The Push Hands Tapes
A series of interviews on Tui Shou
Having visited, and taught at, the Push Hands Meeting in Hannover, Germany for 10 years it became apparent to me that, although we were all doing the same activity, many had completely different ideas on what it was they thought they were doing. There were many reasons for this, different education systems, where some focussed on relaxation, whilst others were more concerned with over-balancing their partner/oppenent and others focussed on increasing their inner stability.
I thought it may be of interest to talk to a number of those who had a strong interest in push hands, hence their reason for being there, and try to get a perspective on the many approaches to this art.
Some of the responses were short and to the point whilst others had a great deal to say. I hope you find them to be of interest.
Here are the questions, feel free to send your views on the matter.
Push Hands/Tui Shou Questions
1. Can you remember your first exposure to push hands, what were you taught and what reasons, if any, were you given as to its purpose?
2. How do you introduce push hands to your students?
3 What are the basic starting points for you?
4. What key elements do you feel are essential for effective training?
5. What do you see as common problems that inhibit the learning process?
6. Do you have a viewpoint on the varying approaches or attitudes to push hands?
7. Are their any aspects of the practice that can annoy you?
8. What do you find to be particularly pleasing in the training?
9. What are your views on competition push hands?
10. What do you feel is the overall purpose of the exercise?
The interviews were conducted by Ronnie Robinson