Look Ma, one hand!
by Shang Lee
After observing a new student in my push hands class, I have come to appreciate that the purpose of push hands is not that obvious initially. Well, even after a few years, i’m not sure if i fully understand push hands! My purpose is to understand Tai Chi theory and how can I use the theory in real life. That’s where I test the theories using push hands.
So when this new guy came in, he was quite eager to go on an all out sparring mode, ready twist my arm and throw me down to the floor. I begin to put limits in place, saying don’t grapple, don’t move your feet, only use one hand etc. Then we went on to explain to him that pushing with one hand is more difficult than pushing with both hands. Similarly, fixing your feet to the ground is more difficult than moving about.
I think this is where the power of limits lie (see also article on why limits are liberating). When pushing with one hand, the number of variations to push the opponent is greatly reduced, and hence focusing on using the basics to push the opponent. Similarly, by limiting to fixed-step push hands, your mobility are greatly reduced, again focusing on the ability to use the basics rather than run away.
I do two-handed push hands when I want more fun and less work. Single-handed exercise is where I really need to be on my feet (literally!), and it’s where I learn the most as well. So don’t discount the more boring push hands yet. It’s where you learn that you know less about Tai Chi. 
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Just like in Kenjutsu – sometimes the simplest cuts are the hardest to perfect!