BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EVADING WITH PUSHING TECHNIQUE IN TAI CHI PUSH HANDS

Abstract

The traditional Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi (TC), include different forms and advanced interactive movements called Push Hands. Very few studies on the biomechanics analysis of TC push hands have been published. To investigate the characteristics of Tai Chi Push Hands, an experienced master was asked to perform the ‘evading with pushing technique’ when he was pushed by another person for three trials. The master’s movements were videotaped and digitized using a motion analysis system combining electromyography and force plate data. The results indicated that the master lowered his COG, shifted his body weight to rear foot, twisted his waist to evade the push, and pushed back with the strength from the lower limbs. It is concluded that the evading with pushing technique is a efficient and effective way to strike back.