The Tai Chi Healthways Discussion Board

This is somewhat related to a previous topic about fixed step vs. flexible step.

In Push Hands, I often see people going very low or very far back in fixed step. I can see why this is good training to test your limitations as well as those of your opponent. But I keep thinking of the old axiom
"you fight as you train, you train as you fight". If you get accustomed to going very low, you might not be able to move your feet from such an extreme position in a real situation. It seems to me that once you are somewhat experienced in Push Hands, if you are being forced into extreme positions, your opponent is also going to extremes; you should be the first one to move your feet to proactively take advantage of your opponent becoming extreme rather than being put into an extreme position yourself. What do you think??

I don't think any extreme is good whether it low or high. Overextension usually is punishable. I think the primary goal when you attack is to seal your opponent and then lock him . In defense the primary goal is to redirect and to borrow - no need to get any extreme. IMHO

I hear you Andrey and I agree However, I've seen many cases in Push Hands where it evolves into extremes. Redirecting attacks before they put you into an extreme position is always preferable, but this is not always possible, especially with a good opponent who is used to playing with their weight on their forward thigh.

If someone is able to get us into an extreme position, did we fail somewhere or are they just better? Should we always re-evaluate what got us into that position, or figure a way out of that position that may involve having to step?

Scott now I start doubt what do you mean by extreme position? To me extreme position is equal to overextension, which is not good way either for defense or attack. In contrast, you can lock your opponent without overextension or without getting him overextended.

There are always different choices and sure enough we have reevaluate every time we feel weaknesses of any kind. Sometimes it's not only position problem but also reaction, timing and sensitivity. As you probably know I have no problems with position, but rather with reaction, timing and sensitivity for the most part. So good position does not necessarily guarantee success in push hands. However, without good position I don't think you can have the rest, so solid position is one of fundamental elements you have to build from.

Thanks, Andrey. What you said makes sense. Reaction, timing and sensitivity - along with positioning - when further developed should prevent most cases of extreme positions. I see where the better Push Hands players redirect force long before it gets close to their center.