Open guard and out of context...
The practicallity of what he is trying to "sell" to me is reinforced by who he trying to sell it to...
The Text GFX at the top of the clip says he's demonstrating it at an Aikido school for a start.
Aikido although technically sound like many MA's, has very unrealistic training IMO.
So perhaps he is spurred on by a captive audience.
Half of marketing is knowing who to sell your product to :rolleyes:
Second - if you look amoungst the body types of the people trying his tech's out at the end of the clip you'll notice, overweight middle aged women and middle aged men with average fitness. (in appearance )
So all and all, discussing the effectivness of this technique or lack thereof against skilled fit people in a competitive environment is just too far removed IMO.
Also IME Tai Chi Toy Sao is dealing with sticking energy with NO attacks, often called push hands...its just about dealing with redirecting force away from your center. It doesnt contain following up after redirecting that force that Chi Sao contains. :rolleyes: (in terms of punching not pushing ! )
But most of all we know that even though he states you shouldnt "hold on" when on your back, that if he had me or you for instance, raining down elbows and punches he'd bloody well be holding on, or be KTFO... :rolleyes: