Wayne's Push Hands Training

 

Wayne's Push Hands Training

Before we delve into the drills, let's recap the fundamental principles:

• Energy Transmission: The ability to receive, transmit, and redirect force.
• Structural Integrity: Maintaining a relaxed but strong upper arm structure to absorb force effectively.
• Adhesion and Leverage: Using sticky hands to adhere to the opponent's arms and generate leverage.
• Root and Grounding: The importance of sinking and sending energy to the soles for stability and power.
• Coordination of Upper and Lower Body: The relationship between kua movement and arm action.
• Using the qua, not the arms.

Push Hands Drills

Drill 1: Single Arm Push (Same Side)

• Focus: Energy transmission, upper arm structure, adhesion, and root.
• Execution:
  • A pushes B’s upper arm/lower arm junction.
  • B receives the force, maintains upper arm structure, and sticks to A's arm.
  • B rotates the lower arm while adhering to A's arm, generating counterforce, which comes from the kua and the calf and the bubbling well acupoint.
  • The degree of either A's or B's push is determined by the movement of the kua.
• Key Points:
  • Ensure the upper arm remains relaxed but strong.
  • Maintain a neutral wrist and avoid locking the elbow. Recall Wayne's lower arm swing practice.
  • Coordinate the movement of the kua with the arm action.
  • Feel the energy flow from A to B and back.

Drill 2: Single Arm Push (Opposite Side)

• Focus: Energy transmission, upper arm structure, adhesion, and root.
• Execution:
  • Same as Drill 1 but with hands switched.
• Key Points:
  • Pay attention to the subtle differences in body mechanics.
  • Adjust your stance and posture accordingly.

Drill 3: Two Arm Push

• Focus: Energy transmission, root, and coordination.
• Execution:
  • Both A and B push with both hands simultaneously.
  • Maintain a relaxed but strong posture.
  • The back leg channels energy from the ground, while the hands maintain their shape to initially transmit the energy. As this energy is conveyed, the arms then begin to expand.
  • Coordinate the movement of both arms and the kua.
• Key Points:
  • Avoid using excessive force.
  • Focus on sensitivity and responsiveness.
  • Pay attention to the interplay of yin and yang forces.
  • The feeder maintains a constant force (energy), such as 20%, without increasing or decreasing it. The receiver connects this energy to the ground and is then pushed away by the same amount of energy that was initially received.

Additional Considerations

• Mindfulness: Be fully present in the moment and focus on the connection with your partner.
• Relaxation: Avoid tension in the body. Let the energy flow freely.
• Listening: Develop the ability to feel your partner's intentions and respond accordingly.
• Variation: Experiment with different angles, distances, and speeds to challenge yourself.
• Partnering: Find a partner who shares your interest in learning and growing.

Remember: Push hands is a journey, not a destination. Consistent practice and patience are key to progress. Enjoy the process and have fun!

Drill 4: Upper Arm and Lower Arm Push

Objective: Develop the ability to receive and redirect incoming force while maintaining structural integrity in the upper arm and effectively using the kua.

Setup:

1. Position: Practitioner A and Practitioner B face each other in a push hands stance.
2. Initiation: Practitioner A uses their hand to push between Practitioner B's upper arm and lower arm.

Steps:

1. Receiving the Energy:

   • Practitioner B receives the push by allowing the energy to travel down to their soles.
   • Practitioner B's upper arm should absorb the incoming force without collapsing. Focus on maintaining structure and not letting the arm bend inward.

2. Redirecting the Energy:

   • Practitioner B rotates their lower arm around by sticking closely to A’s arms, aiming to redirect the energy back to Practitioner A.
   • The push from Practitioner B should mimic the direction and strength of the push from Practitioner A, adjusting based on how much the kua (hips) moves.

3. Kua Movement:

   • Practitioner B’s kua should drive the movement of both arms. As the kua moves, the arms should follow the movement on the same side.
   • Ensure that the energy flow is continuous and that the kua is not rigid but fluid in its movement.

Points to Pay Attention To:

• Maintain a relaxed yet firm connection in the upper arm to absorb force.
• Ensure that the lower arm movement is smooth and adheres closely to A’s arm.
• The kua movement should be natural and not forced, reflecting in the arm movement and push.

Drill 5: Swapping Hands

Objective: Develop ambidextrous skills and ensure the ability to apply techniques symmetrically.

Setup:

1. Position: Same as Drill 1.

Steps:

   Two-Hand Push:

      Practitioner A pushes Practitioner B's upper or lower arm using both hands.

     Practitioner B uses their kuas to follow the jings and redirect the incoming forces from Practitioner A in different directions.

1. Execution:

   • Practitioner B receives and redirects the force similarly, ensuring that both hands are capable of absorbing and redirecting energy effectively.
   • Focus on equal proficiency with both hands, practicing the kua movement and energy redirection.

Points to Pay Attention To:

• Ensure that both hands can absorb and redirect force equally well.
• Maintain proper alignment and structural integrity in both arms.
• Pay attention to the symmetry in kua movement when switching hands.

