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Shan Shou Han (山水函) — Mountain-Stream Hands

Shan Shou Han (山水函, "the embrace of mountain and stream") is the advanced force training of Tai Chi. The name comes from the image: the two hands are like mountain and stream, both stable and soft. This practice trains transforming all eight forces of Bamen in one continuous sequence.

What is Shan Shou Han?

It is advanced push hands (Tui Shou / 推手), combining all eight forces: 1. Ward Off (support) 2. Rollback (lead) 3. Press (squeeze) 4. Push (press down) 5. Pluck (pull down) 6. Split (tear) 7. Elbow (close-range strike) 8. Shoulder (close-range strike)

The practice requires two people, one actively transitioning forces, the other responding. Then switch roles.

Three steps of Shan Shou

Step 1: Single transition (changing one force)

  • One person transitions to a new force (e.g., from Ward Off to Rollback)
  • The other person senses and responds with the appropriate force
  • Practice 4-6 times, then switch roles

Step 2: Double transition (changing two forces)

  • Transition two forces in succession (e.g., Ward Off → Rollback → Press)
  • The other person responds step by step
  • Practice 6-8 times

Step 3: Grand transition (changing all eight forces)

  • Continuously transition through all eight forces of Bamen
  • Speed gradually increases, may add footwork (moving in Sizheng)
  • Practice 8-10 times

Prerequisites

You must be familiar with: - ✅ Bamen — understand all 8 forces - ✅ Wubu — familiar with 5 steps - ✅ Grand Transition Push Hands — basic Tui Shou practice - ✅ 24-form — practiced for at least 6 months - ✅ Have a practice partner at similar level (cannot practice alone)

How to practice

Preparation

  1. Find a practice partner at similar level — if mismatch is too large, the weaker person gets "crushed"
  2. Choose a quiet space — no people passing through
  3. Wear loose clothing, go barefoot or wear thin martial-arts shoes
  4. Warm-up: 5 minutes Zhan Zhuang, 3 minutes hip rotation

Practice

1. Two people stand facing each other, right hands touching (Wuji posture)
2. Person A pushes gently with Ward Off force
3. Person B senses, responds with Rollback (leading to side)
4. Person A continues, transitions to Press
5. Person B responds with Push
6. ...continue with 4 Shili forces (Pluck, Split, Elbow, Shoulder)
7. When returning to Ward Off — sequence completes one round
8. Switch roles (Person B takes initiative, A responds)

Common mistakes

  • Using force: Pushing too hard, not relaxing — this is the most common mistake
  • Losing contact: Both hands no longer touching, can't sense opponent's force
  • Too close or too far: Ideal distance is forearms lightly touching
  • No pause points: Continuous force transition without rhythm — lose sensing
  • Practicing with much stronger partner: Weaker person learns nothing

Shan Shou with Wubu

When familiar with basic Shan Shou, can combine with Wubu: - Advance when attacking (Ward Off, Press, Push) - Retreat when defending (Rollback, Pluck) - Look Back Left/Right when evading (Split) - Stand Still when waiting for opportunity

This is advanced Shan Shou — requires years of practice.

Core principle

"Shan Shou begins from Ward Off, ends at Ward Off. One great circle like mountain and stream."

Shan Shou is not a combat training — it is force transformation training. The ultimate goal is intention-martial unity: where intention goes, force follows, without thinking.

Dangerous strikes

Elbow and Shoulder are dangerous strikes — don't use when: - Amateur competition - Practicing with inexperienced people - Practicing outdoors in public - Heart disease, high blood pressure, pregnancy

When beginning, only use 4 Jiuzhou forces (Ward Off, Rollback, Press, Push). When both partners are proficient, add Pluck, Split. Elbow and Shoulder need direct teacher guidance.