Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine Technical Movements and Illustrated Explanations

 

Designated Push-Hands Paired Routine

Technical Movements and Illustrated Explanations

Demo 

Master Wu

Set 1. Sticking & Adhering Method (Nian-Tie Fa)

Sequence:

Athlete A (甲) 1–9

1.      Gongbu Hand Connection → 2. An (Push)→ 3. Advance while continuing An (Push)→ 4. Peng→ 5. Kao→ 6. Peng→ 7. Retreat and maintain Peng→ 8. Lu → Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw)→ 9. Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection

Athlete B (乙) 1–9

1.      Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. Peng→ 3. Retreat and maintain Peng→ 4. Lu→ 5. Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw)→ 6. An (Push)→ 7. Advance while continuing An (Push)→ 8. Peng → Kao→ 9. Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection 

Note: All sets shall be performed for three reciprocal cycles in accordance with the General Competition Rules

.

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 hand withdraws, palm facing down)	Continue Cai
6	Return →Peng	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 Receiving Method (Wai Cheng-Jie Fa)

Sequence:

Athlete A (甲) -- 1–15

1. Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. An (Push)→ 3. Advance while continuing An (Push)→ 4-1. Peng–Kao→ 4-2. Continue turning → Peng–Kao→ 5. Retreat → Peng→ 6. Retreat → Side Peng→ 7. Upward Frame (Jia / 架)→ 8. Frame-turn → Tuo (Upward Support / 托)→ 9. Drop elbow→  Lu transitioning 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

1. Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. 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. Side Peng–Kao (側棚靠)→ 10. Retreat → Peng (退側棚)→ 11. Retreat → Side Peng (回側棚)→ 12. Upward Frame (Jia / 架)→ 13. Frame-turn → Tuo (Upward Support / 托)→ 14. Drop elbow→ Lu transitioning 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 withdraws, palm facing down)	Continue Cai
5	Retreat →Peng	Advance → Issue at elbow and Wrist
6	Retreat → Side Peng	Join Tiger Mouths at elbow → Issue
7	Upward Peng	Contact Shoulder → Issue
8	Frame-turn → Tuo (Upward Support / 托)	Send elbow Upward
9	Drop elbow→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 Peng
13	Send elbow Upward	Frame and Support
14	Right Peng–Kao	Drop elbow→Lu → Cai
15	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection

Set 3. Inner Receiving 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 The left-hand fingers apply a Light Deflecting Contact along Athlete B’s apine.→ 16 Apply a Deflecting Action to Athlete B’s left shoulder→ 17 Return to contact B’s right shoulder → 18 Return to contact elbow → 19 Return to Center Alignment Gongbu Hand Connection

Athlete B (乙) 1–19

1 Gongbu Hand Connection → 2 Peng → 3 Retreat while continue Peng → 4 Lu and transition into Cai → 5 Right hand Inner Receiving → 6 Left-Hand Fingers apply a light Deflecting Contact along Athlete A’s spine→ 7 Apply a Deflecting Action to Athlete B’s left shoulder → 8 Left hand return 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 return 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	An	Peng
3	Advance → Continue An	Retreat → Maintain Peng
4-1	Right Peng–Kao	Lu → Cai
4-2	Continue Right Peng–Kao ( Left hand withdraws, palm facing down)	Continue Cai
5	Continue Peng–Kao	Inner Receiving
6	Continue Turning → Peng–Kao	Left-Hand Fingers apply a light Deflecting Contact along Athlete A’s spine
7	Turn Shoulder → Peng–Kao	Apply a Deflecting Action to Athlete B’s left shoulder
8	Turn Back	Left hand return to contact A’s right shoulder
9	Continue Turning Back	Return to contact A’s right shoulder
10	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection	Return to Elbow
11	Peng	An
12	Retreat → Maintain Peng	Advance → Continue An
13-1	Lu → Cai	Right Peng–Kao
13-2	Continue Cai	Continue Peng-Kao; Left Palm facing down
14	Inner Receiving	Continue turning→Peng–Kao; Left palm remains facing down
15	Left-Hand fingers apply a light Deflecting Contact along Athlete B’s spine	Continue Turning→Peng–Kao; Left palm remains facing down
16	Apply a Deflecting Action 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 return 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 and continue An→ 4 Right Peng-Kao→ 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→ 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 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 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→ 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	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 palm facing down	Double Lu; The left forearm executes a Vertical Lu at the elbow while the right hand fetreats 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 palm facing down
12	Return to Center Alignment	Return to Center Alignment
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 One (1) Chief Referee
1.2 One to three (1–3) Deputy Chief Referees

1.3 One (1) Chief Judge
1.4 Three (3) Group A Judges (Technical Movement Quality)
1.5 Three (3) Group B Judges (Performance Level & Skill)
1.6 One (1) Routine Inspector
1.7 One (1) Timekeeper
1.8 One (1) Recorder
1.9 One (1) Announcer

Total: Eleven (11) Officials.