Drill 6: Two-Hand Push

Objective: Integrate the use of both hands while maintaining energy flow and structural integrity.

Setup:

1. Position: Practitioners A and B start in a push hands stance, each using both hands for pushing.

Steps:

1. Two-Handed Interaction:

   • Practitioner A uses both hands to push against Practitioner B.
   • Practitioner B responds by receiving the force with both hands, sinking the energy down to the soles, and then pushes back.

2. Execution:

   • Practitioner B’s arms should move in coordination with the kua, maintaining a strong yet flexible connection.
   • Pushes should be evenly distributed through both hands, and the energy should flow smoothly from the arms to the soles.

Points to Pay Attention To:

• Ensure that both hands work in unison, and that the kua movement is reflected in the push.
• Keep a relaxed connection and avoid using excessive local power.
• The energy should flow continuously from the arms down to the feet, maintaining a balanced stance.

General Points to Consider:

• Relaxation: Ensure relaxation in the arms and shoulders to allow for better absorption and redirection of force.
• Connection: Maintain a strong connection through the entire body, from the hands to the soles of the feet.
• Kua Movement: Proper kua movement is crucial for effective energy transfer and balance. Avoid over-reliance on the arms or shoulders.
• Energy Flow: Continuously focus on the flow of energy, ensuring it moves from the point of contact down to the feet.

Practicing these drills regularly will help improve your push hands skills by enhancing your ability to receive, redirect, and utilize force effectively.

Drill 7: Center Targeting Push

Focus: Targeting the center, energy transmission, and structural integrity.

Execution:

• Initiation: The pusher aims to target the receiver's center of mass.
• Attack: The pusher uses their arms and body to apply pressure towards the receiver's center.
• Reception: The receiver focuses on maintaining structural integrity, grounding, and energy transmission.
• Counter: The receiver attempts to neutralize the incoming force and redirect it back to the pusher.

Key Points:

• Pusher:
  • Use the whole body to generate power, not just the arms.
  • Coordinate the movement of the lower body with the upper body.
  • Vary the angle and speed of the attack.
• Receiver:
  • Maintain a relaxed and grounded stance.
  • Use the arms to deflect and redirect the force.
  • Avoid resisting the force directly.

Additional Considerations:

• Sensitivity: The pusher should be sensitive to the receiver’s reactions and adjust accordingly.
• Timing: The receiver should develop a sense of timing to neutralize the incoming force at the right moment.
• Balance: Both partners should maintain balance throughout the drill.

Remember: This drill is an opportunity for the pusher to develop offensive skills and for the receiver to enhance defensive capabilities. Focus on quality over quantity.

Drill 8: Center Attack Push

Objective: Develop the ability to focus on and target the center of the receiver's body while maintaining effective push hands technique.

Setup:

1. Position: Practitioners A and B face each other in a push hands stance.
2. Initiation: Practitioner A will push toward Practitioner B, specifically targeting their center of body.

Steps:

1. Attacking the Center:

   • Practitioner A initiates a push with the intention of targeting the center of Practitioner B’s body. This could be the solar plexus (腹腔神經叢） or the central line of their torso.
   • Practitioner A should aim to apply force directly at the center, using their kua to generate power and ensuring that the force is balanced and controlled.

2. Receiving and Redirecting:

   • Practitioner B focuses on receiving the push aimed at their center. The goal is to maintain alignment and avoid collapsing in response to the force.
   • Practitioner B should absorb the push with a sinking action, sending the energy down to the soles, while maintaining a stable center of gravity.

3. Counteracting:

   • Practitioner B uses their kua to redirect the incoming force back toward Practitioner A. The movement should follow the direction and intensity of the push from A, using the same principles of energy flow and kua movement.
   • The arms should move smoothly and adhere closely to A’s arms, reflecting the push from A.

Points to Pay Attention To:

• Focus on the Center: Practitioner A should concentrate on attacking the center of Practitioner B’s body, using precise targeting to challenge B’s stability.
• Alignment and Structure: Practitioner B needs to maintain proper alignment and structural integrity when receiving the push. Avoid collapsing or shifting off balance.
• Energy Flow: Ensure that energy flows from the center of the body down to the feet. Both practitioners should work on maintaining a continuous flow of energy throughout the movement.
• Kua Movement: Both practitioners should use their kua effectively. Practitioner A’s kua should generate and direct the force, while Practitioner B’s kua should help absorb and redirect the force.

Summary of Key Points:

• Practitioner A: Focus on attacking the center with controlled, balanced force. Use the kua to generate power and maintain alignment.
• Practitioner B: Absorb the force with the center of the body, maintain stability, and use the kua to redirect the energy back to Practitioner A.
• Both Practitioners: Ensure smooth energy flow, proper arm movement, and effective kua utilization.

Practicing this drill will enhance your ability to target and defend against attacks aimed at the center of your body, improving your overall push hands technique and balance.