Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine
Technical Movements and Illustrated Explanations
Set 1. Sticking & Adhering Method (Nian-Tie Fa)
Sequence:
Athlete A (甲) 1–9
1. Fist-Palm Salute→ 2. Gongbu Hand Connection → 3. Double An (Push)→ 4. Advance while continuing Double An (Push)→ 5. Rotate the waist Right Peng→ 6. Kao→ 7. Return to Peng→ 8. Retreat while maintaining Peng→ 9. Lu → Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw)→ 10. Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection
Athlete B (乙) 1–9
1. Fist -Palm Salute → 2.Gongbu Hand Connection→ 3. Right Peng→ 4. Retreat while maintaining Peng→ 5. Lu→ 6. Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw)→ 7. Double An (Push)→ 8. Advance while continuing An (Push)→ 9. Rotate waist Right Peng → Kao→ 10. Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection
Technical Table
Step | Athlete A (甲) | Athlete B (乙) |
1 | Fist–Palm Salute | Fist–Palm Salute |
2 | Gongbu Hand Connection | Gongbu Hand Connection |
3 | Double An | Right Peng; Left hand adheres to Athlete A’s right elbow |
4 | Advance → Continue An | Retreat → Maintain Peng |
5-1 | Follow the momentum; rotate the waist → Right Peng–Kao | Follow the momentum; Lu (Rollback) →rotate the waist →Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw) |
5-2 | Continue Right Peng–Kao ( Left is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down) | Continue Cai |
6 | Return →Peng (original body position) | Return → Double An |
7 | Retreat → Maintain Peng | Advance → Continue An |
8 | Lu → Cai | Right Peng–Kao |
9 | Return → Gongbu Hand Connection | Return → Gongbu Hand Connection |
Set 2. Outer Connecting Method (Wai Cheng-Jie Fa)
Sequence:
Athlete A (甲) -- 1–15
1.Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. Double An (Push)→ 3. Advance while continuing An (Push)→ 4-1. Right Peng–Kao→ 4-2. Continue turning 5. Retreat → Side Peng→ 6. Continue turning 7. Upward Peng→ 8. Continue body rotation, right arm Jia (Brace 架) → Left hand cups Athlete B’s elbow with Tuo (Upward Support / 托)→ 9. Drop right elbow→ Lu transitions into Cai→ 10. Advance → Issue at elbow and wrist(進送)→ 11. Both tiger mouths join at Athlete B’s elbow → Continue issuing (合手送)→ 12. Left hand makes contact with Athlete B’s right shoulder → Continue issuing (搭肩送)→ 13. Upward Issuing (上送)→ 14. Side Peng–Kao (側棚靠)→ 15. Return to Center Alignment → Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection (回正搭手)
Athlete B (乙) --1–15
- Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. Right Peng→ 3. Retreat → Maintain Peng→ 4-1. Lu→ 4-2. Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw)→ 5. Advance → Issue at elbow and Wrist (進送)→ 6. Both Tiger Mouths Join at Athlete A’s elbow → Continue issuing (合手送)→ 7. Contact Athlete A’s Right Shoulder → Continue issuing (搭肩送)→ 8. Upward Issuing (上送)→ 9. Transition into Side Peng–Kao (側棚靠)→ 10. Retreat → Peng (退側棚)→ 11. Retreat → Side Peng (回側棚)→ 12. Upward Peng→Continue upwards to Jia / 架 ( Brace)→ 13. Brace and rotate→ Tuo (Upward cupping support of elbow / 托)→ 14. Drop elbow→ Lu transitions into Cai (採捋)→ 15. Return to Center Alignment → Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection (轉正搭手)
Technical Table
Step | Athlete A (甲) | Athlete B (乙) |
1 | Gongbu Hand Connection | Gongbu Hand Connection |
2 | Double An | Right Peng |
3 | Advance → Continue An | Retreat → Maintain Peng |
4-1 | Right Peng–Kao | Lu → Cai |
4-2 | Continue Right Peng–Kao (Left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down) | Continue Cai |
5 | Retreat →Side Peng | Advance → Issue at elbow and wrist |
6 | Continue retreating → Side Peng | Join Tiger Mouths at elbow → Issue |
7 | Upward Peng | Contact Shoulder → Issue |
8 | Right hand Jia ( Brace) - rotate → Left hand Tuo (Upward cupping support / 托) | Direct elbow upwards |
9 | Drop elbow→sink back to Lu → Cai | Right Peng–Kao |
10 | Advance → Issue at elbow and wrist | Retreat → Side Peng |
11 | Join Tiger Mouths at elbow → Issue | Continue Side Peng |
12 | Contact Shoulder → Issue | Upward Jia (Brace) |
13 | Direct elbow upwards (upward issuing) | Continue Brace, rotate and connect with A’s elbow |
14 | Right hand - side Peng–Kao, left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down) | Drop elbow→ transition to Lu → Cai |
15 | Return to center alignment→ Gongbu Hand Connection | Return to center alignment→ Gongbu Hand Connection |
Set 3. Inner Connecting Method (Nei Cheng-Jie Fa)
Sequence:
Athlete A (甲) 1–19
