Eight disc-framed fixed-step push-hands

Bapan Jiazi Dingbu Tuishou 八盤架子定步推手

with Sam Masich

The ba pan jia zi also known as the 'one-to-eight' are the foundation exercises for traditional Yang-style Taijiquan push-hands. Like a good coach, the 1-8 lead students progressively, step-by-step, into comprehension and skillfulness. The importance of these exercises was impressed upon me by my first teacher Brien Gallagher who, in turn, learned them from Master Raymond Chung (b. 1913), under whom Brien studied for over fifty years.

Master Chung suggested it was unlikely that one could acquire any significant level of mastery in traditional push-hands without first grasping these drills. It is not surprising that Master Chung, Brien and other students of the 8 Disc method would adhere so strongly to this philosophy considering the stress placed on the subject in the 1943 publication 'Taiji Boxing, Sabre, Sword, Pole, Sparring Compiled' by Chen Yanlin who wrote:
Practicing the gestures of 'Thirteen Powers Boxing' the body, mind and qi are all nourished. In order to advance further, one must learn each of the energies: listening, comprehending, sticking and issuing. These cannot be achieved without (studying) push-hands. Nowadays, players begin their push-hand practice with the fixed-stance practice peng, lü, ji, an sizheng tuishou (four-hands) as their commencement training and do not know the beginning order in which to practice. First one must practice the eight methods.

This class can be attended by beginning and advanced students alike!

Times: 10am to 5pm daily (1-3pm break)

Cost: $300 CDN (or $125 per single day) eTransfer to Sam at sammasicharts@gmail.com

Location: South End of Trout Lake in John Hendry Park (Outdoors)

Contact: Michael Blackburn +1 (778) 228-3500 email

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