Practice Routine: Double Push and Ward Off with Kua Connection

 

Practice Routine: Double Push and Ward Off with Kua Connection

Objective: This practice emphasizes both maintaining structural integrity while responding to an opponent's force and utilizing the kuas to issue energy effectively.

Step 1: Warm-Up

• Begin with gentle stretching, especially focusing on the shoulders, arms, and hips. This will prepare your body to remain relaxed yet responsive during practice.

Step 2: Partner Practice - Double Push

1. Starting Position: Stand facing your partner in a relaxed stance, with your arms raised in front of you, palms facing each other.
2. Initiate the Push: Both partners simultaneously push against each other’s upper arms with gentle force. Ensure your upper arm maintains its angle, creating a stable structure.
3. Responding with Ward Off:
   • As you feel your partner’s push, engage your lower arms instead of your upper arms.
   • Use your middle finger as a pivot point to direct the movement of your lower arms (forearms). The middle finger represents the center of rotation for the lower arm.
   • Ensure that your kuas are engaged and connected to your arms, creating a unified structure throughout your body.
   • Allow your thumb to guide the energy (jing) outward while keeping contact with your partner’s arms.

Step 3: Turning and Leading with Middle Finger, Thumb, and Kua

1. Executing the Turn:

   • Rotate your lower arms outward from the middle finger. This creates a natural arc while keeping the upper arms static. The movement allows the energy to flow seamlessly without breaking contact.
   • As you turn, visualize your thumb leading the energy into your partner’s pushing hands, enhancing your ability to penetrate deeper into their center of gravity.

2. Connecting Kua to Upper Body:

   • Focus on using your kuas to connect your body’s movement to your arms. When your kuas are engaged, they create a stronger link and allow your movement to be more fluid and powerful.
   • As you engage your kuas, ensure that they are driving the energy forward, facilitating a strong connection from your hips through to your arms.

3. Issuing Energy Forward:

   • When everything is properly connected—your upper body, lower arms, and kuas—you can begin to issue energy forward.
   • Use the motion of your hip joint (kua) to generate power that flows through your arms and into your partner’s body. This energy issuance should feel unified and direct.

Step 4: Exploration of Theories

• Structural Integrity: Throughout the exercise, remember that the upper arms’ angle remains unchanged. This reinforces the principle of maintaining a strong structure while being flexible in your responses.

• Use of Middle Finger and Thumb:

  • The middle finger allows for greater control over the direction of your lower arm movements. It acts as the axis around which the forearms can pivot, fostering fluidity in your actions.
  • The thumb's role in leading the jing serves as a guiding force. By directing your energy effectively, you remain connected to your partner while maintaining the ability to alter your path as necessary.

• Kua Dynamics: Engage your kuas to create a strong connection to your arms. The hip movements should synchronize with your upper body actions, adding another layer of strength and generating significant forward energy. Practicing this connection will enhance your effectiveness in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

• Contact Dynamics: Emphasize the importance of continuous contact throughout. This connection symbolizes the flow of energy and enhances your sensitivity to your partner’s movements. Practicing in this way will refine your skills in sensing and responding to force.

Conclusion

Regular practice of the above movements, with particular attention given to connecting your kuas to your arms, will deepen your understanding of energy dynamics in push-hands exercises. Focus on the principles of structure, connection, and fluidity. As you advance, explore the subtleties of how your body interacts with your partner’s energy and the efficacy of issuing energy forward through your kuas.

Reminder

Make sure to regularly check in with your partner for feedback and adjust your technique accordingly for a comprehensive learning experience. Enjoy the practice!