In the past a person's taiji skill level was judged by the softness and looseness of the person's taiji form. Those with a soft and loose form were considered to have a high level of kung fu, of taiji practice.

The quality of a person's taiji could be determined by the sound made when the person dropped their foot during the form. The sound of the dropping foot is solid and can be felt along the floor or the ground. One can hear the power that is within the leg, within the body, and is not being thrown away. One can hear the connection. When the body is not balanced the sound of the dropping foot lacks connection.

March 2016