(Also known as 88 Form, Fighting Form, Partner Form, or San Shou)

This is the most advanced of the forms taught before free style fighting. I believe it was developed with the encouragement of Yang Chen Fu by one of his senior students, so it is fairly modern. It explains how Tai Chi Chuan can and should be used as a self defense system. This course should only be undertaken when a student has completed his or her studies of the Long Form and Push Hands. It would be a waste of time otherwise.

The Partner Form is divided into two sides – each of 44 movements. These fit together seamlessly to make a beautiful dance-like sequence of attack – neutralize – and counterattack. All of the principles of Tai Chi are well expressed in this marvelous form.

In the Yang Tai Chi Chuan, there is no such thing as an attack, there is only counterattack. All movements are only a response to an attack by the opponent. Therefore, each movement is composed of three parts: join and neutralize, control, and attack. To start the Partner Form in motion, one person initiates an attack and then the form follows the principle of only attacking after neutralizing. It is easy to see when practicing that force does not work well, and the form also illustrates how important correct position is for a technique to be effective.

This form can also be practiced as an 88 movement solo form, quite similar to the Long Form, and is quite fun to really express Fa Jing (explosive energy).

Following are the names of the two forms. You’ll notice many have the same names as Yang Style movements, and the rest are clearly stated, not metaphoric.