Most people do not associate internal martial arts with competition, however both cooperative and competitive practice can be useful for developing skill when it is used appropriately.
Cooperative partner practice is vital for developing skill in internal martial arts throughout all skill levels. Two person forms and push hands are good examples of cooperative partner practice. Two person forms are just like other forms except they are done with a partner. Both practitioners must not only execute their movement properly but must also match the other person's timing and distance in order to properly execute the form. Though both partners are going through set movements this practice can be made more challenging by varying the speed and space in which the form is performed.
Cooperative partner practice is vital for developing skill in internal martial arts throughout all skill levels. Two person forms and push hands are good examples of cooperative partner practice. Two person forms are just like other forms except they are done with a partner. Both practitioners must not only execute their movement properly but must also match the other person's timing and distance in order to properly execute the form. Though both partners are going through set movements this practice can be made more challenging by varying the speed and space in which the form is performed.
