Tai Chi Two-Person Partner Drills

Phần 1

(Taijiquan Paired Practice) — Compiled by Nguyễn Anh Vũ — Ho Chi Minh City: Nhà Sách Trẻ (HARLTANOONGNHA Publishing).

Phần 2

1. Names of the Postures (Danh Xung Động Tác)

1. Khởi thức — 起势 (qǐshì) — Commencement Form
2. Lan trá tỳ — 懒扎衣 (lǎn zā yī) — Lazy Tying Clothes (classical opening, Yang lineage)
3. Khai thức hợp thức — 开合式 (kāi hé shì) — Opening-Closing Form
4. Đơn tiên thức — 单鞭式 (dān biān shì) — Single Whip Form
5. Thượng bộ hữu tiên chuy — 上步右穿梭 (shàng bù yòu chuānsuō) — Step Forward, Right Thrusting Shuttle
6. Triệt bộ hữu đề thu — 撤步右挒手 (chè bù yòu liè shǒu) — Step Back, Right Lüè-hand
7. Lan thu xung chuy — 揽手冲捶 (lǎn shǒu chōng chuí) — Grasp-hand, Charging Fist
8. Bàn thu xung chuy — 搬手冲捶 (bān shǒu chōng chuí) — Deflect-hand, Charging Fist
9. Hoàn bộ tả khao — 回步左靠 (huí bù zuǒ kào) — Returning Step, Left Bumping
10. Híu phục hộ — 回伏虎 (huí fú hǔ) — Returning Crouching Tiger
11. Tả đỉnh chẩu — 左顶肘 (zuǒ dǐng zhǒu) — Left Topping Elbow
12. Hữu thối chẩu — 右退肘 (yòu tuì zhǒu) — Right Retreating Elbow
13. Tả triệt thân chuy — 左撤身捶 (zuǒ chè shēn chuí) — Left Retreating-body Fist
14. Hữu khao — 右靠 (yòu kào) — Right Bumping
15. Tả phục hổ — 左伏虎 (zuǒ fú hǔ) — Left Crouching Tiger
16. Hữu phách chuy — 右拍捶 (yòu pāi chuí) — Right Patting Fist
17. Đề thu thường thức — 提手上势 (tí shǒu shàng shì) — Raising-hand Upper Form
18. Chuyển thân án — 转身按 (zhuǎn shēn àn) — Turning-body Push
19. Chiết diệp khao — 折叶靠 (zhé yè kào) — Folding-leaf Bumping
20. Bàn chuy — 搬捶 (bān chuí) — Deflecting Fist
21. Bàn thu hoành liệt — 搬手横挒 (bān shǒu héng liè) — Deflect-hand, Sideways Lüè
22. Tả đa mã phân tòng — 左打马分鬃 (zuǒ dǎ mǎ fēn zōng) — Left Beating-the-Horse, Parting Mane
23. Hữu phục hổ — 右伏虎 (yòu fú hǔ) — Right Crouching Tiger
24. Chuyển thân đại loạt — 转身大捋 (zhuǎn shēn dà lǚ) — Turning-body Grand Lü
25. Thượng bộ tả khao — 上步左靠 (shàng bù zuǒ kào) — Step Forward, Left Bumping
26. Nhiêu bộ song án — 扭步双按 (niǔ bù shuāng àn) — Twisting Step, Double Push
27. Thập tự đang cước — 十字当脚 (shí zì dāng jiǎo) — Cross-shaped Meeting-foot
28. Thượng bộ chỉ đang chuy — 上步指裆捶 (shàng bù zhǐ dāng chuí) — Step Forward, Crotch-pointing Fist
29. Thai thu hoành liệt — 退手横挒 (tuì shǒu héng liè) — Retreating-hand, Sideways Lüè
30. Hoàn bộ hữu xuyên thoa — 回步右穿梭 (huí bù yòu chuānsuō) — Returning Step, Right Thrusting Shuttle
31. Tả bằng hữu phách chuy — 左崩右拍捶 (zuǒ bēng yòu pāi chuí) — Left Collapsing, Right Patting Fist
32. Bạch hạc lượng sĩ — 白鹤亮翅 (báihè liàngchì) — White Crane Spreads Wings
33. Thượng bộ tả khao — 上步左靠 (shàng bù zuǒ kào) — Step Forward, Left Bumping
34. Triệt bộ quyết tỳ — 撤步搉捶 (chè bù jué chuí) — Step Back, Pressing Fist (variant)
35. Phiến thân án — 扇身按 (shàn shēn àn) — Fanning-body Push
36. Song phong quan nhĩ — 双风贯耳 (shuāng fēng guàn ěr) — Double Wind Through Ears
37. Hoàn bộ song cán — 回步双掤 (huí bù shuāng bīng) — Returning Step, Double Bīng
38. Hòa đa hòa chuy — 和太和捶 (hé tài hé chuí) — Harmonizing Grand Fist
39. Tả thối — 左退 (zuǒ tuì) — Left Retreat
40. Quyết tỳ — 搉捶 (jué chuí) — Pressing Fist
41. Tả thối án — 左退按 (zuǒ tuì àn) — Left Retreating Push
42. Hữu phiết thân chuy — 右撇身捶 (yòu piě shēn chuí) — Right Side-sweeping-body Fist
43. Hoàn — 还 (huán) — Return
44. Hoa đa hữu chẩu — 化打右肘 (huà dǎ yòu zhǒu) — Neutralising-strike Right Elbow
45. Thai thu hoành liệt — 退手横挒 (tuì shǒu héng liè) — Retreating-hand, Sideways Lüè
46. Hoàn bộ quyết tỳ — 回步搉捶 (huí bù jué chuí) — Returning Step, Pressing Fist
47. Hữu phục hổ — 右伏虎 (yòu fú hǔ) — Right Crouching Tiger
48. Chuyển thân đại loạt — 转身大捋 (zhuǎn shēn dà lǚ) — Turning-body Grand Lü
49. Thượng bộ tả khao — 上步左靠 (shàng bù zuǒ kào) — Step Forward, Left Bumping
50. Hồi thế — 回式 (huí shì) — Returning Form
51. Hoàn bộ song phân khao — 回步双分靠 (huí bù shuāng fēn kào) — Returning Step, Double Parting-bump

