One integral part of the internal training in the principles of Baguazhang is the practice of Rou Shou (or Soft Hands). In all the styles of Baguazhang, Rou Shou is often exemplified by two person practice, and is performed with fixed steps, moving predetermined two man forms, or free style. Bagua Rou Shou often employs joint hand drills with another person, which on the surface appear to be similar to Tui Shou, or Push Hands, that is a cornerstone in the training in both Taijiquan and Xingyiquan. The beauty of Rou Shou is that you can adapt your practice of the art into more true to life situations that call on a response to the unpredictable. Training in this manner leads to not only obvious, useful fine tuning of the instrument of the mind, body, and spirit as a weapon, but also training the adrenals to delay or be calm in the heightened reaction of an attack. Another great benefit to practicing Rou Shou is that you may further engage with many other internal martial artists such as practitioners of Taijiquan and Xingyiquan in their practice of Tui Shou (or Push Hands). Like Push Hands, Rou Shou also elicits listening energy, stickiness, and a great deal of confidence training in the power of less (or a combination of efficiency and exactness). Introducing and employing many of Baguazhang's timeless applications and practical defenses.
Rou Shou has unfortunately been overlooked and even sacrificed in recent times for the integration of so called "mixed martial arts." If a practitioner needs to pull from this or that martial art, especially in internal arts, it's likely they missed the point of the training in their primary style. Heading down a path that may rely on unreal circumstances or environments (such as mats) are likely to ultimately limit your effectiveness.-http://www.chiflow.com/html/Baguazhang_Intro_p2.htm
