In the second stage, a firm grasp of the rules of Tai Chi Chuan movements should be stressed. In order to demonstrate the characteristics of Tai Chi Chuan, we must focus on the following Points:

(I) Continuity: After a certain foundation has been laid for the positions and movements, the next step is to make the entire exercise continuous. Al1 movements should be well connected with those proceeding and those following. The whole set of exercises should be done without interruption, like flowing water and floating clouds. The end of one exercise is the exact beginning of the following one. For example, at the beginning, the four movements of warding off, stroking, pushing, and pressing can be practiced separately. After you are ski1led in these exercises, you should connect them fluidly and practice them as one. Although there should be a certain sense of rhythm between two exercises (as though a slight pause after one exercise is finished), the one following shou1d be started immediate1y as though the previous, exercise seemed to pause, but did not pause. The whole set of exercises should be well connected and done continuously without breaks. There should be no pause.