Four points Push Hands Practice Drill

Four points Push Hands Practice Drill

Objective: Enhance the ability to receive and connect incoming jing, while maintaining proper hand and body positioning to protect the center.

Roles:

• A: Initiates the push
• B: Receives and connects the push

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Start in the standard push hands position with A and B facing each other, both in a relaxed stance.

2. Round 1-10:

   • A’s Actions:
     1. Push B’s left shoulder.
     2. Push B’s right shoulder.
     3. Push B’s left kua.
     4. Push B’s right kua.
   • B’s Actions:
     1. Left Shoulder:
        • When A pushes B’s left shoulder, B should connect the incoming jing to the ground while raising the left hand to assist in receiving the jing.
     2. Right Shoulder:
        • When A pushes B’s right shoulder, B should connect the incoming jing to the ground while raising the right hand to assist in receiving the jing.
     3. Left Kua:
        • When A pushes B’s left kua, B should ensure that both hands are inside A’s hands, and maintain protection of the central area.
     4. Right Kua:
        • When A pushes B’s right kua, B should ensure that both hands are inside A’s hands, and maintain protection of the central area.

3. Role Swap:

   • After completing the ten rounds, A and B swap roles. B will now initiate the push and A will follow the same receiving and connecting process.

4. Counting:

   • Count each type of push (shoulder/kua) separately for each round, from 1 to 4. Repeat the sequence for ten rounds.

Key Points to Remember:

• Connection to the Ground: B must ensure that the incoming jing is connected to the ground for effective force reception.
• Hand Positioning: B should keep their hands inside A’s hands to protect the central area and maintain balance.
• Role Swap Practice: Ensure both partners experience both roles to develop a balanced skill set.

Push Hands Practice Outline

Basic Structure

• Rounds: 10 rounds per partner
• Sequence: Left shoulder, right shoulder, left kua, right kua
• Partner A: Initiates the push
• Partner B: Receives the push, connects to ground, protects center

Detailed Practice

Round 1-4:

• A: Pushes B's left shoulder with right hand, left hand supports by connecting to B's right hand.

• B: Receives push with left shoulder left supports. Connects left foot to ground. Maintains hands inside A's hands.

• A: Pushes B's right shoulder with right hand connecting to B's left hand.

• B: Receives push with right shoulder with right hand supporting inside. Connects the incoming jing to ground. Maintains hands inside A's hands.

• A: Pushes B's left kua with left hand, right hand supports.

• B: Receives push with left kua, connecting the incoming jing  to ground with left hand helping receive the jing. Maintains hands inside A's hands.

• A: Pushes B's right kua with right hand, left hand supports.

• B: Receives push with right kua, connecting the incoming jing to ground. Maintains hands inside A's hands.

Round 5-8:

• Partners switch roles. Repeat the sequence above.

Round 9-10:

• Partners experiment with variations:
  • Changing the angle of the push
  • Adding body movement
  • Changing the timing of the connection to the ground
  • Incorporating stepping or shifting

Key Points

• Focus on jing: Understand and feel the transmission of force.
• Grounding: Connect to the earth for stability and power.
• Center protection: Maintain a strong core and keep hands inside opponent's hands.
• Relaxation: Avoid tension and rigidity.
• Listening: Be sensitive to your partner's movements.

Additional Tips

• Start slowly and gradually increase speed and intensity.
• Communicate with your partner about any discomfort or adjustments needed.
• Experiment with different body positions and hand placements.
• Vary the pressure of the push to challenge your partner.

Remember: The goal of push hands is not to overpower your opponent but to develop sensitivity, balance, and coordination. Enjoy the process of learning and growing together.