Phần 3

1. Names of the Postures (Danh Xung Động Tác)

52. Hoàn bộ tả khao — 回步左靠 (huí bù zuǒ kào) — Returning Step, Left Bumping
53. Hữu đỉnh chẩu — 右顶肘 (yòu dǐng zhǒu) — Right Topping Elbow
54. Kim kê độc lập — 金鸡独立 (jīn jī dú lì) — Golden Rooster Stands Alone
55. Thối bộ hòa — 退步合 (tuì bù hé) — Step Back, Closing
56. Song phân đang cước — 双分当脚 (shuāng fēn dāng jiǎo) — Double Parting Meeting-foot
57. Thượng bộ tả khao — 上步左靠 (shàng bù zuǒ kào) — Step Forward, Left Bumping
58. Tả quyết tỳ — 左搉捶 (zuǒ jué chuí) — Left Pressing Fist
59. Thối bộ hữu phân cước — 退步右分脚 (tuì bù yòu fēn jiǎo) — Step Back, Right Parting Kick
60. Hữu lậu tất — 右搂膝 (yòu lōu xī) — Right Brush-knee
61. Tả phân cước — 左分脚 (zuǒ fēn jiǎo) — Left Parting Kick
62. Tả lậu tất — 左搂膝 (zuǒ lōu xī) — Left Brush-knee
63. Thai thu hữu khao — 退手右靠 (tuì shǒu yòu kào) — Retreating-hand, Right Bumping
64. Thai thu hồi khao — 退手回靠 (tuì shǒu huí kào) — Retreating-hand, Returning-bump
65. Hoàn bộ tả bằng thu — 回步左崩手 (huí bù zuǒ bēng shǒu) — Returning Step, Left Collapsing-hand
66. Hữu lan thu — 右揽手 (yòu lǎn shǒu) — Right Grasping-hand
67. Thượng bộ híu bằng thu — 上步右崩手 (shàng bù yòu bēng shǒu) — Step Forward, Right Collapsing-hand
68. Tả lan thu — 左揽手 (zuǒ lǎn shǒu) — Left Grasping-hand
69. Phi thân thức — 披身式 (pī shēn shì) — Drape-body Form
70. Bạch xà thổ tín — 白蛇吐信 (bái shé tǔ xìn) — White Snake Spits Venom
71. Cao thám mã — 高探马 (gāo tàn mǎ) — High-probing Horse
72. Hữu thái thoại — 右掤捋 (yòu bīng lǚ) — Right Bīng-Lü (Grasp-Pull)
73. Chuyển thân bài liên cước — 转身摆莲脚 (zhuǎn shēn bǎi lián jiǎo) — Turning-body Lotus-swinging Kick
74. Đơn tiên hạ thế — 单鞭下势 (dān biān xià shì) — Single Whip Lower Form
75. Triệt bộ tái chuy — 撤步再捶 (chè bù zài chuí) — Step Back, Fist-again
76. Hữu tả phi thức — 右左披势 (yòu zuǒ pī shì) — Right-Left Drape Form
77. Tả phục hổ — 左伏虎 (zuǒ fú hǔ) — Left Crouching Tiger
78. Hữu phách chuy — 右拍捶 (yòu pāi chuí) — Right Patting Fist
79. Đảo niên hầu — 倒撵猴 (dào niǎn hóu) — Step-back Monkey
80. Hữu vặn thu — 右挽手 (yòu wǎn shǒu) — Right Twisting-hand
81. Đảo niên hầu — 倒撵猴 (dào niǎn hóu) — Step-back Monkey
