My thoughts are starting to come out in words - I want to organise a push hands competition here in Melbourne, sometime in 2014. I think Melbourne, Pushclub, and even Australia need such an event. Why? Because it would be
- dedicated only to push hands (no forms or anything else)
- not associated directly with Tai Chi, or any organising body for Tai Chi (independent!)
- based on the rules we have from the European competitions, notably my teacher's work and the Tai Chi Federation of Europe (TCFE).
Because this is a first effort, there won't be too many competent people to judge or compete, so we'll need to keep the rule simple. Something like this:
- free movement in a restricted space (perhaps 6x2 metres, max) - so no need to look at people's feet
- contact anywhere above the groin and below the neck is allowed, using the arm to push or pull
- no throws, no sweeps, no trips
- any part of the arm may be used to push or pull EXCEPT the fist or elbow. The shoulder is considered part of the arm and may be used
- it is not necessary for a body part to be in contact with the opponent in order to execute a technique.
- the torso, hips and thighs may be used so long as there is no throw, sweep or trip involved
- 2 points if your opponent goes out of the area
- 2 points if your opponent falls over (ie. any part of the body except the feet touches the competition surface)
- the referee will warn the offender if a rule is breached by accident. If the breach is intentional, then the participant will be disqualified. Two warnings will lead to disqualification on the occasion of a third warning
- one match will be conducted at a time, consisting of two bouts of two minutes each
- males and females will compete separately
- weight categories will be established, broadly according to the number of participants
- all participants will require a medical certificate for practice of martial arts
That's just an idea for starters. I will be consulting with anyone who's interested, but notably my teacher, the TCAA and the WTPA.
Everyone is welcome to comment and discuss, and together we'll bring to life a 'realistic' pushing hands competition.
