As many weapons have a longer reach, or are more powerful than the jian, it is essential that the jianke be able to move faster than his or her duifang. Being faster than one's duifang means that any advantage in power or reach he or she may have, can not be applied. This does not simply mean that the jianke must develop an agile, spirited body, but that his or her "listening" and "interpreting" skills are also sharp and quick. True speed does not come solely from the speed one can move one's body. It comes from how quickly one comprehends the duifang's actions. Knowing where a duifang's cut is coming from and where it is going, correctly understand the action, allows the jianke to arrive before it lands, either intercepting the cut, voiding it or controlling it for a quick deflection into counter-cut even though this cut may have begun first. This kind of listening is developed from a body and mind that have shed tension and remain in the moment.