82. Tả vặn thu — 左挽手 (zuǒ wǎn shǒu) — Left Twisting-hand
83. Cao thám mã — 高探马 (gāo tàn mǎ) — High-probing Horse
84. Thượng bộ thật tinh — 上步七星 (shàng bù qī xīng) — Step Forward, Seven Stars
85. Hải đề châm — 海底针 (hǎi dǐ zhēn) — Needle at Sea-bottom
86. Thiêm thông bối — 扇通背 (shàn tōng bèi) — Fan Through Back
87. Thủ huy tỳ bà — 手挥琵琶 (shǒu huī pípa) — Playing-the-Pipa Hand
88. Loan cung xả hổ — 弯弓射虎 (wān gōng shè hǔ) — Bending Bow to Shoot Tiger
89. Hồi bộ đơn tiên — 回步单鞭 (huí bù dān biān) — Returning Step, Single Whip
90. Chẩu đề chuy — 肘底捶 (zhǒu dǐ chuí) — Fist Under Elbow
91. Thập tự thu — 十字手 (shí zì shǒu) — Cross-shaped Hands
92. Như phong tự bế — 如封似闭 (rú fēng sì bì) — Seal-and-Close
93. Thượng bộ song án — 上步双按 (shàng bù shuāng àn) — Step Forward, Double Push
94. Bão hổ quy sơn — 抱虎归山 (bào hǔ guī shān) — Embracing Tiger Returns to Mountain
95. Thối bộ khóa hổ — 退步跨虎 (tuì bù kuà hǔ) — Step Back, Straddling Tiger
96. Chuyển thân bài liên cước — 转身摆莲脚 (zhuǎn shēn bǎi lián jiǎo) — Turning-body Lotus-swinging Kick
97. Tả loan cung xả hổ — 弯弓射虎 (wān gōng shè hǔ) — Bending Bow to Shoot Tiger
98. Hữu loan cung xả hổ — 弯弓射虎 (wān gōng shè hǔ) — Bending Bow to Shoot Tiger
99. Tiến bộ bàn lan chuy — 进步搬拦捶 (jìn bù bān lán chuí) — Advance, Deflect-parry Fist
100. Như phong tự bế — 如封似闭 (rú fēng sì bì) — Seal-and-Close
101. Thập tự thu — 十字手 (shí zì shǒu) — Cross-shaped Hands
102. Thu thức — 收势 (shōu shì) — Closing Form

Phần 4

(Những Điểm Liên Quan đến Phần Thuyết Minh Động Tác) 2.1. This form is a two-person paired routine for the practice of Taijiquan combat techniques. Its movements draw together the famous techniques of the five major Taijiquan schools — Chen (陈), Yang (杨), Wu (吴), Wu (武) and Sun (孙). The movements of this paired routine not only strengthen the body and build health; they also embody the offensive and defensive technical characteristics of the celebrated solo routines of the various Taijiquan schools. This helps practitioners who have already trained the solo routines to deepen their appreciation and grasp the practical value of every technique within a real combat routine.

