Commencement Form Push Hand Drills

Commencement Form Push Hand Drills 

The debate over whether both hands in the Commencement Form (起勢) have equal force and connection to the ground or whether one leads while the other follows comes down to different interpretations of Tai Chi principles. Let's break it down and then create drills to test both concepts.

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Two Theories on Hand Force and Connection to the Ground

Theory 1: Both Hands Have Equal Force and Connection to the Ground

• This interpretation aligns with the idea of yin-yang balance, where the two hands rise and fall in harmony with equal energetic connection to the ground.

• The energy distribution is symmetrical, meaning that neither hand dominates, and both are equally rooted through the body's structure.

• Practitioners who favor this approach often emphasize central equilibrium (中定)—keeping everything balanced and evenly connected.

Theory 2: One Hand Leads, One Hand Follows

• Some schools believe that even in Commencement Form, one hand is slightly more active (yang) while the other is more passive (yin).

• The leading hand takes initiative, while the following hand adjusts and complements the movement.

• This follows the principle of spiral energy (纏絲勁), where there is always a leading force and a supporting force working together in Tai Chi.

• The leading hand is often slightly more connected to the ground, transmitting energy, while the following hand supports and balances the motion.

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Drills for Testing Which Theory Works for You

Drill 1: Equal Force & Equal Ground Connection Test

💡 Goal: To check whether both hands have equal force and are equally connected to the ground.

1. Stand in Wuji Posture (無極站樁) with arms relaxed and feet shoulder-width apart.

2. Slowly lift both hands as in the Commencement Form, focusing on keeping the sensation in both arms equal.

3. Have a partner lightly press down on each hand separately.

   • If both hands are equally connected to the ground, you should feel an equal ability to resist pressure in each hand.

   • If one hand collapses more easily than the other, you may unconsciously be favoring one side.

4. Try gently pressing your hands down onto your partner’s forearms (without force).

   • If the hands are truly equal, your partner should feel equal weight distribution.

   • If one hand presses more than the other, it suggests an imbalance.

✅ Success Sign: Both hands feel equally connected to the ground and respond equally to pressure.

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Drill 2: Lead & Follow Hand Test

💡 Goal: To test whether one hand naturally leads while the other follows.

1. Begin in the same Wuji stance and lift your arms slowly in Commencement Form, but this time, focus on one hand leading while the other follows.

2. Have a partner lightly tap each hand forward or backward while you move.

   • If one hand is leading, it should feel more structurally dominant when tapped.

   • The following hand should adjust fluidly instead of resisting.

3. Try receiving a light push on your hands from your partner.

   • If one hand is leading, the push should naturally flow through the lead hand first before being absorbed by the body.

✅ Success Sign: You feel a clear leading-following dynamic, where one hand controls the movement while the other balances.

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Conclusion: Which One Is Correct?

Both interpretations have merit, and the correct answer depends on your Tai Chi lineage and training philosophy.

• If your style emphasizes central equilibrium and symmetry, then the hands should have equal force and equal grounding.

• If your style follows spiral energy and directional flow, then one hand naturally leads while the other follows.

By practicing both drills, you can discover which method feels more structurally sound in your body. 

Training to receive energy gradually from 1% to as much as possible is a crucial part of push hands and Tai Chi energy work. This gradual progression helps develop sensitivity, structure, and the ability to absorb and redirect force without resistance or collapse. Below are progressive drills to train this skill.

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Drills for Receiving Energy from 1% to Maximum Capacity

Drill 1: Micro-Pressure Awareness (1-10% Energy)

💡 Goal: Develop sensitivity to tiny amounts of incoming energy without reacting too much.

1. Stand in a neutral stance (Zhan Zhuang-style) with relaxed arms extended forward at chest level.

2. Have your partner place their palms lightly on your arms.

3. Your partner applies only 1% pressure (almost nothing).

4. Your task is to feel this energy and let it travel to your feet without moving or resisting.

5. Gradually, your partner increases the pressure by 1% at a time (1%, 2%, 3%... up to 10%).

6. At each level, focus on sinking the energy to your root instead of using muscle tension.

✅ Success Sign: You can feel the difference between 1%, 3%, and 5% pressure without reacting too early or stiffening up.

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Drill 2: Yielding at Different Energy Levels (10-30%)

💡 Goal: Learn to adjust your response as energy increases while keeping your structure intact.

1. Partner places one palm on your chest or arms.

2. They start applying 10% pressure steadily.

3. You yield slightly, allowing the force to enter your structure without moving your feet.

4. The partner increases the pressure to 20%, then 30%, and you gradually adjust by relaxing rather than resisting.

5. At each stage, focus on lowering the energy to your root instead of pushing back.

✅ Success Sign: You can yield smoothly without losing balance or needing to step back.

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Drill 3: Sinking & Redirection (40-70%)

💡 Goal: Absorb and redirect force without breaking structure.

1. Partner applies force on your chest or arms at 40% intensity.

2. Instead of leaning back, practice sinking your kua (hips) and relaxing the spine.

3. As the pressure increases to 50%, 60%, 70%, start redirecting the force to the side (not just down).

4. The partner should feel that their force disappears instead of meeting resistance.

✅ Success Sign: You stay upright and neutralize pressure smoothly without feeling overwhelmed.

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Drill 4: Full Force Absorption (80-100%)

💡 Goal: Maintain relaxation and control even under maximum pressure.

1. Partner applies 80% force in a push.

2. You receive the force, sink, and use minimal movement to disperse it.

3. If they increase to 100% force, you use spiral movement to redirect rather than resist.

4. Avoid collapsing or stiffening—let the force be absorbed by your structure naturally.

✅ Success Sign: You can handle full force without being pushed off balance or needing to counteract with strength.

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Conclusion

These drills gradually increase your ability to receive force while maintaining relaxation and connection to the ground. By progressing from 1% sensitivity to full absorption, you develop control, structure, and the ability to manage incoming energy in push hands.