1 Gongbu Hand Connection → 2 An (Push)→3 Advance and continue An (Push) 4 Peng-Kao 5 Continue Peng-Kao → 6 Continue turning→ Peng-Kao → 7 Turn shoulder → Peng-Kao →8 Turn back→ 9 Continue to turn back → 10 Return to Center Alignment and Gongbu Hand Connection→ 11 Peng → 12 Retreat while continue Peng → 13 Lu and transition into Cai → 14 Inner Receiving → 15 Right arm leads (Lu/Cai) → Left fingers apply a light, responsive contact (Bo, following the same rotation) along Athlete B’s spine.→ 16 Left fingers a light, responsive contact to Athlete B’s left shoulder→ 17 Left hand return to contact athlete B’s right shoulder → 18 Return to contact Athlete B’s right elbow → 19 Return to Center Alignment Gongbu Hand Connection
Athlete B (乙) 1–19
1 Gongbu Hand Connection → 2 Peng → 3 Retreat while continuing Peng → 4 Lu transitions into Cai → 5 Right arm Inner Receiving → 6 Left Fingers apply a light, responsive contact along Athlete A’s spine→ 7 Left fingers apply a light, responsive contact to Athlete B’s left shoulder → 8 Left hand returns to contact A’s right shoulder →9. Left hand contact B’s elbow→ 10. Hand Connection → 11 An (Push)→12 Advance and continue An (Push) →13 Peng-Kao → 14 Continue Peng-Kao → 15 Continue turning→ Peng-Kao → 16 Turn shoulder → Peng-Kao →17 Turn back→ 18 Continue to turn back → 19 Left hand returns to contact A’s right elbow → 19 Return to Center Alignment Gongbu Hand Connection
Technical Table
Step | Athlete A (甲) | Athlete B (乙) |
1 | Gongbu Hand Connection | Gongbu Hand Connection |
2 | Double An | Right Peng while left hand adheres to A's elbow |
3 | Advance → Continue An | Retreat → Maintain Peng |
4-1 | Right Peng–Kao | Lu → Cai |
4-2 | Continue to Right Peng–Kao (Left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down) | Continue Cai |
5 | Continue Peng–Kao | Inner Connecting (wrist, elbow, upper arm) |
6 | Continue Turning → Peng–Kao | Left fingers apply a light, responsive contact along Athlete A’s spine |
7 | Turn shoulder → Peng–Kao | Left fingers apply a light, responsive contact to Athlete B’s left shoulder |
8 | Begin to turn back | Left hand returns to contact A’s right shoulder |
9 | Continue turning Back | Return to contact A’s right shoulder |
10 | Return → Gongbu Hand Connection | Return to contact A’s elbow |
11 | Right Peng while left hand adheres to B's elbow | An |
12 | Retreat → Maintain Peng | Advance → Continue An |
13-1 | Lu → Cai | Right Peng–Kao |
13-2 | Continue Cai | Continue Peng-Kao; Left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down) |
14 | Inner Connecting (wrist, elbow, upper arm) | Continue turning→Peng–Kao; Left palm remains facing down |
15 | Left fingers apply a light, responsive contact along Athlete B’s spine | Continue turning→Peng–Kao; Left palm remains facing down |
16 | Left fingers apply a light, responsive contact to Athlete B’s left shoulder | Turn shoulder; Left palm remains facing down as the Kua sits and sinks |
17 | Left hand returns to contact Athlete B’s right shoulder | Turn Back |
18 | Left hand returns to elbow | Continue turning |
19 | Return → Gongbu Hand Connection | Return → Gongbu Hand Connection |
Set 4. Eight Methods (Ba Fa)
Sequence:
Athlete A (甲) （1-15）
1 Gongbu Hand Connection → 2 An→ 3 Advance while continuing An→ 4 Right Peng-Kao, left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down→ 5 Turn back to center → Double Ji→ 6 Left Peng-Kao→ 7 Left Peng→ 8 Left hand retreats and performs Chest Peng while right hand remains in original spatial position→ 9 Double Lu (Left hand Lu + Right elbow Lu)→ 10 Contain the Chest with left hand while right hand falls to stick to B’s right wrist→ 11 Right Cai→ Body Lie (generated by waist rotation) → 12 Return to Center Alignment→ Gongbu Hand Connection→ 13 Close Stance → Raise Hands Level→ 14 Lower Hands → 15 Fist–Palm Salute
Athlete B (乙) （1-15）
1 Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2 Right Peng→ 3 Retreat with right Chest Peng while left hand remains in original spatial position→ 4 Double Lu (Left elbow Lu + Right hand Lu)→ 5 Contain the Chest (han xiong） with right hand while left hand falls to contact A’s left wrist→ 6 Left Cai; Right hand and elbow still stick to body → Body Lie (generated by waist rotation)→ 7 Return to center alignment and Double An→ 8 Advance and continue An→ 9 Left Peng-Kao→ 10 Double Ji→ 11 Right Peng-Kao; Left palm facing down→ 12 Return to Center Alignment→ Gongbu Hand Connection→ 13 Close Stance→ 14 Lower hands→ 15 Fist–Palm Salute
Technical Table
Step | Athlete A (甲) | Athlete B (乙) |
1 | Gongbu Hand Connection | Gongbu Hand Connection |