2.2. In the description of the postures, the explanations follow the order of the movements or of the technical-combat requirements of each movement. The illustrations use arrows to mark the direction of each practitioner's motion, together with drawings of the limb movements, so that the reader may form a clear three-dimensional picture of the spatial relationships of the movements. The two illustrations A and B represent the following: A's face points south, B's face points north; although their orientations differ, the figures are drawn to the same scale, and the sizes of the two figures are therefore described in proportion. Where one figure is obscured by the other, the movements are explained in a decomposed manner, and the diagrams strive to keep the two figures clearly contrasted with one another.

2.3. The legend of symbols used throughout this chapter is given on the next page.

Phần 5

Note — the chronological order of a movement is numbered along the arrow of that movement.

Phần 6

1/ A faces south, B faces north; the front-to-back distance between the two is about one thước three, the diagonal distance about two and a half thước. Stand naturally, legs slightly bent, arms hanging loosely at the sides, palms resting against the outer thighs. Eyes look straight forward, breathing natural. Heels together, toes turned slightly outward to form the character 八 "eight" (hình 1).

图 1

2/ A and B lift the right toes, pivot on the heel rotating inward, and set the foot down. At the same time the body turns slightly to the left, the two now facing each other (hình 2).

图 2

Key point: The muscles of the whole body relax, head and neck held upright, chin slightly drawn in; do not deliberately thrust out the chest or hollow the belly.

Phần 7

1/ A and B slowly raise both arms, elbows slightly bent, thumbs pointing upward, hands at shoulder height and shoulder-width apart, palms facing one another. As the movement completes, the weight shifts slightly onto the right leg and the left heel lifts (hình 3).

图 3

2/ Continuing from the previous posture, sink the shoulders and drop the elbows, relax the waist and settle the hips, the body sinks slightly, both arms slightly curved, slowly carrying forward to the front of the abdomen. At the same time the left leg steps slowly forward, heel touching the ground (hình 4).

图 4

As the left leg steps forward, both hands slowly lift and extend forward, arms slightly curved, palms facing one another, eyes looking forward between the two hands. The body's weight continues moving forward, the left foot presses flat, the right foot follows up to about an inch behind the left, ball of the foot touching the ground; at the same time the left foot also gradually settles fully (hình 5).

图 5

3/ Continuing from the previous posture, the weight shifts to the rear, the right foot presses flat, the left toes lift, both hands remain unchanged (hình 6).

图 6

4/ The body turns to the right (A and B now back to back), both arms bend slightly and lift level with the chest, moving rightward with the body's rotation. The right hand rotates outward (palm facing up), the left hand rotates inward (palm facing down), the tips of the left index and middle fingers lightly resting against the inner side of the right arm. At the same time the left foot pivots on its heel, turning right. Eyes follow the right hand (hình 7).

图 7

5/ The right arm bends slightly, right palm facing up, sweeping from the right side rearward in an arc of about half a circle, palm still facing up; the back of the left hand faces up and remains resting against the inner side of the right arm, travelling together with the right hand. The hands arrive just in front of the right shoulder, about an inch from it; A now faces west, B faces east (hình 8).

6/ Without pausing, the above movement continues: both hands push out toward the right front (right hand leading), both arms slightly curved. At the same time the right toes lift and rotate to the right, then the whole foot leaves the ground and turns toward the right……

……stepping out to the right side, the heel touching the ground first and then gradually pressing flat. The left foot follows up, the weight moving forward to come to rest about an inch behind the right foot, ball of the foot touching the ground. Eyes follow the right hand (hình 9).

