Tag Archives: Push Hands

Integrated Strength

Most people have never experienced integrated strength.  Before meeting my teacher I had only heard stories and read historical accounts of people who had achieved the skill.  With an athletic background that included extensive strength training and years of martial arts practice under my … Continue reading

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Torque

An interesting aspect of integrated strength is the internalization of momentum, which in our lineage is referred to as martial velocity or torque.  The presence of torque within a gesture is one of the reasons integrated strength can be applied … Continue reading

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Ride the Wave

Integrated strength exhibits characteristics that differentiate it from ordinary strength.  In Yi Chuan the procedures for testing integrated strength are designed to help the practitioner recognize these differences.  In many cases the practitioner will fail the test if he or she is … Continue reading

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Close Quarters

Before studying Yi Chuan I spent a fair amount of time in Aiki Jutsu.  Joint locks, throws, take downs and grappling practices in Waza format or freestyle was the focus.  Most of that training was self-defense oriented, meaning we would … Continue reading

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Testing Strength

Testing Strength is Yi Chuan’s way of helping transform the results of solo training into functional skill.  Consider this video clip of my teacher testing his strength on me. My role in this scenario is to provide a committed attack to my … Continue reading

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