Tai Chi Partner Practice

Partner Practice Tai Chi (Tuishou) — 6-Week Series
A structured progression from Elementary Tuishou to Peng–Lu–Ji–An and Three-Step practice

A small-group partner practice series focused on classical Yang-style tuishou.

Quick Info

Start date: Thursday, Feb 26
When: Thursdays at 6:30 pm (1 hour)
Where: 172 North Main Street, Sebastopol, CA
Length: 6 classes
Tuition: $160 (6-week series)
Group size: Limited to 10 students
How to register: Registration is currently closed. If you are interested in this class, please email me at:
whitecrowtaiji@gmail.com
Olesya Amacker began studying Taijiquan in 2001 with Master Robert Amacker and trained in his complete curriculum, including the Solo Form, tuishou, Da Lu, sanshou, and Taiji sword. She later continued sword training with Master Ken Van Sickle and received his teaching certificate in 2015. Olesya has taught in California and Prague, and since spring 2022 has offered classes in Marin and Sonoma counties, California

What this series is

This is a structured partner-work series designed to make tuishou understandable, trainable, and useful — not random “pushing.”
We’ll emphasize:
• safe, clear contact and listening skills
• whole-body connection and timing
• neutralizing without collapsing or resisting
Registration is currently closed. If you are interested in this class, please email me at:
whitecrowtaiji@gmail.com

Who it’s for

• You want to learn (or deepen) partner practice
• You want a methodical, step-by-step approach to tuishou
• You want to improve sensitivity, balance, timing, and structure
(If you’re brand new to Tai Chi, you’re welcome—just expect to go slowly and focus on fundamentals.)

What we’ll practice (6 sessions)

1. Foundations + Elementary Tuishou
Review of essential technical requirements; Elementary tuishou on closed and open sides; “Three Old Changes.”
2. Song / “tsung” and the personal “ball”
Partner structure and yielding; “personal ball” training; Elementary tuishou variations (including Cloudy Hands and elbow variation).
3. Introduction to Peng–Lu–Ji–An (Penglujian)
How the four primary energies fit together; clear patterns and partner roles; maintaining connection and safety.
4. Peng–Lu–Ji–An variations
Refining timing, angles, and stepping; sensitivity drills and practical corrections.
5. Three-Step Tuishou
Moving-step partner work: three coordinated steps forward and three back; keeping contact while maintaining alignment.
6. Integration
Revisit key principles and exercises; troubleshoot common problems.

What to bring / wear

• Comfortable clothing and flat, flexible shoes (or clean indoor shoes)
• Water bottle
• A cooperative mindset — this is partner skill training, not sparring

Questions?

If you’re not sure whether this series is right for you, email me at whitecrowtaiji@gmail.com

Partner work in Tai Chi Chuan is an important part of training and allows you to explore the art form beyond solo movements. Although Tai Chi is often practiced individually for health and meditation purposes, partner work adds another dimension by allowing practitioners to explore the martial applications and principles of Tai Chi.