The 6th Method is Return – huan (还). One must Go, come, return, repeat –wang lai fan fu (往来返复.  The natural progress of the 4th method, Follow (sui 随) and flowing.  You cannot just let the energy compress or go on forever.  There is a rhythm and process.  You begin through accepting the energy, following it, listening and understanding it.  Once you master that you can begin to neutralize it, lead it, and ultimately project it somewhere else — the other half of the circle!  Some say GM Wu truly began to understand this concept when he learned Lu Hong Ba Shi and that’s why that form is incorporated into most versions of LHBF you see today.  The ability to defend and attack simultaneously is seen through many martial arts but reaches to great heights through internal martial arts and especially Liu He Ba Fa.  Through understanding circles and centeredness you can learn following, neutralizing, leading, and expression of the energy.  This is also one of the reasons its referred to as water boxing.  Like a wave it ebs and flows; moving the energy from one part to the next until it comes crashing back at the opponent.

Now here is the true power of it– its continuous!  Easy to say (especially with an exclamation point 😉 much harder to actually do.  Like a circle there are no breaks, this is where your listening and understanding jing truly comes to play.  Usually an opponent of good caliber will not be dissuaded through one strike the fight will continue.  One must learn to constantly flow with them, countering and attacking each successive attack.  Following their game but in reality playing to your game — esteem the defense not the offense.  Let them strike at you, become one with them and watch how each strike they throw transforms into your counter and strength.  It only stops when they stop and the fight is finished.  Even a simple step backwards can spell their demise if you have built upon your skills.  You become like GM Wu who was notorious for his fighting ability.  It felt like he was everywehre but  one could not actually hit him.  He would follow and counter and strike and be like the wind, enveloping his opponent –being empty but constantly battering.

Sifu how do I develop this skill?  You may be able to develop a high skill through practice of the form alone, rounding out the edges, finding relaxation, developing your intent, qi and shen.  However I believe, like countless martial artist before me –especially GM Wu, one must engage.  Start through two man practice–either applications or push hands.  Find a controlled environment.  Learn through touching and feeling.  Eventually you must learn to feel without touching so you must evolve into sparring.  But you must spar with intent.  Keep it controlled and continue to develop all your skills.  Eventually a person must enter the realm of an unwilling partner.  This is where you can test to see if you can feel intent without teaching; find if your skills have developed.  Its difficult but necessary work.  Will you find health and happiness without this?  Yes.  Can I develop high level without this?  Yes.  Will I develop the highest level?  Sorry I do not believe so.  The greatest were challenged – that is why they became so great.