2 | Double An | Right Peng |
3 | Advance → Continue An | Retreat with right Chest Peng while left hand remains in original spatial position |
4 | Right Peng–Kao; Left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down | Double Lu; The left forearm executes a Vertical Lu at the elbow while the right hand retreats into Chest Peng. |
5 | Turn back to center → Double Ji | Contain the chest with left hand while right hand falls to stick to A’s right wrist |
6 | Left Peng–Kao; Right palm facing down | Left Cai; Right hand and elbow still stick to body → Body Lie |
7 | Left Peng | An |
8 | Chest Peng | Advance → Continue An |
9 | Double Lu | Left Peng–Kao |
10 | Contain the Chest | Double Ji |
11 | Right Cai ; Left hand and elbow still stick to body → Body Lie | Right Peng–Kao; Left hand is carried outwards not more than 90 degrees as waist rotates, palm facing down |
12 | Return to Center Alignment→ Gongbu Hand Connection | Return to Center Alignment→ Gongbu Hand Connection |
13 | Close Stance | Close Stance |
14 | Lower hands | Lower hands |
15 | Fist–Palm Salute | Fist–Palm Salute |
Note: All Sets Shall Be Performed in Reciprocal Exchange for Three Complete Cycles in Accordance with the General Competition Rules.
Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine Competition Rules and Judging Regulations
PART I
Tai Chi Chuan Paired Routine Competition Rules
Chapter 1
Duties of Referees and Related Officials
Article 1 – Composition of Referees
1. Executive Referees
1.1 Chief Referee - One (1)
1.2 Deputy Chief Referees - One to three (1–3)
1.3 Chief Judge - One (1)
1.4 Group A Judges (Technical Movement Quality) - Three (3)
1.5 Group B Judges (Performance Level & Skill) - Three (3)
1.6 Routine Inspector - One (1)
1.7 Timekeeper - One (1)
1.8 Recorder - One (1)
1.9 Announcer - One (1)
Total: Eleven (11) Officials.
Article 2 – Duties of Referees
1. Chief Referee
· Organizes and supervises refereeing work and ensures implementation of rules and regulations.
· Interprets the rules but has no authority to amend them.
· Assigns referees to competition venues.
· Presides over referee meetings.
· Attends team leaders’ meetings and resolves officiating issues.
· May reassign referees during competition and discipline referees for serious errors.
· May warn athletes or coaches for unreasonable disputes and recommend disciplinary action, including cancellation of results.
2. Deputy Chief Referee
· Assists the Chief Referee.
· Acts on behalf of the Chief Referee when necessary.
3. Chief Judge
· Organizes referee training and oversees judging implementation.
· Assigns judges at the venue.
· Authorizes re-performance when permitted.
· Applies deductions for time violations and arrangement errors.
· May recommend disciplinary measures against judges committing serious errors.
4. Scoring Judges
4.1 Attend referee training and prepare for competition.
4.2 Score independently according to the rules and maintain detailed records.
4.3 Upon signal from the Chief Judge, all judges shall simultaneously display their scores.
4.4 Group A Judges evaluate Technical Movement Quality.
4.5 Group B Judges evaluate Performance Level & Skill.
5. Routine Inspector
Ensures the athlete’s routine conforms to the prescribed movements and arrangement requirements; reports discrepancies for deduction.
6–13 Other Officials
Recorder, Timekeeper, Announcer, Registrar, Arrangement Officials — duties remain as previously translated in formal administrative style.
Chapter 2
Jury of Appeal
Article 3 – Composition
A Jury of Appeal composed of 3–9 senior referees appointed by the organizing body.
Article 4 – Authority
· Accepts written protests.
· May uphold or amend decisions.
· May discipline referees for misjudgment.
· The Jury’s decision is final and binding.
Chapter 3
General Competition Provisions
Article 5 – Competition Type
Tai Chi Chuan Paired Routine Competition.
Article 6 – Competition Events
1. Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine
2. Non-Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine
Article 7 – Age Divisions
· Senior Division (60 years and above)
· Adult Division (18 years and above)
· High School Division (15–17 years)
· Junior High Division (12–14 years)
· Elementary Division (11 years and under)
Article 8 – Order of Competition
The order of performance shall be determined by draw or electronic randomization under supervision.
Article 9 – Registration
First roll call: 30 minutes before competition.
Final roll call: at athlete entry time.
