In addition to being in a strong position to launch an attack, by having a strong root or base, being formless, undetected to your opponent, is also paramount. In Taiji Quan this results in being empty, with the practice of Tui Shou or push hands, one learns to be empty. By empty, what is meant, is that you slowly let go of all tension physically. On a mental level the active action of the mind thinking, trying to figure things out, this is also tension that needs to be let go.

Then one starts to listen, “ting jin” they start to feel and understand, instead of trying to think to understand. The mind and body are “empty” and “formless”. In a sparring situation, your opponent will not know what to strike and should they tense up, whether they are defending or attacking, you will be able to sense their weakness and neutralise they attack or attack their weak defences.