When training Tai Chi sparring (San Shou) with a partner, the manual outlines a strict progression through three distinct stages to safely build up to real combat proficiency:
Stage 1: Point-to-Stop (點到即止) In the beginning, because both partners’ techniques are not yet fully mature, the focus is purely on practicing offensive and defensive movements without causing injury. You must execute your punches and kicks but stop and rapidly retract them the exact moment before they touch your partner’s body. During this stage, it is critical to practice every technique on both the left and right sides.
Stage 2: Actual Contact After a period of practice, your reactions and technical skills will reach a higher level where you are permitted to actually land your strikes on your partner’s body. Because both practitioners have been conditioning their bodies with Tai Chi Nei Kung (internal strength), their muscles and bones are resilient enough to safely absorb these blows. However, you must not just stand there and trade punches like a brawl; you must actively use your high-level Tai Chi techniques to neutralize the opponent’s incoming force and achieve a tactically advantageous angle.
Stage 3: Real Combat Simulation Once you have mastered the second stage, you progress to the highest level of training where both sides must treat each other as real enemies. Often, the teacher will personally step in during this stage and unleash a “storm-like” (狂風驟雨) barrage of attacks against the student. This intense pressure tests your courage and requires you to remain completely calm; only by combining a tranquil mind with fast reactions and refined technique can you successfully defend yourself. Once you can survive this stage, your skills are considered sufficient for real-world self-defense.