Article 10 – Salute
Athletes shall perform the Fist–Palm Salute upon being called to the floor, after completing the routine, and upon announcement of results.
Article 11 – Timing
Timing begins when athletes initiate movement from the stationary preparatory posture and ends when the routine is completed in parallel stance.
For the Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine, the preparatory posture shall be the Bow Stance Hand Connection.
Article 12 – Score Display
Scores shall be publicly displayed.
Article 13 – Forfeit
If an athlete fails to report for roll call or fails to appear for competition at the designated time, the athlete shall be deemed to have forfeited.
Article 14 – Appeals
1. Content and Scope
1.1 Content
Appeals may concern:
· Judges’ rulings regarding other errors;
· Deductions applied by the Chief Judge;
· Determination of completion time for the Paired Routine performance.
1.2 Scope
Appeals are limited to cases where the decision may affect the competition result of the athlete concerned, and may only be submitted by the team coach or team leader on behalf of their own athlete.
2. Procedures and Requirements
If a team disputes the judging result of its athlete, the team leader or coach must submit a written appeal to the Jury of Appeal within 30 minutes after the conclusion of that event, together with an appeal fee of NT$5,000.
2.1 Limitations
· Each athlete may submit only one appeal during the entire competition.
· Each appeal may involve no more than two issues.
3. Handling of Appeals
3.1 Review and Decision
The Jury of Appeal shall immediately review the appeal and render a decision. The decision of the Jury of Appeal shall be final.
3.2 Voting Procedure
More than half of the Jury members must participate in the review. A decision shall be valid only if approved by more than half of the participating members.
· If the appeal is upheld, the judging result shall be corrected and the appeal fee shall be refunded.
· If the appeal is rejected, the original decision shall stand and the appeal fee shall not be refunded.
3.3 Compliance
All teams must comply with the final decision of the Jury of Appeal. Any unreasonable dispute or disturbance following the final ruling shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations of the organizing body and the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation.
3.4 Correction of Misjudgment
Where misjudgment is confirmed, the Jury of Appeal may correct the error and, depending on severity, impose disciplinary measures on the responsible referee. The result shall be reported to the Federation Secretariat.
3.5 Notification
The arbitration result shall be promptly reported to the competition organizing committee for record, and written notification shall be provided to the appealing team.
Article 15 – Determination of Ranking
1. Ranking in Paired Routine Competition
Ranking shall be determined according to total final scores.
The highest score shall be awarded first place, the next highest second place, and so forth.
2. Tie-Breaking Procedure
2.1 In the event of identical scores, ranking shall be determined in the following order:
· The higher Earned Performance Level & Skill Score shall rank first.
· The higher lowest valid Performance Level score shall rank first.
· The higher second-lowest valid Performance Level score shall rank first.
· The higher lowest Technical Movement Quality score shall rank first.
· If still tied, the ranking shall be determined by joint placement or by drawing lots.
· If the competition includes both preliminary and final rounds, and finalists are tied, the athlete with the higher preliminary ranking shall rank first.
Article 16 – Completion Time
For both Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine and Non-Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine, completion time shall be between 2 and 4 minutes.
In the Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine, the four prescribed sets shall each be performed in reciprocal exchange for three complete cycles.
Article 17 – Competition Attire
1. Referees shall wear standardized uniforms and display official referee credentials.
2. Athletes shall wear official Tai Chi Chuan competition attire and display their competition number badges.
Article 18 – Competition Music
The Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine event shall be performed without musical accompaniment.
Article 19 – Competition Area
1. The competition area for Paired Routine events shall measure 6 meters in length and 5 meters in width, surrounded by a safety zone of at least 2 meters.
Chapter 4
Scoring Methods and Standards
Article 20 – Scoring Methods and Standards for Paired Routine Competition
1. Scoring Method
1.1 The maximum score for each event is 10.00 points, of which:
· Group A (Technical Movement Quality): 5.00 points
· Group B (Performance Level & Skill): 5.00 points
1.2 Group A Judges shall deduct points based on technical errors and other errors occurring during performance.
1.3 Group B Judges shall evaluate the athlete’s overall performance level and assign a grade score.
1.4 The Routine Inspector shall verify whether the performed routine conforms to the prescribed movements and arrangement requirements.
2. Scoring Standards
2.1 Technical Movement Quality
For each movement that does not conform to technical specifications, 0.05 points shall be deducted per occurrence.
For other errors, 0.10–0.30 points shall be deducted per occurrence.
2.2 Performance Level & Skill
Performance level scores shall be evaluated according to:
· Structure
· Method
· Jin (Power Expression)
· Coordination
· Rhythm
· Style
· Offensive and Defensive Clarity
Grading is divided into 3 tiers and 9 levels:
· 5.00–4.11: Excellent
· 4.10–2.91: Average
· 2.90–1.71: Below Standard
2.3 Choreography (Arrangement)
For the Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine, each occurrence of non-compliance with prescribed choreography shall result in a deduction of 0.10–0.20 points.
