Bull Push on All Fours
A partner wrestling game on all fours: on hands and knees, shoulder to shoulder, each player pushes to drive the opponent out of the square or flatten them onto their chest. Students build upper-body strength, core stability, and safe head position.
How to play
- Pairs of similar weight in 6 x 6 ft tatami squares. Review the bull position: hands under shoulders, knees under hips, and a flat back (2 min).
- Setup: the two bulls kneel side by side facing opposite directions, right shoulder against right shoulder, with heads off to the side, never face to face.
- On the clap, each pushes with the shoulder and moves hands and knees to drive the opponent out of the square or make their chest or side touch the mat. Each success is 1 point (demo and practice, 3 min).
- 20-second rounds, best of five, switching shoulders after each round to work both sides (4 min).
- Rotation: winners move one square to the right and play another best-of-five against a new opponent (4 min).
- Finish with shoulder and wrist stretches in child's pose (2 min).
Rules
- Heads never touch or push: they always stay to the side of the shoulder.
- No grabbing, no pulling clothes, and no lifting a hand to strike.
- Knees stay on the mat; standing up loses the round.
- On 'Hold!', both stop and sit down.
Variations
Easier
Push side against side instead of shoulder to shoulder, and you win only by pushing the opponent out.
Standard
Shoulder to shoulder, out of the square or chest down, best of five.
Harder
Play with one hand off the floor for the first 5 seconds of each round.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated back-to-back push on the mat, winning by sliding the partner a few inches.
- Autism or contact avoidance: both push against a large ball held between their shoulders, with no direct contact.
- Fitness level: match strictly by weight; students with less arm strength may rest on their forearms.
Learning goals
- Build upper-body strength and core stability on all fours.
- Keep the head and back in a safe position during a competitive push.
- Compete hard while respecting the rules and the partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tatami mats: 24
Teacher tip
The most dangerous mistake is leading with the head; correct it immediately, and if it happens again, move that pair to the side-push version. Wrists take a beating, so a good wrist warm-up beforehand prevents soreness.
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