Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

Hello all,
I am relatively new to Tai-Chi-Chuan, but through reading, research and practice have come to understand that Tai-Chi-Chuan has no real "sparring" per se but the practice of push hands is used in lieu of this. Any thoughts?
Thanx,
JohnK

Actually, depending on the instructor, there can be several levels to partner-practice, including sparring (after all, developing reaction time without simulating real situations would be exceedingly difficult).

Generally, as I understand it, the process goes: Solo Form; Tui Shou (Push Hands); Da Lu (Large Rollback); San Shou (Dispersing Hands - partner form); Free Fighting. How and to what degree each is emphasized usually depends on the traditions of the instructor's school.

A good introduction to the process of learning the martial art of Taijiquan is in "The Power of Internal Martial Arts" by B.K. Frantzis.