图 9

Phần 8

1/ Both A and B keep the left foot pressed flat where it is, the right toes turning slightly inward to point straight ahead; then the left heel lifts and the body turns to face directly forward (hình 10).

图 10

……At the same time both hands follow the turning of the body until the two palms face one another (about two inches apart). Eyes look straight ahead.

2/ Body and both legs stationary; the two palms, still facing, separate to left and right to shoulder width, fingers pointing upward, relaxed naturally, with a brief pause. This is the Opening (khai thức).

3/ Both hands slowly draw together again to the former position, with a brief pause. This is the Closing (hợp thức). A faces due south, B faces due north (hình 10).

图 10

Phần 9

1/ A and B lightly lift the left foot and step one pace sideways to the left, the body's weight moving onto the left leg, the left leg bending at the knee into a "horizontal-crotch stance" (hoành đương bộ). At the same time both arms rotate slightly outward and the palms separate to left and right, palms facing outward. The head turns left, eyes on the partner, the two practitioners' palms about an inch apart (hình 11).

图 11

1/ A continues from the above movement, pivoting on the left heel with the left toes turning outward. The body turns slightly to the left,…… ……the weight shifts slightly rearward; at the same time the left palm arcs upward from the front across the left side, palm facing outward. The right palm changes to a fist, arcing from the right rear to be held at the right waist, fist-heart facing up, eyes on B (hình 12).

图 12

2/ Without stopping, the weight moves onto the left leg and the right foot steps one pace forward, coming to about two inches from B's left foot, forming a right empty stance. At the same time the left palm continues arcing up to the left rear, stopping at the upper left of the head. The right fist rotates gradually inward from the right waist, tiger-mouth facing up, striking toward B's ribs. At this moment A faces east, B faces west (hình 13).

图 13

Phần 10

As A's right fist arrives, B's left foot retreats one pace diagonally to the left rear and presses flat. The left palm arcs up from the front to the left side, stopping at the upper left; the right palm drops from the rear and arcs around to the outer side of A's right fist, the back of the wrist adhering to the back of A's wrist and lifting it slightly up and to the right. At the same time the left leg bends at the knee and the weight moves onto it, while the right foot steps forward, coming down in front of A's right foot with the toes touching the ground. Eyes on A's face. At this moment A faces east, B faces west (hình 14, 15).

图 14

图 15

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Phần 11

1/ A takes advantage of the force of B's lifting hand, the body turning slightly right, weight moving forward, the left foot advancing half a pace, the feet about an inch apart. The left hand arcs down from the left side to beside the left hip, the arm rotating outward, left palm facing up, then arcing upward to the inner side of B's right wrist; the arm then rotates inward, left palm facing down, using the forearm to bar (lan) B's right hand (hình 16).

图 16

2/ The right fist bends at the elbow and withdraws to the right waist, fist-heart facing up. Eyes on B (hình 17).

3/ Continuing, the left hand grasps B's right wrist, carrying it up and to the left. At the same time the body turns left, the left leg bends at the knee and the weight moves rearward. The right foot advances half a pace, coming down in front of B's right foot. The right fist rotates inward from the right waist, tiger-mouth facing up, striking toward B's right ribs. Eyes follow the right fist.

图 17

Phần 12

1/ As A's fist draws near, B hollows the chest and raises the back, turning the waist to the right; at the same time the left hand arcs down before the chest, the arm rotating inward so that the tiger-mouth faces forward, deflecting (bàn) A's right fist away to the left. The weight moves onto the left leg at the rear, the right toes lift, and the right fist withdraws to the right waist, fist-heart facing up. Eyes on A (hình 19).

图 19

2/ B's left hand continues to deflect A's right fist to the left, while the right fist rotates inward from the right waist, tiger-mouth facing up, striking into the centre of A's chest. At this moment B faces west, A faces east (hình 20).

图 20

1/ As B's right fist attacks, A must hollow the chest and raise the back, turning the waist to the right to neutralise B's fist. The right foot withdraws behind the left foot; then the left foot steps one pace forward, placing to the outer side of B's right foot. At the same time the left hand arcs down from the left side, thumb opened, seizing B's right elbow and lifting it upward (hình 21).

