(this material is adapted from Chen Xiaowang's lecture at a San Diego seminar)

Level One

• body posture
• approximation
• broken jing
• no applications
• great deal of interest

Level Two

• feel qi but no control
• familiarity of form
• body parts move in unison
• mastery of silk reeling
• no skill at push hands
• natural breathing
• stagnation of interest
• likely to quit due to incorrect self perception of skill level

Level Three

• reduce circle from big to medium
• qi flow smooth, understood
• body well coordinated externally
• fajing and huajing practice
• weapons
• force still awkward
• push hands still awkward
• more coordination of breathing

Level Four

• reduce circle from medium to small
• harmony of actions with breathing
• neutralize and emit force
• following opponent

Level Five

• reduce circle from small to invisible
• limitless possibilities for change
• any part of body used for attack
• good control of mind, emotions
• good function of internal organs
• sudden attacks don't disrupt harmonies