January, 2020
Push Hands Code of Conduct
Each member is accountable and responsible to practice in a safe manner. Each member must ensure that their partner is safe during training and that they themselves also feel safe during the training.
- Respect your teacher – Arriving on time – Not missing too many classes - Not talking during class. If something happens in the class that makes you feel uncomfortable, wait till the end of the class to speak to the teacher. It is important not to make other students feel uncomfortable (not to disrupt the energy of the class)
- Stay humble - (do not show off because you are in PH).
The reason you are here is because your teacher approved your application. This means that your teacher is saying that you have shown that you are respectful, humble (Wu De Code of Conduct) and that they are opening the door for you to go further in your study.
- Patience - Do not be over eager – Patience like in Tai Chi
Takes at least 3 years to complete the Tai Chi Hand form. You have shown your perseverance now you must continue on this path. Do not compare yourself to others for better or worse. Do not feel bad or stress yourself if you have difficulty with any of the circles.
Don’t take things too seriously, and enjoy the class, take in what you can.
- Safe and pleasant practice - Respect your partner - Each student has a different level of understanding. (many years of practice, age, …)
Ask the teacher for help if something does not feel right. You can make your partner feel bad even though you are trying to help.
The teacher knows the class and will guide it as they feel is right. Depending on the situation, they may give less or more details.
IF you correct your partner, you are interfering with the space and energy of your partner as well as disrespecting your teacher. The teacher may not give all corrections to a student as they may feel that the student is not ready for various reasons. Physical limitations, level of understanding or simply that the student has too much on their plate and it is a “great” thing that the student can just make to class. Even if you are right, it could be annoying or frustrating for your partner. Instead of helping, you may make them feel that they are not good enough and even if they accept your comments, (inside they may not feel well) your correction may be wrong.
If any push hands practitioner feels unsafe at any moment during the class, you must advise your teacher.
Reasons Why Students Sometimes Correct even when they should not.
- People sometimes correct because it makes them feel “good” disregarding the feelings of their partner.
- People sometimes correct to try to prove themselves. We have seen students hurt their partners and themselves.
- People sometimes correct sincerely trying to help their partner but sometimes it is best to listen, follow and not ask too many questions. Practice, to try to figure it out and then come back with the question when the time is right.
- Protocol -Honor the Salute-
In this gesture you are honoring the “Moral Code of Conduct” (see hand out)
When you Salute your partner, you are saying that you respect them. You are saying that they can trust you. Both partners have to be sensitive to each other because if you are not careful you can easily hurt your partner.
- Attendance- Try to not miss class – In the push hands class, you are practicing with a partner.
Unlike the Hand Form, if you miss many classes in PH it will be harder to keep up with the class and will affect the dynamics of the group because you will not be able to do the circles with your partner. Also, you will be holding the class back and make it more difficult for the teacher to keep the energy and flow of the class. We understand that you may have to miss some classes and if you have to miss several classes, speak to your teacher. If you cannot attend regularly, you may have to wait for the next opening. Be sure, as much as possible, that you have the time in your schedule to join this class before committing. You must have the will and the time.
I (Student’s Name) ________________________________________________have read and understand the above.
Signature: ______________________________________
Instructor’s Name: _______________________________
Date: _____________________