Article 1: Competition Area

The designated match area shall be a circle measuring between 10 feet in diameter.

All bouts are conducted under single-elimination format. In divisions with exactly three (3) competitors, a round-robin format shall be used instead.

Article 2: Match Format and Conduct

2.1 Foundational Principles

All competitors must demonstrate adherence to the classical Tai Ji Quan precepts of nian, lian, tie, sui (sticking, connecting, adhering, and following), the principle of yielding to overcome force, and the primacy of refined technique over muscular effort. Only orthodox Tai Ji Quan methods, including but not limited to peng, lü, ji, an (ward off, rollback, press, and push), may be employed to unbalance an opponent. Wrestling, striking with fists or feet, and aggressive sweeping are not permitted.

2.2 Round Structure

Each bout consists of a minimum of two (2) rounds. Each round runs for two (2) minutes, followed by a one (1) minute rest interval. The competitor who accumulates the greater number of points within a round wins that round. The first competitor to win two (2) rounds is declared the winner of the bout. Should the competitors split the first two rounds, a third decisive round shall be held.

2.3 Overtime

If no winner can be determined after three (3) rounds, the referee shall declare a draw and initiate one (1) sudden-death overtime round of one (1) minute. The winner of the overtime round wins the bout. If the overtime round also produces no decisive result, the competitor with fewer accumulated fouls and warnings shall be declared the winner. Should this also be equal, the panel of judges, in consultation with the Chief Arbitrator, will deliberate and render a verdict based on each competitor's demonstrated mastery of Tai Ji Quan pushing hands principles. The Chief Judge's ruling is final and binding.

2.4 Point of Contact

Upon entering the center of the arena, each competitor must place their left palm lightly against the opponent's right elbow, while pressing their right forearm against the opponent's forearm near the wrist. Continuous upper-limb contact with the opponent must be maintained throughout each round as a prerequisite for initiating or countering any technique.

2.5 Delivery of Technique

Force may only be released while physical contact with the opponent's body is maintained. Projecting force through a fist or open palm from a distance, without contact is strictly forbidden.

2.6 Injury Protocol

Should a competitor sustain an injury during a bout, a medical timeout of up to five (5) minutes may be granted. If the injured competitor cannot resume, their opponent shall be declared the winner. Exception: a competitor will not be awarded the win if the injury was the direct result of an intentional foul (see Article 4.15).

2.7 Eligibility

The Free-Style Pushing Hands event is open to Advanced Tai Ji Quan practitioners only.

Article 3: Scoring

3.1 Scoring Principle

Points are awarded when a competitor successfully disrupts the opponent's balance through a valid Tai Ji Quan technique. The technique must cause the opponent to stagger, become partially unbalanced, or be fully uprooted — either within or outside the boundary circle. Raw muscular shoving or pushing without technique will not be recognized for scoring purposes.

3.2 Point Values

• Outcome points awarded opponent rendered off-balance by a valid Tai Ji technique (1 point)

• Opponent discharged outside the boundary circle (2 points)

• Opponent's hand or knee contacts the floor inside the circle (2 points)

• Opponent discharged outside the circle with hand or knee contacting the floor (3 points)

3.3 Scoring Restrictions

If a foul is committed during the execution of a technique that unbalances an opponent, no points shall be awarded for that action, and points may be deducted from the offending competitor.

• No points will be awarded when an opponent is forced out of bounds through brute force, grappling, or grasping, with no discernible Tai Ji technique applied.

• No points will be awarded when both competitors devolve into mutual grappling or shoving.

• No points will be awarded when a competitor drags or pulls an opponent to the floor while themselves falling.

• Competitors who persistently disregard Tai Ji Quan principles may be removed from the event entirely.

Article 4: Prohibited Actions and Penalties

The following constitute fouls and are subject to penalty:

4.1 Initiating contact or launching a technique without first establishing contact with the opponent (surprise attacks).

4.2 Directing techniques above the shoulder line or below the waist.

4.3 Using fingertips or similar extremities to poke, jab, or prod any part of the opponent's body.

4.4 Using the feet to hook, step on, or interfere with any part of the opponent's body.

4.5 Using the palm to push, choke, or apply force to the opponent's neck or chin.

4.6 Wrapping around the opponent's back, reaching under the opponent's armpit, or reaching over the opponent's side waist for more than three (3) seconds.

4.7 Grabbing, clutching, or pulling the opponent's clothing.

4.8 Intentionally lifting or manipulating the opponent's clothing to create body contact through a sweeping or agitating motion.

4.9 Seizing or grasping the opponent's feet or legs.

4.10 After successfully executing a plucking (cai) technique, the competitor must release the grip immediately.

4.11 Spitting on or biting the opponent are absolutely prohibited.

4.12 Employing brute grappling or wrestling. Grappling is considered to have occurred when one or both arms are extended outward from the body in a manner consistent with a hugging or clinching posture.

4.13 Positioning an arm beneath the opponent's armpit for more than three (3) seconds while failing to execute a valid Tai Ji Quan technique, this will result in a warning.

4.14 Leaning the head, shoulders, or neck into the opponent.

4.15 Repeated or egregious disregard for Tai Ji Quan principles, or deliberate use of illegal techniques, will result in immediate disqualification and suspension from the tournament.

4.16 Actively avoiding contact with the opponent for more than ten (10) continuous seconds will result in a warning; a second such warning carries a one (1) point deduction.

Penalty Structure:

First warning: Verbal warning only; no point deduction

Second warning: 1 point deducted

First foul: 1 point deducted

Second foul: 1 point deducted

Third foul: Automatic disqualification

Serious fouI: Immediate disqualification

Chief Judge's Authority:

• If one competitor leads by more than fifteen (15) points at any time, the Chief Judge may declare that competitor the winner by decisive advantage.

• If a competitor accumulates six (6) or more points in deductions (from warnings and fouls combined), the Chief Judge may declare that competitor the loser.

This event is reserved for Advanced-level Tai Ji Quan practitioners. All participants are expected to embody the spirit and principles of traditional Tai Ji Quan throughout the competition.