Article 21 – Requirements for Displayed Scores
· Group A Judges’ displayed scores shall end in 0 or 5 in the second decimal place.
· Group B Judges’ displayed scores shall be accurate to two decimal places.
· The Earned Score shall be calculated to three decimal places; digits beyond the third decimal place shall be disregarded.
Article 22 – Determination of Earned Score
1. Determination for Paired Routine Events
The Earned Score equals:
Technical Movement Quality Score + Performance Level & Skill Score.
2. Determination of Technical Movement Quality Score
· If at least two of the three Group A Judges display identical scores, that score shall be the official Technical Movement Quality Score.
· If all three scores differ, the median score shall be adopted.
(When Group A Judges confirm deductions collectively according to deduction standards, the total deducted points constitute the Technical Movement Quality Deduction. The Technical Movement Quality Score equals 5.00 minus total deductions.)
3. Determination of Performance Level & Skill Score
The Performance Level & Skill Score shall be the arithmetic average of the three Group B Judges’ scores.
The score shall be calculated to three decimal places; digits beyond the third decimal place shall be invalid.
Article 23 – Chief Judge Deductions
1. Time Violations
If completion time deviates from regulations:
· Within 5 seconds (inclusive): –0.10
· 6–10 seconds (inclusive): –0.20
· Each additional 5 seconds: progressive deductions
2. Other Violations
· Each addition or omission of one complete prescribed set: –0.20
· Improper attire specifications: –0.10
3. Re-Performance
3.1 If interruption occurs due to objective reasons, one re-performance shall be allowed without deduction.
3.2 If interruption is caused by forgetting, mistake, or minor injury, one re-performance shall be allowed with a deduction of 1.00 point.
3.3 If an athlete is injured and certified by a physician as unable to continue, the performance shall be terminated. If treatment allows continuation, the athlete may perform last in the group. Failure to resume within permitted time shall be regarded as forfeiture.
3.4 Re-performance must be approved by the Chief Judge and may be arranged at the end of the division.
Article 24 – Determination of Final Score
Final Score = Earned Score – Chief Judge Deductions.
Article 25 – Key Technical Content of the Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine
The technical content of the Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine shall be governed by the four sets as previously defined in this manual. The detailed movement sequences and technical specifications shall be in accordance with the descriptions set forth in the preceding sections.
Chapter 5
Competition Attire Specifications
Article 26 – Attire Specifications for Paired Routine Competition
1. Front-opening Chinese jacket with stand collar and seven frog fasteners; long sleeves required. Jacket length shall not exceed the athlete’s middle fingertip when arms hang naturally. (Elementary Division exempt.)
2. Lantern-style sleeves with fitted cuffs.
3. Traditional Chinese lantern trousers.
4. Fabric and color optional, but must be solid single color.
5. One-centimeter trim may use a different single color or fabric.
6. Waist sash is not permitted.
Chapter 6
Competition Etiquette
Article 27 – Fist–Palm Salute
Athletes stand with feet together.
Left palm covers right fist at chest height.
The base line of the left palm aligns with the ridge of the right fist.
Distance between hands and chest: 20–30 cm.
During paired salute between athletes, parallel stance shall be used.
Chapter 7
Competition Venue Layout and Officials’ Seating
Article 28 – Athlete Positioning
Athlete A and Athlete B shall occupy their designated positions facing each other in the competition area as specified in official diagrams.
Athlete○ | ○Athlete |
B○ | ○A |
Article 29 – Officials’ Seating Arrangements
Seating Arrangement Model 1
Positions 1–11 are seats for Scoring Judges and Routine Inspector.
On-Site Officials’ Seating Arrangement – Diagram 1
1 | 2A | 3B | 4A | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9B | 10A | 11B |
Announcer | Group A Judge | Group B Judge | Group A Judge | Routine Inspector | Chief Judge | Recorder | Timekeeper | Group B Judge | Group A Judge | Group B Judge |
Competition Area (6m × 5m)
1.1 On-Site Officials’ Seating
· Positions 1–11 are seats for Scoring Judges and the Routine Inspector.
· Position 1: Announcer
· Positions 2, 4, 10: Group A Judges (Technical Movement Quality)
· Positions 3, 9, 11: Group B Judges (Performance Level & Skill)
· Position 5: Routine Inspector
· Position 6: Chief Judge
· Position 7: Recorder
· Position 8: Timekeeper
On-Site Officials’ Seating Arrangement – Diagram 2
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||
Announcer | Routine Inspector | Chief Judge | Recorder | Timekeeper | ||||||
6A | 7B | 8A | 9B | 10A | 11B | |||||
Group A Judge | Group B Judge | Group A Judge | Group B Judge | Group A Judge | Group B Judge | |||||
Competition Area (6m × 5m)
2.1 Judges’ Platform Layout
· The judges’ platform shall consist of two rows (front and rear).
