In Grandmaster Wei Shuren's Tai Chi we approach the topic of force differently.
There are many ways to apply force in our Tai Chi. GM Wei's book on the 22-form has many models of how to apply force. Sometimes I think far too many.
Sure, it makes for fun learning. Tickles the grey cells even. However, for application I feel that you only need something more straightforward, something you can use easily without having to think very hard, something you can pull off even as the opponent is trying to hit you back.
Fortunately, in Grandmaster Wang Yongquan's book there is a Song of Chaos which he penned based on his practice insights. Note - the book was actually written by Grandmaster Wei but published under GM Wang's name with his approval. The Song of Chaos is as follows :-
双环一套十字生,
十字四端皆弧形
惟有当中是实点,
还要围绕环边行
十字交点一错位,
四两千厅亦可乘
掌中乱环横坚找,
乱环法术在于通
I once asked my teacher to explain the above to me. The moment I heard his explanation I realized how important it is to thoroughly master all the requirements of the 22-form.
This is because the 22-form (or for that matter the 37-form, the 108-form and the 8-step Health Form) is configured to provide the necessary practice for acquiring the physical understanding to actualize the skills outlined in the Song of Chaos.
End of Part 2. Read Part 3 next.