Push Hands: The Brute, Part 2: The Sudden Jerk

One of the most common techniques The Brute will use is a sudden backward jerking pull. The Brute's technique isn't skillful or elegant, but it will often work simply because their practitioner is playing Push Hands, not Jerk Hands.

Here are some traditional responses to this technique that you can practice. I don't think any of these will be appropriate in a push hands tournament, but they are all correct applications.

All of these techniques start with the obvious: Yield. Take a step in the direction your opponent is pulling you. Do this on your own terms, rather than stumbling.

For the sake of description, I'm assuming your opponent has grabbed your right wrist with his right hand and yanked you somewhere to his right. (I'm assuming your opponent is male just for writing convenience, not sexism.)

PICTURES WILL BE ADDED LATER.

Response 1: The Elbow / The Shoulder

If your opponent pulls you toward his body rather than to one side, take a step toward him (yield) and apply your elbow to their centerline. If necessary, you may turn your body and use your shoulder.

Response 2: The V-Arm Lock

As soon as your opponent grabs your wrist, put your left hand on top of his, trapping it. When he pulls, take a step forward and roll your right hand in a clockwise direction and point it downward. (This is in Needle at Sea Bottom.)

Response 3: The Arm Drag

As soon as your opponent grabs your wrist, put your left hand on top of his, trapping it. When he pulls, take a step (or two) past your opponent and drop your weight, essentially punching your right hand towards the floor. (This is in Step Up, Plant Fist.)

WARNING: Make sure your right knee isn't forward. If it is, your opponent's elbow/shoulder/spine may break across your knee. (This is the actual original application.)