What is the Pushing for Peace Program? Pushing for Peace is a program that teaches T’ai Chi movements and philosophy to prevent violence and increase mental and physical health.
The hands-on Pushing for Peace experience consists of a one to two hour (depending on the number of participants) presentation of a progressive series of 9 solo, partnered and group games that make players feel centered, grounded, compassionate and relaxed. When played in order from one to nine, the mind is cleared to start. The Games advance towards a crescendo, becoming more physical and focused with “Sword Fingers.” They culminate in a whole group game, called “Push the Turtle” that teaches real-time tactile awareness and sensitivity and generates simpatico.
Students retain the somatic message of each game psychically. The snake and crane depicted on the booklet-cover represent the creation myth of Tai Chi. During the 12th century Shaolin monk Zhang Sanfeng observed a fight between a snake and a crane on which he based his exercises. Famed artist Stanley Mouse created this whimsical cover illustration, which represents the evolution of Kung Fu into Tai Chi and the transition from our animal natures towards peaceful and joyful coexistence.
For centuries, these ancient forms have been handed down from Master to disciple in Chinese villages and temples. The name of “T’ai Chi Ch’uan” was applied to the 18th century fighter Yang Luchan’s form, based on the insights of a writer who observed his uniquely balanced and deferential fighting style.
Click on the link below to see a short video showing several of the 9 Peace Games. In this VIDEO, “Operator” is first, then “Lead the Follower, Follow the Leader,” followed by “Turtle Races” and finally "Sword Fingers.”
The minimum donation for one Peace Games manual is $25.00, with $5.00 for shipping. For outside the continental USA, check the shipping rates from Orinda, California to your region and include that amount. Your donation supports our Peace Games missions all over the world and are tax-deductible. Your donations will send Peace Games project and manuals to underserved and at-risk students, from Kenya to Nepal to Oakland to Baltimore to Paris, etc ...
Practicing T’ai Chi causes a significant shift away from the bully/victim paradigm, and towards a mutually beneficial exchange. It provides an opportunity to play on a level playing field, a safe space where there are no winners and no losers, and everybody gains.
Pushing for Peace Workshops are for:
Children of all ages
At-risk populations- refugees, under-served communities, regions in conflict
Differently-abled people with special needs
Veterans with PTSD
Healing from substance abuse
Understanding the meaning of T‘ai Chi
Feeling Qi
Conflict Resolution
Creative teamwork
T’ai Chi teachers who want to launch a children’s program
Creating inner focus
Stimulating creativity for the performing and fine artist
For over fifty years, Little River Kung Fu School has been a resource for high level Chinese Kung Fu, with students teaching in Oakland, Oregon, Virginia, Philippines and China. Tuition payments and private lessons are always affordable, starting at $125 per month, depending on how many classes are taken. ($400/mo. for 1X/wk., {if there are 5 weeks in that month, you get a free lesson!} $345/mo. for 3X/mo. and $225 for 2X/mo.)