Being Pushed

Being Pushed

The phrases 被按是鬆下，不是退 (bèi àn shì sōng xià, bù shì tuì)  (When being pressed, relax, not retreat) 

This phrase highlights the importance of yielding to an opponent's force rather than resisting it directly. In Tai Chi, stiffness and resistance are considered detrimental to effective self-defense. Instead, practitioners are encouraged to relax their muscles, allow the incoming force to penetrate their body, and use it to their advantage.

By yielding, the practitioner can redirect the opponent's force and generate their own momentum, making it easier to control and counter the attack. This approach is often described as using the opponent's force against them.

The phrases  被按時後坐鬆下，不是後退 (bèi àn shí hòuzuò sōng xià, bù shì hòutuì) are also a common saying in Tai Chi that emphasizes the importance of relaxation and proper alignment when responding to an opponent's force. However, there is a subtle difference in meaning between the above two phrases.

被按是鬆下，不是退 (When being pressed, relax, not retreat)

This phrase focuses on the immediate response to an opponent's pressing force. It instructs the practitioner to relax their muscles and yield to the incoming force rather than trying to resist it directly. This allows the practitioner to absorb the force and redirect it to their advantage.

被按時後坐鬆下，不是後退 (When being pressed, sit back and relax, not retreat)

This phrase expands on the previous one by adding the instruction to sit back as the practitioner relaxes. This action of sitting back helps to maintain proper alignment and center of gravity, making it more difficult for the opponent to unbalance or overpower the practitioner.

In essence, the second phrase emphasizes the importance of combining relaxation with proper alignment to effectively respond to an opponent's pushing/ pressing force. It suggests that the practitioner should not only yield to the force but also maintain a strong and stable posture, making it harder for the opponent to gain control.

Summary

• 被按是鬆下，不是退 (When being pressed, relax, not retreat): Focuses on the immediate response of relaxation and yielding.

• 被按時後坐鬆下，不是後退 (When being pressed, sit back and relax, not retreat): Emphasizes combining relaxation with proper alignment and sitting back to maintain balance and stability.

Both phrases are valuable principles for Tai Chi self-defense, teaching practitioners how to effectively neutralize an opponent's pressing force while maintaining control and balance.

• Key Takeaways:
• Stability and Grounding: Sinking down when pressed and maintaining intention in the back when pushing help create a stable and grounded posture.
• Relaxation and Control: Relaxing and avoiding retreating ensure that you remain in control of your movements and can effectively respond to your opponent’s actions.
• Whole-Body Integration: These principles encourage the use of the entire body in movements, ensuring that force is distributed and managed efficiently.