· The distance between the two rows shall be 120–150 cm.
· The rear row shall be elevated 30–40 cm above the front row.
2.2 On-Site Officials’ Seating
· Positions 1–11 are seats for Scoring Judges and the Routine Inspector.
· Position 1: Announcer
· Positions 6, 8, 10: Group A Judges
· Positions 7, 9, 11: Group B Judges
· Position 2: Routine Inspector
· Position 3: Chief Judge
· Position 4: Recorder
· Position 5: Timekeeper
On-Site Officials’ Seating Arrangement – Diagram 3
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Announcer | Routine Inspector | Chief Judge | Recorder | Timekeeper |
Competition Area (6m × 5m)
6A | 7B | 8A | 9B | 10A | 11B |
Group A Judge | Group B Judge | Group A Judge | Group B Judge | Group A Judge | Group B Judge |
3.1 On-Site Officials’ Seating
· Positions 1–11 are seats for Scoring Judges and the Routine Inspector.
· Position 1: Announcer
· Positions 6, 8, 10: Group A Judges
· Positions 7, 9, 11: Group B Judges
· Position 2: Routine Inspector
· Position 3: Chief Judge
· Position 4: Recorder
· Position 5: Timekeeper
II. Tai Chi Chuan Duìliàn Competition – Judging Rules for the “Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine”
Chapter 1 Scoring Methods and Standards
Section 1 Evaluation of Technical Specifications and Movement Quality
1. Errors and Deduction Standards for the “Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine”
1.1 Categories, Movement Names, Error Descriptions, and Codes (Table 1)
Category | Movement | Error Description | Code |
Hand Form | Palm | 1. Fingers extended and stiffened upward | 01 |
Stance | Bow Stance | 1. Front knee not reaching over the instep | 02 |
Body Shape | Body Alignment | 1. Head or torso not upright | 03 |
Body Method | Advancing, Retreating, Central Equilibrium | 1. Supporting knee and toe not aligned | 04 |
Body Method | Transition, Waist Turning, Body Turning | 1. Body leaning backward or bending beyond 45° | 05 |
Hand Techniques | Peng (Ward-Off) | 1. Elbow angle not within 90–120° | 06 |
Lü (Rollback) | 1. Incorrect relaxation sequence of the three joints (shoulder–elbow–wrist); forced wrist turning | 07 | |
Ji (Press) | 1. Pressing hand not adhering to the wrist joint of the Peng hand | 08 | |
An (Push) | 1. Fingertips not between nose and chest height | 09 | |
Cai (Pluck) | 1. Both hands not adhering to opponent’s elbow or wrist | 10 | |
Lie (Split) | 1. Both hands not coordinated | 10 | |
Zhou (Elbow) | 1. Vertical elbow arm limp or rigid | — | |
Kao (Shoulder/Body Bump) | 1. Palm not facing sideways | 11 | |
Coordination | Connection & Method | 1. Both hands completely separated (loss of contact) | 12 |
1.2 Deduction Standards
- Each single error: –0.05 points.
- Repetition of the same error (2 or more times): maximum –0.20 points.
- Multiple errors within one movement combination (per category): maximum cumulative –0.20 points.
- Six categories: Hand Form, Stance, Body Shape, Body Method, Hand Techniques, Coordination.
- Maximum deduction per combination movement: –0.80 points.
Clarifications:
- “Supporting knee and toe not aligned” means the supporting knee collapses inward past the inner edge of the foot.
- The three-joint relaxation sequence of Lü is: shoulder → elbow → wrist.
- Coordination errors regarding incorrect sticking points do not include those already specified within Lü, Ji, An, Cai, Lie technical descriptions.
2. Other Errors, Deduction Standards, Codes, and Regulations
Table 2 – Other Error Categories and Deductions
Category | Content & Deduction Standard | Code |
Loss of Balance | Trunk sway; foot movement or hopping (–0.10) | 20 |
Additional support (–0.20) | 21 | |
Fall (–0.30) | 22 | |
Attire | Clothing unbuttoned or torn (–0.10) | 23 |
Costume or headwear falls off (–0.10) | 24 | |
Shoe falls off (–0.10) | 25 | |
Other | Forgetting (–0.10) | 26 |
2.1 Regulations for Other Errors
- Swaying: Multi-directional trunk displacement due to imbalance.
- Moving: Any displacement of one or both feet.
- Hopping: Supporting foot/feet leave the ground.
- Additional support: Hand, elbow, knee, or non-supporting foot touches the ground due to imbalance.
- Fall: Head, arm, shoulder, back, buttocks, or two or more body parts simultaneously touch the ground.
- Forgetting: Unnecessary pause, interruption, or movement confusion.
- Consecutive multiple other errors in one action: cumulative deductions.
- All errors are deducted per occurrence per athlete.
