THE CODE OF EXCHANGE
“功不够用法，法不够用时机”
"If Gong is not enough apply technique, if technique is not enough use timing."
This maxim is the reference I was given many years ago to best choose my training partners.
In China it is very usual among practitioners to do 交流 Jiao Liu, understood as exchange-chat. This kind of "chat" consists, through codified exercises, of measuring the quality of the two practitioners. An exchange of Tui Shou or of other codified exercises are the elements generally used in this type of encounter. The goal is not to defeat the opponent but, through confrontation, to understand new space for improvement with regard to specific skills.
While it is possible to create the conditions to benefit from training with everyone with different levels of experience, it is also true that choosing carefully the people with whom to train periodically is a fundamental piece in the quality of our practice.
To apply the maxim in a civilized exchange, we ideally observe 3 STAGES:
Stage 1)
Use only the physical qualities acquired through Ji Ben Gong. If at this stage one of the partners starts trying to apply any technical elements or changes of rhythm, it means that the difference between them is very considerable. Generally, the person who starts applying the techniques doesn't even realize that the other person is practically not reacting and even if he moves minimally, he manages to counter the techniques and the changes of rhythm.
Stage 2)
Both practitioners begin to apply technical elements without changes of rhythm if in the first stage both worked in calmness using only the qualities acquired through Ji Ben Gong by balancing and neutralizing each other.
Stage 3)
We enter a real free exchange including sudden changes of speed and distance if in the second stage , practitioners were able to neutralize their partner's actions by correctly managing distance and countering each other with clean and effective techniques.(Always within codified training exercises)
Clearly, it is not possible to imagine opening the doors of one's home to anyone who proposes this type of exchange. It usually takes place by introduction or between people who have established a certain kind of relationship that allows this "chat" to be approached with mutual respect.
All of this, however, should not be confused with free combat training, which has an entirely different dynamic and function. Being capable in selected skills and qualities doesn’t make a practitioner a fighter.