Pick up the left foot and step out into a bow stance. At you lift the foot the waist turn very slightly to the right and the hands flow over to the right side of the body.
They form an open diamond shape, both palms facing out, with the right hand at eyebrow level and the left hand at shoulder height. As the weight moves forward push the hands out in front of your body while maintaining the same position. The last of the weight shift extends the left hand, stretching out the ”open-diamond-shape”.
Previous Yang Style tai chi movement: Stand On One Leg
Next Yang Style tai chi movement: Turn, Deflect, Parry and Punch
Martial Application:
Turn the body to avoid a strike to the face. The rear hand guides the opponent’s hand further up out of line and seizes the wrist. Drive the thumb of the lead hand up and in the the exposed armpit with the right hand continuing to apply counter-force. This will effectively disrupt the opponent’s structure and give you some control of their body.
Every Tai Chi movement is said to have between three and thirty applications. The application listed is one example of how to effectively apply the movement.
Alternate Translations:
- Fan the Through Back (Shan Tong Bei) [Liang & Wu]
- Fend Off and Push Away with Arms [Zhang Fuxing]
- Unfolding Your Arms Like a Fan (Shan Tong Bi) [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou]
- Shunting with Both Hands Fanned [Chong]
- Flash Arms [Zhao]
This information is meant for reference and to give an idea of the details involved in all Yang Style tai chi movements. In order to receive the benefits of an internal arts practice it is vital that you seek qualified instruction.
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