Section 2 Scoring of Performance Skill Level
1. Classification of Performance Skill Levels (Table 3)
Grade | Level | Score Range | Evaluation Criteria |
Excellent | Level 1 | 5.00–4.71 | Stable structure; clear standards; correct methods; relaxed, rounded, complete jin; smooth execution; clear application; coordinated hands-eyes-body-steps; distinct rhythm; prominent style |
Level 2 | 4.70–4.41 | ||
Level 3 | 4.40–4.11 | ||
Average | Level 4 | 4.10–3.71 | Relatively stable structure; fairly clear standards; relatively correct methods; relatively relaxed and rounded jin; relatively smooth; fairly coordinated; rhythm and style moderately clear |
Level 5 | 3.70–3.31 | ||
Level 6 | 3.30–2.91 | ||
Poor | Level 7 | 2.90–2.51 | Unstable structure; unclear standards; incorrect methods; rigid or incomplete jin; unsmooth execution; unclear application; uncoordinated; indistinct rhythm; no prominent style |
Level 8 | 2.50–2.11 | ||
Level 9 | 2.10–1.71 |
Section 3 Scoring of Choreography (Arrangement)
1. Deduction Standards
For the Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine:
- Each addition, omission, or alteration of a prescribed movement (or movement group): –0.20 points.
- Four prescribed groups; each group performed three times by both Athlete A and B.
Table 4 – Arrangement Deductions
Category | Content & Deduction Standard | Code |
Content | Each addition, omission, or alteration of a required movement/group (–0.20) | 30 |
Chapter 2 Manual Scoring Procedures
1. Group A Judges (Technical Quality)
- Record error codes and deductions immediately when errors occur.
- After completion, calculate total technical quality score.
- Display score on scoreboard upon Chief Judge’s instruction.
- Recorder compiles and converts scores according to rules.
2. Group B Judges (Performance Level)
- Evaluate overall performance.
- Determine grade based on three grades and nine levels.
- Record level score and display upon instruction.
- Recorder compiles final performance score.
3. Routine Inspector
- Checks required movements in sequence.
- Mark “√” for completed, “×” for missing.
- Submit results to Chief Judge after completion.
4. Chief Judge
- Confirms other errors and arrangement deductions.
- Records time penalties.
- Announces deductions.
5. Final Score Determination
- Recorder calculates technical score, performance score, Chief Judge deductions, and final score.
- Chief Judge announces:
- Technical quality score
- Chief Judge deductions
- Final score
APPENDIX A
Official Terminology Glossary
(Designated Push-Hands Routine – Sets 1–4)
A.1 Fist–Palm Salute
Chinese: 抱拳禮 Pinyin: Bào Quán Lǐ
A traditional martial greeting in which the right hand forms a fist covered by the left palm at chest level, expressing respect before and after performance. Feet should be in parallel stance, shoulder width apart.
A.2 Gongbu Hand Connection
Chinese: 弓步搭手 Pinyin: Gōng Bù Dā Shǒu
Both athletes establish structured contact in Bow Stance (Gongbu), defined by front leg bent and rear leg sitting (前弓後坐). The posture maintains root, alignment, and forward intent through the wrists, while the internal state remains neutral (Wuji), without bias or commitment of force. This serves as the starting point for each set.
A.3 Double An
Chinese: 雙按 Pinyin: Shuāng Àn
A simultaneous two-hand pushing action directed forward, generated through coordinated forward movement of the kua and rear-leg drive while maintaining structural alignment.
A.3-2 Original Body Position
Chinese: 原體位
Pinyin: yuán tǐ wèi
The relative position of a body part in relation to the body’s structure, maintained without independent or isolated movement. The limb may move, but only as a result of the body’s movement, preserving structural connection and coordination.
A.4 Peng
Chinese: 掤 Pinyin: Péng
An expansive, buoyant structural energy that maintains outward integrity in all directions without stiffness or collapse.
A.5 Advance → Continue An
Chinese: 進步連按 Pinyin: Jìn Bù Lián Àn
Stepping forward while maintaining continuous pushing force generated through coordinated forward movement of the kua and rear leg.
A.6 Retreat → Maintain Peng
Chinese: 退步掤 Pinyin: Tuì Bù Péng
Shifting weight backward while preserving structural expansion and uninterrupted contact.
A.7 Right Peng–Kao
Chinese: 右掤靠Pinyin: Yòu Péng Kào
A combined Ward-Off and Shoulder technique executed on the right side, in which expansive Peng structure transitions into Kao through coordinated leg drive and integrated body alignment, using the forearm, upper arm, or shoulder as the primary contact surface.
A.8 Lu
Chinese: 捋 Pinyin: Lǚ
Lu is the method of following and adhering to incoming force, then redirecting it through a circular rolling action that leads the force away from the centerline. The redirection is achieved through coordinated whole-body integration, which may involve spiral rotation or linear adjustment, without breaking contact or collapsing structure.
A.9 Cai
Chinese: 採Pinyin: Cǎi
A downward and backward diagonal spiraling plucking action that disrupts the opponent’s balance by drawing force off its root through coordinated body integration and forearm control.
