Push Hands (Sensing Hands)
Paul Ramos and George Harris pushing in Shanghai, China
Sifu Paul Ramos and National Push Hands Champion Daniel Nightingale
Chen Wei Ming, student of Yang Chen Fu, practicing Push Hands with a student
Push Hands — also known as Pushing Hands or Sensing Hands — is a partner training method that bridges the gap between solo forms practice and real-world self-defense applications. This sophisticated art applies the traditional Tai Chi principle of "softness overcoming hardness" through interactive training with a partner.
Fundamental Principles
Core Concept
We train to deflect or interrupt an opponent's attack, then redirect that force to disrupt their connection to the earth. Once we destabilize an opponent's center, it becomes simple to add minimal energy and follow through, sending them in various directions.
Essential Skills Development
Push Hands cultivates:
Detached focus while remaining alert
Yielding and gentle guidance of incoming force
"Listening" abilities to sense opponent's intention
Structural awareness to exploit any weakness
Sensitivity training for tactile feedback
Range of Application
This subtle art excels at short-range and mid-range defensive and offensive techniques and can accelerate the effectiveness of any martial art system.
Training Methodology
Holistic Sensitivity
The sensitivity developed through Push Hands enables practitioners to interpret and subtly redirect an opponent's energy, neutralizing attacking force through proper technique rather than brute strength.
True Skill Development
While many schools teach Push Hands as simply "the art of pushing," we approach it as the art of manipulating force and intention without sacrificing our own center or balance.
Student Assessment Training
Our Push Hands instruction teaches students to sense:
Angle and amount of force being applied
Speed and timing of incoming attacks
Commitment level of the opponent's technique
Structural weaknesses to exploit
Progressive Curriculum
Foundation Level
Beginning students start with essential skills:
Root training for stability and grounding
Stationary movement training for basic techniques
Tactile sensitivity development through partner exercises
Core skills: listening, following, neutralizing, sticking, and returning
Advanced Development
Experienced practitioners progress to sophisticated skills:
Filling with Qi for internal power
Misdirection techniques for strategic advantage
Becoming the principles through embodied understanding
Merging with opponent for ultimate control
Losing the self for egoless response
Universal Application
These skills integrate easily into any martial arts style and work equally well with hard or soft systems.
Counterintuitive Excellence
Why Push Hands Works
The techniques appear counterintuitive initially, which is precisely why they're so effective. When receiving sudden force, normal fight-or-flight impulses cause tension. Push Hands training develops relaxation during action.
Strategic Deception
We allow opponents to feel control — right up to the moment we take control away. By the time they notice something has changed, it's already too late to respond effectively.
Unique Training Benefits
This method develops tactile and energetic sensitivity rarely seen in martial arts except at the highest levels. It's also excellent for newer students to develop martial skills in a manner that is:
Less aggressive initially than other training methods
More cerebral and intuitive than force-based approaches
Safer for learning while building real skills
Training Options
Group Classes
Learn Push Hands fundamentals in a supportive group environment with training partners of various skill levels.
Private Instruction
Receive personalized training tailored to your specific needs and learning pace.
Community Open Training
For over 30 years, we have hosted our Free Community Open Push Hands Workout— a weekly gathering currently held at our Hyattsville, MD location.
Open to everyone:
Beginners welcome
All styles and experience levels
Relaxed, sharing atmosphere
Focus on skill development and community
We simply share our Push Hands knowledge and success with anyone who has genuine interest and a relaxed, giving attitude.
Proven Success
Competition Excellence
Paul Ramos has used this training approach to develop students who have earned several dozen Push Hands Regional and National Championship titles over the last three decades.
Contact Information
Ready to experience Push Hands?
See our Class Schedule for community workout details
Call 301-651-3617 for private instruction
Email longmen987@gmail.com for more information