The Fighting Set is designed to help the practitioner learn how the movements trained in the Taiji form can be applied in a fighting situation. It is a dynamic and serious look at how Taiji can be used for self-defense. Like any form, first you need to learn the movements, then deepen them to make them smooth, rooted, and effective. As you train the form, your focus should be on making the form “alive,” not just a sequence of moves.

The set consists of two sides, each with 44 interlocked movements. As one side attacks, the opposing side defends.

Find a Partner

To learn the set, we recommend you have a committed partner of about your same size and skill  level. Each of you should learn one side of the form completely, before attempting to learn the other side.

One partner learns the Attack (A) side, the other the Defense (D) side. This is based on who attacks first, at the beginning of the set. In actuality, each side both attacks and defends throughout the set.[TE1] 

Learn in Sections

This course is designed to teach the set in sections. Each section is 2-8[TE2]  moves for each side. The sections are consecutive, with each section building on the previous ones. As you learn each new section, add those moves onto the end of all the previous moves.

For Each Section

For each section, we have provided normal speed videos, detailed breakdowns of individual moves, and techniques and drills to help you build skill with executing the movements of that section.

We have also provided different options and alternatives for each of the moves, for after you have learned each section. There are many options available for any given movement.

Goals of Learning the Fighting Set

• Understand the martial applications of the art

• Master the skills of angling, trapping, yielding, and actual techniques

• Master stepping and sense of distance

• Learn how to trap and evade trapping

• Train your Jin, both offensive and defensive in movements

• Train your sense of enemy