Summary of Hands Seminar with Jack Yan
The workshop started with Post Standing practice. This practice builds internal structure - Peng strength. Key pointers included relaxing the hips; creating a rounded arch with the legs and groin, lifting the torso and settling the shoulders; and holding the arms in a rounded posture with the thumbs extended. To build awareness of the Peng strength, the arms can open and close slightly, and then move up and down slightly. Continuing with standing, the hands become level with the lower Dan Tien. Move the arms to open and close, paying attention to sensation in the hands. The sensation should be of a slightly pulling as the arms open and a slight pushing as the arms close. The sensation can develop into a slight pulling followed by expansion when opening and a slight push followed by a drawing together while closing. Train to have body respond to opening & closing automatically.
Peng in this context refers to a structural strength that uses the sinews to hold the body form. This requires certain muscles to hold tension while others to relax and allow free movement. Master Yan recommended routine training while using hand grips to train muscular strength while maintaining relaxed motion.
This was followed by Single Hand Horizontal Circle Training. This was practiced both solo and with a partner. This practice continues to train internal structure/strength and link it with Dan Tien motion. The Single Hand drill also trains Peng and Lu. Be sure the hand does not cross the mid-line and connect the wrist rotation with the body movement. Master Yan also explained that external rotation sends the flow of energy outwards while internal rotation sends the flow of energy inwards. These are the same rotations used with a screwdriver (in your right hand). The Single Hand Rotation can be done in a horizontal circle or in a vertical circle. To link these movements with the body, Master Yan distinguished between two different movements of the Dan Tien - spin and rotation: Spin: involves an equal movement on the left and right sides - the legs move, but the body doesn’t; Rotation: involves a movement where one side is fixed - the body moves but the legs stay fixed. Combined, these two movements create the characteristic Figure 8 movement of the Dan Tien.
There are four Chinese characters which outline the connection between internal power and structure: Jing 精 - Essence Jin 觔- Sinews Jin 劲- Power Jing 经- Channels Together they reference the relationship that our sinews and tendons have with our internal reserves and the relationship that our channels have with our strength and vitality. It also includes the idea that training rotational movements targeting the sinews and channels helps train our internal reserves (Essence) and strength (Power). Master Yan further explained that a rounded posture is important for the activating of the tendons and channels. He contrasted this with lengthening the body in a straight line which doesn’t achieve the same ends.
Double Hands, Fixed Step Push Hands was then practiced with multiple partners. The terms Peng, Lu, Ji & An (Wardoff, Rollback, Squeeze and Press) were explained. Including the close relationship between Peng, Ji & An. These three involve using a positive force, either pushing (Peng), close range hemming in (Ji) or downward pressing (An). While Lu makes use of negative force - taking strength away to re-direct. All four train body positioning used to adjust placement of one’s centre. This was contrasted with Cai, Lei, Zhao & Kao, which train applications: Cai - Pluck: speed and power are applied at the start of the movement; Lei - Rend: speed and power are expressed the the end of the movement; Zhao - Elbow: includes strikes using the bend of the wrist, elbow and knee; and Kao - Bump: close range strikes with the torso. These four were demonstrated but not practiced.
Master Yan also highlighted the “Figure 9” posture of the arms within the Double Hands Push Hands pattern. Allowing one person to train Peng strength with this “Figure 9” posture while the other person trains An - pressing downwards. Also hand placement on either side of the other person’s elbow with Peng and An was used to explain the concept of controlling two points. Tai Chi movements require an alternation between Yin and Yang, having a solid side and an empty side, having a weighted side and an unweighted side. By positioning your opponent between these two sides you are able to respond to and control them.
The evening finished with practice of three applications: Wrist lock from double hand press Wrist lock from opposite side wrist grab Wrist lock from same side shoulder grab All three used joint locks applied to the wrist, from three different starting positions. At the start of the evening, Master Yan described Push Hands as co-operative training to help the person you are working with to further their skill and to help you identify how to improve your own training. While applications focuses on technique as opposed to Tai Chi principles, this same co-operative approach was emphasized.