Push Hands is an exercise between two individuals who take turns directing force towards one another. It is the goal in push hands to upset the balance of your partner, so it becomes paramount for students to overcome their natural reaction to meet force with force, and instead learn to redirect and neutralize their partner’s energy. They must also learn to develop “listening jin” – that is to say, the ability to feel their partner’s intent through their connected limbs.

In addition to neutralizing their opponent’s energy, students must learn how to generate and deliver their own power using a combination of timing, reflexes, and leverage. For many, Push Hands is a very enjoyable and fun aspect of their Tai Chi training.