Master Wang Hao Da – Internal Principles in Push Hands

Silk Reeling in Wu Style

The following extract is taken from my late husband’s article on Grandmaster Wang Hao Da translated from when we hosted Grandmaster Wang in the UK in 1999.

“Silk reeling power is a significant component of the Wu Style. Every movement must be a spiral. One spirals into the earth and one spirals away from the Zhong Ding (centre) for discharge of energy simultaneously. Learning Chan Su Jing is implicit in the form and form practice should be serious without tension and without the Qi coming up. Spiralling stretches the blood vessels; cleanses the organs; strengthens the bones and invigorates the entire body.

Push Hands for Rejuvenation

It has been one of the components that has restored my health. What could be more valuable than good health and happiness? Taiji form and push hands have been my method of rejuvenation and progression. Taiji form is to understand the self, push hands to understand the Nei Jing.

Listening Energy

I push hands everyday in the park. Win or lose is of no significance. I lose every time if I try to use strength. I win if I am quiet, if my Nei Jing is pure and my Zhong Ding correct. Over the years I have pushed with many people. The one quality I respect most in an opponent is their ability to listen. One can only progress if they have the power to listen (ting jing).

If their character is so flawed that they must win at all costs, if they must resort to such base instincts and low level techniques and force, I have no misgivings about returning to them what they aim at me.”