From Crane Cools It’s Wings – Turn the wasit to the left causing the right hand to circle in and down across the torso. The left hand swings up to shoulder height. 
Turn your waist back to your right as the right hand continues to circle down past the hip and out to the side at shoulder height with the palm facing down. The left hand sweeps across in front of the body following the turning of the waist and meets the right at shoulder height palms facing down.
Step out and forward with the left foot into a solid bow stance. As you shift your weight and adjust your foot position into the bow stance your hands follow this gradual movement into their final position.
The left hand continues the momentum and circles down across the body brushing in front of the thigh or knee (depending on the depth of your stance) and pulling up beside the hip with the fingers pointed forward.
Simultaneously as you rotate your centerline toward the front the right hand circles up and over the ear, like a cresting wave. Drop the elbow for the last part of the push. The hand finishes with the palm pushing out at chest height. The arm is only extended about sixty percent.
From a Brush knee – Shift the weight into the rear foot and turn the front out to the side forty-five degrees by turning your center. As you do this the lower hand begins to swing up and out to the side. Shift the weight forward and step up into a cat stance while the arms continue to move. The lower arm comes up to shoulder height. The upper arm swings across the body and finishes with the palm facing down on the same plane as the opposite hand.
Finish the rest of the movement the same as before.
Portland Tai Chi
Previous Yang Style tai chi movement: Crane Cools It’s Wings
Next Yang Style tai chi movement: Play the Fiddle in Heel Stance Position
Yang Style Tai Chi Philosophy:
Brush Knee Twist Step – Meditate on the qualities of softness, being rooted, and compassion. Think about compassion as a motive for your training.
Martial Application:
Lead hand blocks a strike to either the face or the groin. Step in and palm strike or push with the rear hand. Sink your weight into the counterattack.
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:
Brush Knee and Twist Step (Lou Xi)
Brush Knee and Step Forward (Louxi Aobu) [Liang & Wu]
Brush Your Knee and Step (Zuo You Lu Xi Niu Bu) [Foen Tjoeng Lie]
Brushing Your Knees and Stepping [Metzger & Zhou]
Brushing the Knees and Taking Zigzag Steps [Chong]
Brush Knee and Turn Steps [Zhao]
Twist Step, Brush Knee, Palm Strike
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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