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"Question: The Treatise on Taichichuan says, ‘Be passive and follow.’ Does this mean that you do not take any initiative?"

"Answer: ‘Be passive and follow’ is the same as Lao Tzu’s saying, ‘To take, first give.’ The distance you follow your opponent’s strength depends on your own kungfu. Without sufficient kungfu, you have to follow his strength for a longer distance, and return your attack only after his strength is exhausted. When your kungfu improves, you may gradually shorten the distance you follow his strength, and return your attack when his strength is half used.

If your kungfu is really good, you may just follow very little and return the attack when his strength shows the slightest change. Sometimes, when your hands become so sticky that his strength cannot be issued, you can issue your strength immediately. In this case, you do not need to follow, but can take the initiative."