2. Auxiliary Officials

2.1 Chief of Arrangement & Records (1); Arrangement Recorders (2–5)
2.2 Chief Registrar (1); Registrars (2–6)
2.3 Arbitration Video Officials (2–4) – Not Applicable
2.4 Electronic Scoring System Operators (2–4) – Not Applicable

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 three repetitions.

 

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

Set 1. Sticking & Adhering Method (Nian-Tie Fa)

1. Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. Peng→ 3. Retreat and maintain Peng→ 4. Lu→ 5. Cai (Diagonal Spiral Draw)→ 6. An (Push)→ 7. Advance while continuing An (Push)→ 8. Peng → Kao→ 9. Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand ConnectionEach method shall follow the prescribed sequence of:
Peng (Ward-Off), Lü (Rollback), Ji (Press), An (Push), Cai (Pluck), Lie (Split), Zhou (Elbow), and Kao (Shoulder/Body Bump), as applicable.

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 hand withdraws, palm facing down)	Continue Cai
6	Return →Peng	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 Receiving Method (Wai Cheng-Jie Fa)

1. Gongbu Hand Connection→ 2. 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. Side Peng–Kao (側棚靠)→ 10. Retreat → Peng (退側棚)→ 11. Retreat → Side Peng (回側棚)→ 12. Upward Frame (Jia / 架)→ 13. Frame-turn → Tuo (Upward Support / 托)→ 14. Drop elbow→ Lu transitioning into Cai (採捋)→ 15. Return to Center Alignment → Return to Center Alignment → Gongbu Hand Connection (轉正搭手)

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 withdraws, palm facing down)	Continue Cai
5	Retreat →Peng	Advance → Issue at elbow and Wrist
6	Retreat → Side Peng	Join Tiger Mouths at elbow → Issue
7	Upward Peng	Contact Shoulder → Issue
8	Frame-turn → Tuo (Upward Support / 托)	Send elbow Upward
9	Drop elbow→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 Peng
13	Send elbow Upward	Frame and Support
14	Right Peng–Kao	Drop elbow→Lu → Cai
15	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection

Set 3. Inner Receiving Method (Nei Cheng-Jie Fa)

1 Gongbu Hand Connection → 2 Peng → 3 Retreat while continue Peng → 4 Lu and transition into Cai → 5 Right hand Inner Receiving → 6 Left-Hand Fingers apply a light Deflecting Contact along Athlete A’s spine→ 7 Apply a Deflecting Action to Athlete B’s left shoulder → 8 Left hand return 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 return to contact A’s right elbow → 19 Return to Center Alignment Gongbu Hand Connection

Step	Athlete A (甲)	Athlete B (乙)
1	Gongbu Hand Connection	Gongbu Hand Connection
2	An	Peng
3	Advance → Continue An	Retreat → Maintain Peng
4-1	Right Peng–Kao	Lu → Cai
4-2	Continue Right Peng–Kao ( Left hand withdraws, palm facing down)	Continue Cai
5	Continue Peng–Kao	Inner Receiving
6	Continue Turning → Peng–Kao	Left-Hand Fingers apply a light Deflecting Contact along Athlete A’s spine
7	Turn Shoulder → Peng–Kao	Apply a Deflecting Action to Athlete B’s left shoulder
8	Turn Back	Left hand return to contact A’s right shoulder
9	Continue Turning Back	Return to contact A’s right shoulder
10	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection	Return to Elbow
11	Peng	An
12	Retreat → Maintain Peng	Advance → Continue An
13-1	Lu → Cai	Right Peng–Kao
13-2	Continue Cai	Continue Peng-Kao; Left Palm facing down
14	Inner Receiving	Continue turning→Peng–Kao; Left palm remains facing down
15	Left-Hand fingers apply a light Deflecting Contact along Athlete B’s spine	Continue Turning→Peng–Kao; Left palm remains facing down
16	Apply a Deflecting Action 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 return to elbow	Continue turning
19	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection	Return → Gongbu Hand Connection

 

Set 4. Eight Methods (Ba Fa)

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 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 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→ 13 Close Stance→ 14 Lower hands→ 15 Fist–Palm Salute

