Find me: blind walking and connectivity

Here's an exercise by Frank Doss from Shizenden Ryu Matsukaze Dojo  at http://matsukazedojo.blogspot.ca/

Eyes closed: This is an exercise to practice balanced walking, and of course, listening. Your partner is walking you backward, forward and in circles in attempt to confuse your rooted walking patterns. Always keep your space intact. Always follow her movement pattern. Do not in this exercise attempt to redirect her movement. Follow.... and then she drops the second contact hand. Find me!

Receiving, connecting and imparting.

The hardness of the receiving arm determines the amount of bounce: the harder the arm, the more bounce and the less connectivity. Push hands is about connectivity, balance, relaxation and root. The ball is a great practice toy, similar but unlike a real person's arm attempting to penetrate your personal space.

 The great benefit to t'ai chi is we  can apply its principles to any activity...especially one that is as much fun as wall boxing with sort of squash rules!