The first thing is to learn how to move with the body in a connected way. Then comes the study of shape. The Nei Gong forms teach one how to move the body keeping the continuity of momentum and then how to translate that to the palms. Foot work becomes more and more percise.
The 8 Old Forms represents an encyclopedia of motions, the Linear Forms represents techniques/skills.
For the solo intermediate practice level one would run warmups, standing, a few strength exercises and then would begin walking the circle with one of the Nei Gong forms, and the 8 Old Palms. Then picking a piece of the form, look at it's relation to techniques/skills of the linear forms.
Use a motion such as Cutting, and being to power train from a standing position. Then with footwork, then from walking the circle. I train using power released from any of the 8 shapes. Further add the intention of an entry technique in attacking. Finally practicing with it as a throw/lock or a set up.
