability. Practitioners should watch the others
emptiness and fullness of body structure and be able to break the weakness.
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FAS 3
(left: roll-back , right: push with shoulder stroke)
The position of practitioners is switched due to changes of stepping and it can be changed to any
direction responding to the thirteen disciplines. Sturdiness should appear suddenly with softness and speed
vanishes swiftly with slowness. The negative and positive continuously react and interfere with different
energies as shadow exists when sun begins to rise.
Change of the Yin and Yang
Practicing push-hands is to comprehend the changes the eight energies with the other five steps when
stepping forward and backward. Therefore, it is 13 Taijiquan disciplines that are 8 energies plus 5 steps
(advance, retreat, look left, look right and centered). It deals with changes of the negative (: yn) and the
positive energy (: yáng) based upon the thirteen disciplines in Taijiquan. Energies always change if it moves
and changes. Practitioners have to understand not only the form but also the push-hands to achieve the ideal
goal: “comprehension of energies.” Taijiquan is not mysterious and often it is misunderstood due to lack of
comprehensions. Some demonstrations of exaggerated or non-realistic push-hands never work in reality.
However, the usage of the eight energies works no matter build or experience. The reeling silk (or silk reeling)
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energy is spiral power that can penetrate through any part of the human body, but it has to have core movement
with the dan tian. The Chen familys five kinds of push-hands have many sources and a practitioner should
have an authentic instructor to learn correctly. This is why instruction from an original Chen family lineage is
crucial for the highest level of accuracy in Taijiquan. When great realization and illumination harmonize
joyfully, they draw a clear picture of Taijiquan practice. What that happens it is hard not to practice Taijiquan.
With each practice, comprehensions will deeper understanding and pure wisdom. Usages of the energies have
no limit as long as one develops the study of push-hands.
*Note: This article was published by the Inside Kung-Fu magazine in the issue of August 2009. However, the
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