The Form (Taolu 套路) is like a living history of martial arts. Each form is like a treasure map, containing the crystallised wisdom of past masters. For example, the expansiveness and dynamism of Changquan (长拳), the unique body method and harmony of Taijiquan （太极拳）, the characteristic evasive footwork of Baguazhang（八卦掌）—these distinctive methods are all passed down through the vehicle of the forms or taolu.
Through the taolu, practitioners get the key to understand the philosophies and techniques of various styles and systems, trace their development, integrate the essence of different periods and regions, and broaden their martial arts horizons.
The taolu is an effective approach that allows more people to access systematic martial knowledge and skills. It provides a standardised method of transmission to ensure that techniques are accurately transmitted without the loss or distortion of skills.
However, the criticisms of forms today are not entirely unfounded. These criticisms primarily stem from situations where practitioners learn only external movements without understanding the underlying philosophy, techniques and training. There is indeed a phenomenon where some enthusiasts are content with merely memorising the sequence and the superficial aspects of a form, neglecting the profundity behind it.
This superficial approach reduces a taolu to mere combinations of movements, stripping them of their original meaning and value. It is akin to reciting the lines of a poem without understanding the concept and emotion—the poem becomes hollow and lifeless. Similarly, practising taolu without the support of techniques and training methods can only offer visual appeal but fail to deliver the true benefits of martial arts in combat, health, and other practical applications.
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