图 21

2/ Without stopping, lift B's elbow upward and toward the right, the left foot advancing slightly, the weight moving forward into a left bow stance, using the shoulder to bump (khao) into B's right chest. As the step is taken, the right hand arcs up and to the right, freeing itself from B's hand and stopping at the upper right. Eyes on B's face. At this moment A faces south, B faces west (hình 22).

图 22

Phần 13

1/ As A is about to bump into him, B turns the body to the right, weight moving rearward, left knee slightly bent, right leg straightening, right toes lifting, escaping A's bump. At the same time the left hand bends at the elbow and arcs down before the body, seizing A's left elbow and plucking (thái) it down and to the left. The right arm bends at the elbow, the right fist withdrawing to the inner side of the left arm. Eyes on A (hình 23).

图 23

2/ The right foot lifts and arcs around behind A's left foot, the right leg bending at the knee and the left leg straightening into a right bow stance. At the same time the right fist withdraws to the waist, the right arm rotating inward and drawing back, bending at the elbow, then arcing forward and upward to strike……

……striking toward A's upper back. Fist-heart facing down, eyes on A (hình 24).

图 24

Key point: After the right fist withdraws, one must hollow the chest, loosen the hips and turn the waist — the movement must be carried through in one flowing action. The left hand plucking A's left arm, the right fist striking out and the bow-stance footwork must all be coordinated in rhythm with one another.

Phần 14

As B's fist is about to strike the upper back, A's right hand arcs down from the right side to before the abdomen and then up again (palm facing up), seizing B's left wrist; the movement is continuous without pause (arcing upward while rotating the arm inward), plucking (thái) B's hand up and to the right. The left hand frees itself from B's left hand, bends at the elbow and forms a fist, striking out sideways, fist-heart facing down (using the elbow point to strike into B's chest).

图 25

At the same time both legs bend at the knees and sink. Eyes on B (hình 25).

Key point: When sinking, the buttocks must not protrude. The plucking (thái) of the hand, the elbow strike of the left arm (đỉnh chẩu) and the sinking of both legs must all be carried out at the same instant.

Phần 15

As A's left elbow is about to strike the chest, B hollows the chest and raises the back, the left leg bending at the knee, the waist turning left, weight moving rearward, neutralising this elbow strike. At the same time the right fist opens, the right arm rotating outward so the palm faces left and the tiger-mouth faces forward, seizing the rear of A's left elbow and pushing it to the left following the waist's rotation. The left hand arcs up to the left rear, the arm bent with the palm held vertical, stopping at the upper left. Eyes follow the right hand (hình 26).

图 26

A takes advantage of B's pushing pressure on the elbow, the body turning right to neutralise B's push, then rising with the momentum, the body leading the waist as it turns back to the left. The left leg bends at the knee and the right leg straightens into a left……

……bow stance. At the same time the waist turns left, using the back of the fist to sweep sideways into B's face (phiết thân chuy), fist-heart facing up. The right hand bends at the elbow and rests against the inner side of the left arm, palm slanting downward. Eyes on B (hình 27).

Key point: The side-sweeping-body fist must travel in an arc; the arm must not straighten. Eyes follow the left fist. The sinking and the bow stance must be performed at the same time.

图 27

Phần 16

As A's left fist strikes downward, B shifts the weight onto the left leg, the waist turning left, the right foot advancing slightly to behind A's left foot. The right arm rotates outward and the right hand lifts A's left elbow, causing A's fist to strike empty air; then, seizing the opportunity, B shifts the weight onto the right leg. The left foot slides half a pace to the rear into a right bow stance. At the same time the body presses forward, using the shoulder to bump into A's left armpit. The basic position of the right hand does not change. Eyes on A's left hand; at this moment B faces west, slightly south, A faces east, slightly south (hình 28).

Key point: An attack with the shoulder bump must draw its force from the waist and hips.

