The practice of pushing hands (tui shou) is generally thought of as a means of enhancing the practice of taiji quan. Howerver, it is also an independent practice in its own right. Pushing hands develops sensitivity to the body's internal state and can be used to help control the emotions, the circulation of energy and physical balance. This illuminating book teaches the reader how to act or react in harmony with external events without losing their 'balance' or center, enabling them to respond with confidence and flexibility to any situation.

Illuminating the principles of body construction, this accessible and practical guide to pushing hands explains the eight types of concentration and the six 'efforts' required to master them. Taking the reader through the thirteen principles of pushing hands and the nine keys of movement which enable the proper flow of enery, the author provides a thorough understanding of the various elements of pushing hand practice. Exercises for developing concentration and pushing hand techniques are explained and illustrated throughout the book.

Oleg Tcherne is a practitioner of internal martial arts with over 25 years of experience. The main focus of Oleg's practice is Daoist Alchemy. He has undergone teaching with Daoist monks in China and has practiced with a variety of masters. He currently teachers and practices Chen style taiji quan with Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang.

Contents

Editor's note
Introduction
Chapter One Concentration
Chapter Two Constructing the 'Sphere' of the self
Cahpter Three Sequence and rhythm
Chapter Four Yin-yang
Chapter Five Listening
Chapter Six Long and short energy
Chapter Seven Developing forces Li & An
Chapter Eight The art of gathering
Chapter Nine Creating eight forces
Chapter Ten Pushing hands steps
Chapter Eleven Creating fajing