‘Push the Boat according to the Flow’-Ji
'Push the Boat According to the Flow' or 'Ji'
Possibly one of the most harmless looking of Taijiquan movements, ‘Push the Boat According to the Flow’ however proves itself to be very useful in Combat. As mentioned previously in this series, success in using many of these application’s relies very much on ‘internal force’ and body movement, this is especially relevant with ‘Push the Boat’. To use muscular power with ‘Push the Boat’ would be very impractical. Below are just some of the ways ‘Push the Boat according to the Flow’ can be used in application.
- To push someone away
- To apply a wrist lock/Chi Na
- To control a sidekick
1. Kindly push away
One excellent use for this pattern is to use it as a powerful push when at close range to your opponent. However, when executing the technique it is very important to ensure the partners hands are covered and therefore prevented from striking while attempting the push . A good way to amplify the power of the technique, when you have covered the arms sufficiently, is to take a drag step in towards your training partner and push with the whole body, starting you momentum from the back leg. This ensures you use whole body power, and not just the power of the arms.
Sink back to avoid the strike.
Step in, being carfeul to cover the persons hands to prevent striking.
Step into the persons stance and push. This movement can be done with some speed and power.
2. Counter a grip with a wrist lock
The next application is a great way to counter a single handed grip. Once the wrist had been gripped; cover the opponents gripping hand preventing them from releasing the grip. Then the forearm is rotated in a circular motion up, twisting the opponent’s wrist. Remember if you have covered their gripping hand they cannot release the grip and the wrist is now twisted into a painful position. This application can be used to control, or if done with force and speed can break the wrist.
A firm grip.
Secure the hand to prevent release, turns the hands over to apply a wrist lock
3. Control a sidekick
This application is very useful for countering side kicks. When in a ‘bow arrow’ stance, sink back to avoid the kick and catch the foot. The foot rests on the forearm and the other hand locks the foot in place, it possible then to break the ankle or push the kicker back several feet completing the pattern of ‘Push Boat according to the Flow’. Its important to have good ‘Form’ to generate the power in this movement.
Catching a sidekick.
The next pattern to be featured will be ‘Brown Bear Sinks Hips’
