Seven Major Methods of Àn (按, Push) in Taijiquan
(with important bilingual terminology)
Although the Taijiquan Classics (太極拳經典) do not formally classify different kinds of Àn (按, Push), traditional masters have developed several methods based on the principles of neutralization (化, Huà), whole-body power (整體勁, Zhěngtǐ Jìn), and issuing force (發勁, Fā Jìn).
These seven methods represent the most common applications found across Yang, Chen, Wu, Wu (Hao), and Sun styles.
1. Direct Sinking Push (沉按, Chén Àn)
Principle
Sink the body and issue force directly without first yielding.
Characteristics
- Relax the Kua (胯)
- Sink the body (沉身, Chén Shēn)
- Whole-body power
- Rooted push
Power travels from
Feet → Legs → Kua → Waist → Spine → Palms
Common in
- Yang Style
- Wu Style
- Sun Style
2. Yield Then Push (引進再按, Yǐn Jìn Zài Àn)
Principle
Neutralize first.
Then issue force.
Sequence
Receive
↓
Yield
↓
Sit Back (後坐, Hòu Zuò)
↓
Lead into Emptiness (引進落空, Yǐn Jìn Luò Kōng)
↓
Push
Key Principle
先化後發 (Neutralize before issuing force.)
Common in
Yang
Wu
Wu (Hao)
Sun
3. Pluck Then Push (採按, Cǎi Àn)
Principle
First break the opponent's balance by Plucking (採, Cǎi).
Then finish with Àn.
Sequence
Pluck
↓
Destroy Root
↓
Push
Key Principle
破根 (Break the Root.)
Common in
Chen Style
Push Hands
Martial Applications
4. Dropping Push (下沉按, Xià Chén Àn)
Principle
Instead of pulling,
the body suddenly drops.
The sinking itself generates forward power.
Characteristics
- Sink
- Relax
- Drop the Center of Gravity
Common in
Yang
Wu (Hao)
Sun
5. Spiral Push (螺旋按, Luóxuán Àn)
Principle
The body coils,
then uncoils.
The push follows a spiral.
Key Principle
Silk-Reeling Energy (纏絲勁, Chán Sī Jìn)
Common in
Chen Style
6. Downward Then Upward Push (下按再上按, Xià Àn Zài Shàng Àn)
Principle
The force first presses downward,
breaking the opponent's root.
Without stopping,
the body rebounds upward and forward.
Sequence
Sink
↓
Press Down
↓
Store Energy (蓄勁, Xù Jìn)
↓
Ground Reaction Force (地面反作用力)
↓
Rise
↓
Push
Key Principles
- 先下後上 (Down before Up)
- 先蓄後發 (Store before Issue)
- 借地力 (Borrow the Ground Force)
Common in
Chen Style
Push Hands
Some Yang lineages
7. Accelerating Push (加速按, Jiāsù Àn)
(also called Progressive Acceleration Push, 漸進加速按, Jiànjìn Jiāsù Àn)
Principle
The push begins slowly and softly, encouraging the opponent to adapt to a gentle force. Then, without breaking contact, the speed accelerates progressively, making it difficult for the opponent to adjust or neutralize in time.
This method relies on changing tempo (變速, Biànsù) rather than increasing muscular force.
Sequence
Soft Contact
↓
Slow Forward Pressure
↓
Continuous Acceleration
↓
Maximum Speed at the Moment of Contact
Key Principles
- Change of Speed (變速, Biànsù)
- Continuous Force (連續勁, Liánxù Jìn)
- No Break in Energy (勁不斷, Jìn Bù Duàn)
- Fast at the Moment of Issuing (發勁瞬間加速, Accelerate at the moment of issuing force)
Tactical Purpose
The gradual acceleration:
- Prevents the opponent from accurately sensing the timing.
- Makes it difficult to adjust their structure or neutralize.
- Increases penetrating power without excessive muscular effort.
This idea is consistent with the Taijiquan principle of "slow in appearance, fast in application" (外柔內剛, slow externally, explosive internally) and with the classical requirement that the force be continuous and uninterrupted (勁斷意不斷, the force may change, but the intent never stops).
Summary Table
| Method | Chinese | Main Characteristic | Common Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 沉按 (Chén Àn) | Sink and push directly | Yang, Wu, Sun |
| 2 | 引進再按 (Yǐn Jìn Zài Àn) | Neutralize first, then push | Yang, Wu, Wu (Hao), Sun |
| 3 | 採按 (Cǎi Àn) | Pluck, then push | Chen, Push Hands |
| 4 | 下沉按 (Xià Chén Àn) | Body drop generates force | Yang, Wu (Hao), Sun |
| 5 | 螺旋按 (Luóxuán Àn) | Spiral/silk-reeling push | Chen |
| 6 | 下按再上按 (Xià Àn Zài Shàng Àn) | Downward then upward wave | Chen, Push Hands, some Yang |
| 7 | 加速按 (Jiāsù Àn) | Slow start, progressive acceleration | Found across styles as an advanced issuing-force method |
Important Note
Among these seven methods, the first six are well established as recognizable teaching methods in traditional Taijiquan lineages, although the classical texts do not formally enumerate them. The Accelerating Push (加速按) is different: it is better understood as an issuing-force strategy rather than a separate classical category of Àn. The principle of gradually increasing speed while maintaining continuous contact appears in the practice of many experienced practitioners, but it is not traditionally listed as an independent type of push in the Taijiquan Classics. It is therefore best presented as an advanced tactical variation applicable to any of the other six methods, rather than as a distinct orthodox category.
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