Different Styles of Tai Chi FIST at a glance?

[Scott R. Brown]

In your example, your opponent is smart enough to move with you. You should borrow his "upward" force and "lift him up".

Except you are already rising and retreating, which puts him in the position of being both beneath you and utilizing a stable base. Since you are both rising and retreating, you are more vulnerable.

But of course, timing is everything!

[KC Elbows]

If Musashi hadn't been willing to risk getting a deer tick bite on his peepee while waiting in the dark to kill some dude who wasn't supposed to be there 'til later, we wouldn't all be talking about how cool he is.

Just sayin'.