A.10 Return to Center Alignment
Chinese: 回正Pinyin: Huí Zhèng
Re-establishing neutral structural alignment and balanced weight distribution while maintaining contact.
A.11 Side Peng
Chinese: 側掤 Pinyin: Cè Péng
A lateral Ward-Off structure expressed to the side through coordinated body alignment and sideward expansion. It may be executed with or without forward stepping and may include waist rotation, while maintaining structural integrity and outward buoyancy.
A.12 Upward Peng
Chinese: 上掤 Pinyin: Shàng Péng
A rising Ward-Off action that lifts or redirects force upward using structural expansion.
A.13 Upward Brace (Jia)
Chinese: 架 Pinyin: Jià
An upward intercepting action using forearm structure to lift or block the opponent’s force.
A.14 Tuo (Cupping Support)
Chinese: 托 Pinyin: Tuō
An upward supporting motion cupping beneath the opponent’s elbow or arm driven by coordinated structural lift.
A.15 Issue (Issuing Force)
Chinese: 發勁 Pinyin: Fā Jìn
The controlled release of force generated through coordinated leg drive and whole-body integration, with or without spiral waist rotation, delivered through unified structural alignment.
A.16 Join Tiger Mouths at the Elbow
Chinese: 合虎口Pinyin: Hé Hǔ Kǒu
Bringing both hands together so that the tiger mouths (the web between thumb and index finger) are aligned upward and positioned at the opponent’s elbow, establishing stable structural control without gripping or squeezing.
A.17 Contact Shoulder
Chinese: 搭肩Pinyin: Dā Jiān
Establishing palm contact at the opponent’s shoulder as a transitional control point.
A.18 Direct Elbow Upward
Chinese: 上送肘Pinyin: Shàng Sòng Zhǒu
Guiding the opponent’s elbow upward using coordinated lifting structure.
A.19 Inner Connecting
Chinese: 內承接 Pinyin: Nèi Chéng Jiē
An inner connecting method in which one hand, with the five fingers aligned and extended, establishes structured contact along the inner side of the opponent’s upper arm, while the other hand lightly adheres to the opponent’s elbow and may transition smoothly to other control points along the opponent’s arm or body.
A.20 Turn Shoulder
Chinese: 轉肩 Pinyin: Zhuǎn Jiān
Rotational expansion of the shoulder girdle driven by waist movement.
A.21 Turn Back
Chinese: 轉回 Pinyin: Zhuǎn Huí
Reversing rotational direction through waist coordination while maintaining structural integrity.
A.22. Kua
Chinese: 胯 Pinyin: kuà
Kua refers to the lower part of the human torso where the legs join the groin and hip bone. In taichi, the kua is deemed as a functional "gateway" crucial for power and balance.
A.22 Bo (撥) – Responsive Deflecting Contact
Chinese: 撥 Pinyin: bō
A light, responsive contact applied through the fingers or hand, involving subtle redirection and adjustment in accordance with the body’s movement. It is not an independent force, but a supporting action that maintains connection and follows the same rotational direction.
A.23 Contact Elbow
Chinese: 搭肘 Pinyin: Dā Zhǒu
Establishing contact at the opponent’s elbow joint for structural control.
A. 23-2 Original Spatial Position
Chinese: 原空位（空間定位）
Pinyin: yuán kōng wèi (kōng jiān dìng wèi)
A reference point in space corresponding to a specific part of the body—such as a fingertip, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or other key point—that remains fixed relative to space while other parts of the body move. This point may be externally visible or internally perceived, and serves as a stable anchor for coordination, control, and structural integrity during movement.
A.24 Double Ji
Chinese: 雙擠 Pinyin: Shuāng Jǐ
A two-hand pushing or squeezing action directed forward along the centerline.
A.25 Chest Peng
Chinese: 胸掤 Pinyin: Xiōng Péng
An expansive ward-off expressed through the chest and upper torso without leaning.
A.26 Double Lu
Chinese: 雙捋 Pinyin: Shuāng Lǚ
A simultaneous two-point rollback action using forearm and elbow structure.
A.27 Contain the Chest
Chinese: 含胸 Pinyin: Hán Xiōng
A controlled inward containment of the chest structure used to neutralize force without collapse.
A.28 Stick to the Wrist
Chinese: 黏腕 Pinyin: Nián Wàn
Maintaining adhesive contact at the opponent’s wrist to preserve sensitivity and control.
A.29 Body Lie
Chinese: 身挒 Pinyin: Shēn Liè
A diagonal splitting force generated through waist rotation, expressing expansion in opposing directions.
A.30 Close Stance
Chinese: 收步 Pinyin: Shōu Bù
Drawing the rear foot inward to align both feet in preparation for completion.
A.31 Lower Hands
Chinese: 收手下落 Pinyin: Shōu Shǒu Xià Luò
Lowering both hands in a controlled manner to neutral position while maintaining composure.