 

Step	Athlete A (甲)	Athlete B (乙)
1	Gongbu Hand Connection	Gongbu Hand Connection
2	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 palm facing down	Double Lu; The left forearm executes a Vertical Lu at the elbow while the right hand fetreats 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 palm facing down
12	Return to Center Alignment	Return to Center Alignment
13	Close Stance	Close Stance
14	Lower hands	Lower hands
15	Fist–Palm Salute	Fist–Palm Salute

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 2. Fingers bent and gripping with force 3. Tiger’s mouth not naturally curved 4. Palm limp or rigid	01
Stance	Bow Stance	1. Front knee not reaching over the instep 2. Front thigh lower than horizontal or higher than 60° above horizontal 3. Sole or heel noticeably lifted or displaced 4. Rear foot not turned inward (exceeding 90°)	02
Body Shape	Body Alignment	1. Head or torso not upright 2. Hunched back, bent waist, or protruding hips 3. Raised shoulders	03
Body Method	Advancing, Retreating, Central Equilibrium	1. Supporting knee and toe not aligned 2. Front thigh lower than horizontal or higher than 60° above horizontal 3. Vertical fluctuation of center of gravity during movement 4. Advancing or retreating not executed or unclear	04
Body Method	Transition, Waist Turning, Body Turning	1. Body leaning backward or bending beyond 45° 2. Center of gravity lower than horizontal standard 3. Twisting waist and swinging hips	05
Hand Techniques	Peng (Ward-Off)	1. Elbow angle not within 90–120° 2. Wrist higher than throat or lower than chest 3. Raised elbow 4. Palm/fingers limp or rigid	06
	Lü (Rollback)	1. Incorrect relaxation sequence of the three joints (shoulder–elbow–wrist); forced wrist turning 2. Forcefully clamping the armpit 3. Incorrect sticking position of both hands	07
	Ji (Press)	1. Pressing hand not adhering to the wrist joint of the Peng hand 2. Hands not following the waist movement	08
	An (Push)	1. Fingertips not between nose and chest height 2. Elbow angle less than 90° 3. Palm not adhering to opponent’s elbow or wrist joint 4. Palm/fingers limp or rigid	09
	Cai (Pluck)	1. Both hands not adhering to opponent’s elbow or wrist 2. Forceful pulling	10
	Lie (Split)	1. Both hands not coordinated 2. Both hands not adhering to opponent’s elbow or wrist 3. Forceful pulling 4. Plucking/cutting arm limp or rigid	10
	Zhou (Elbow)	1. Vertical elbow arm limp or rigid	—
	Kao (Shoulder/Body Bump)	1. Palm not facing sideways 2. Straight arm (fully extended elbow) 3. Arm limp or rigid 4. Wrist drooping downward	11
Coordination	Connection & Method	1. Both hands completely separated (loss of contact) 2. Incorrect sticking/contact points 3. Incorrect attacking or defending points 4. Striking opponent by mistake 5. Moving away from or deviating from target area 6. Motionless for more than 2 seconds	12

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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

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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.

A.2 Gongbu Hand Connection

Chinese: 弓步搭手 Pinyin: Gōng Bù Dā Shǒu

Both athletes establish structured contact in Bow Stance (Gongbu), maintaining root, alignment, and forward intent through the forearms or wrists.

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.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 Frame Upward (Jia)

Chinese: 架 Pinyin: Jià

An upward intercepting action using forearm structure to lift or block the opponent’s force.

A.14 Tuo (Upward Support)

Chinese: 托 Pinyin: Tuō

An upward supporting motion 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 Send Elbow Upward

Chinese: 上送肘Pinyin: Shàng Sòng Zhǒu

Guiding the opponent’s elbow upward using coordinated lifting structure.

A.19 Inner Receiving

Chinese: 內承接 Pinyin: Nèi Chéng Jiē

An inner receiving 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 Light Contact and Deflection at the Spine

Chinese: 輕貼背脊撥之
Pinyin: Qīng Tiē Bèi Jǐ Bō Zhī

A soft, adhesive contact applied along the opponent’s back line, used to coordinate with the other hand’s Inner Receiving and diagonal Cai. Through subtle deflecting (Bo) action—guided by waist or hip rotation rather than arm strength—the opponent’s structure is redirected slightly off-center and guided backward and downward without pushing.

A.23 Contact Elbow

Chinese: 搭肘 Pinyin: Dā Zhǒu

Establishing contact at the opponent’s elbow joint for structural control.

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.