GRIPPING TECHNIQUES
(How to Make your Opponent Lose his Fighting Ability)

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

Editorial Note: This is originally meant to be a private webpage for students of Shaolin Wahnam Institute. Nevertheless, as there is not much information on Pushing Hands and Striking Hands although they are crucial aspects of Taijiquan, some explanation is given so that other Taijiquan practitioners may also benefit.

Gripping is a poor translation of the Chinese term "qin-na", which actually consists of two techniques, "qin" which means "hold," and "na" which means "grip". But "na" is not just ordinary gripping -- it is gripping the opponent's tendons, joints or vital points in such a way that the opponent loses his fighting ability.

Qin-na is a special art in Shaolin Kungfu, but it is also used in other kungfu styles, including Taijiquan. But its application is so subtle that many Taiji students may not recognise it. "Playing the Lute", "Repulse Monkey" and "Single Whip", just to give some random examples, encompass qin-na techniques.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

As in all Striking Hands practice, start at the Pushing Hands position with the practitioners at the right Bow-Arrow Stance and their right arms touching each other. Following Attilio's momentum, Roberto grips Attilio's right arm at the elbow and the wrist with his both hands.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

Attilio sinks his stance backward, rotates his waist, and releases the grip at both the wrist and the elbow using the "ward off" or "peng" technique. It is important to remember that the movement comes from the waist, and not from the shoulder or the elbow.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

The graceful turning of the arm generated by the waist will release both grips, because if Roberto maintains the grips it will cause Roberto much pain. This is a good example of using the opponent's strength against himself.

Notice that Attilio holds his left hand on guard. This is important to prevent the possibility of Roberto suddenly releasing his hands to strike.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

In the next sequence, Attilio and Roberto begin with the Pushing Hands position. Sensing an opportunity, Roberto first moves his back left leg a big step forward, followed by his front right leg a small step forward so that he now stands at Attilio's right side.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

Simultaneously Roberto grips Attilio's right arm and twist it to Attilio's back. If he presses downward, he can have Attilio's under control. He may assure pressure to dislocate Attilio's wrist or elbow, grip deeper into Attilio's energy points at the wrist and elbow, or release one hand to strike Attilio.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

This situation may appear hopeless for Attilio -- but not quite. In the next series, Attilio will turn the table around against Roberto.

Taijiquan Pushing Hands

Taijiquan Striking Hands

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