Tui-shou; A Method for Learning, Not a Battlefield

Tui-shou is a method for learning, not an approach for fighting. We should not entangle ourselves mentally with the concepts of victory or defeat.

When participating in a competition, our movements become different; in these situations, standing still or waiting for the opponent's attack is incorrect. If we do not follow the rules and merely try to land a strike, in martial arts this constitutes a violation of traditions, and in social interactions it is considered impoliteness.

Internal martial arts, including Tai Chi, emphasize mastery over one's inner self. Tui-shou is undoubtedly a test and practice to control instincts related to dominance, winning, and superiority—qualities inherently encoded in every person's genes. The hands engaged in Tui-shou do not only reflect softness or looseness in the arms and shoulders but also symbolize the practitioner's inner attitude. A large number of people are unable to control these "ego" urges, and some avoid physical contact out of fear that their vulnerable feelings, fragile inner nature, and weakened self-confidence will be revealed.

Life should be seen as a game that we enjoy together.

For many, Tai Chi is too natural and obvious, and many avoid confronting their true selves until the end of life. The first bitter experience of this avoidance appears as the phrase "I cannot bear defeat," and the second as "Leave me alone."

Therefore, Tui-shou is never a field for thinking about victory or defeat but rather a precious opportunity to discover and improve one's human nature, and to learn acceptance of others—regardless of their capabilities or weaknesses. On this path, we find the true warrior within ourselves who neither fears himself nor disrespects others.

Tui-shou is not a competition arena; it is a practical complement to unarmed exercises and Tai Chi forms. The forms define the principles of internal and external movement and transform the practitioner into a connected and cohesive whole in all dimensions. Tui-shou connects the individual to the universe around them. Does the philosophy of Tai Chi not clearly teach us that everything is interconnected at the source? Tai Chi means "The Greatest Polarity," which arises from Wu Ji—the state of primordial energy and beginning, the great void. The earliest ancient form (Laojia Yilu) is like this; it starts from complete stillness and eventually returns to the same point of tranquility (the first and last movements of the form).

These are metaphysical reflections deeply embedded in the philosophy of martial arts.

If you want, I can help with a more formal or literary style as well.
Aryanmehr