Tim, In chapter 17 of your translation of Sun Lu Tang's book you write, " The one rule when advancing, one must step forward with the lead foot, when retreating, one must step back with the rear foot first. Whether in open or closed step stance, advancing and retreating requires three steps." My question is where is the third step? Would you please be so kind as to explain further. Does this mean that when advancing for instance the front foot advances and is followed by two more advancing steps or does it mean something else. Thank you in advance for your response.

Harry,
Chapter 17 (page 96) is "A Study of Closing Hands." On what page is the text in question?

Tim, Chapter 17 (page 215) Entitled- Matched Striking Hands With Live Steps, is where I quoted from. Thanks

Ah, Sun is describing the "moving push hands" pattern in which one partner advances and the other retreats. The pattern in question is three steps in one direction with one partner advancing and one retreating, then the reverse. The three steps pattern in not referring to the form.