图 28

Phần 17

As B is about to bump in, A hollows the chest, sinks the shoulders and turns the waist to the right. At the same time the right hand grips B's upper arm, plucking (thái) and pressing it to the right. The left arm rotates outward, the elbow sinking to neutralise and free itself from B's right hand, and the left fist withdraws. The weight moves onto the right leg, the left foot lifts and arcs around behind B's right foot, pressing flat into a left bow stance. Without stopping, the left fist continues to withdraw, arcing down and outward from before the chest and then up to the left side, striking with the back of the fist toward B's head. At this moment A faces southeast, B faces southwest (hình 29).

图 29

Phần 18

1/ As A's fist is about to strike the head, B turns the body slightly to the right, the weight moving slightly rearward (weight centred between the legs), the right arm warding-off (băng) upward, sticking to A's left hand without letting go. At the same time the left hand rotates the arm outward from the left rear, arcing down and then up to the front, palm facing up, threading out from beneath his own elbow to stick to the inner side of A's right wrist (hình 30).

图 30

2/ Without stopping, the left arm rotates inward, pressing A's right hand. Continuing to turn the body right, the weight moves onto the left leg at the rear, the right toes lift, the two arms separating (tracing a small circle), the left hand leading A's right hand. The right hand forms a fist, bends at the elbow and arcs from the right to pat A's left fist (hình 31).

图 31

3/ Without stopping, the body turns slightly left, the weight moves forward, the right foot presses flat, the right leg bending at the knee and the left leg straightening into a right bow stance. The right arm rotates outward and, following the body's turn, B strikes with the back of the fist toward A's face. Eyes on A's face; at this moment B faces west, A faces east (hình 32).

图 32

Phần 19

1/ As B's fist chops downward, A's left fist opens into a palm, the palm adhering to B's right elbow, the weight moving onto the right leg, the left leg withdrawing half a pace to the rear and, following behind the right leg, lifting from the ground ready to step. At the same time the right hand arcs inward to gather jin; the left palm, borrowing the force, pushes B's right fist down and to the right, causing B's right fist to chop into empty space on the right (hình 33).

图 33

2/ Continuing, the left hand pushes and presses B's elbow and, using the right elbow as the pivot, the right hand follows the momentum downward, the right arm rotating inward, the right hand arcing down from before the abdomen and then up along the inner side of his own left arm, striking with a vertical palm toward B's right shoulder (thumb on top). At the same time the weight moves onto the left leg and the right foot……

……stepping forward along the inner side of his own leg, toes raised, heel touching the ground (hình 34).

图 34

Phần 20

As A's right palm is about to chop onto the shoulder, B turns the body slightly right, the left foot moving outward a little. At the same time the right fist rotates inward and opens into a palm, pressing A's forearm as it turns right; the left palm covers and presses upon A's right arm. The weight moves forward into a right bow stance. At this moment B faces northwest, A faces east (hình 35).

图 35

Phần 21

1/ As B presses in, A hollows the chest and turns the body to the left, the weight shifting slightly left. At the same time the right arm wards off (băng) B's right arm, the left palm covering and pressing on B's right elbow, intending to borrow B's pressing force; using the waist as the axis, turn left, arc downward and then diagonally forward, leading, neutralising and overcoming B's pressing jin (hình 36).

图 36

2/ Then the right hand forms a fist, the arm rotating outward, the back of the fist facing down, pressing onto B's right wrist (chiết diệp), and then striking straight into B's chest. At the same time the left palm covers and presses B's right elbow, the weight shifts slightly forward, the right foot presses flat into a right bow stance. At this moment A faces east, B faces northwest (hình 37).

图 37

As A's folding-leaf fist draws near, B hollows the chest, loosens the waist and shifts the weight onto the left leg. At the same time the left hand rotates inward, following A's right arm to stick to the inner side of A's right wrist and deflect it to the left. The right fist, following A's pressure, sinks slightly and arcs from the right forward and upward (counter-clockwise), tiger-mouth facing up……

……changing to a vertical fist and striking toward A's chest. The weight sinks slightly and moves slightly forward into a right half-horse stance (hình 38).

图 38

Phần 22

1/ As B's fist draws near, A hollows the chest and turns the body left, the weight moving slightly rearward. At the same time the left hand follows B's right fist, the arm rotating inward and sinking, adhering to B's right wrist (thumb pointing down), the tiger-mouth opening to grip B's right wrist and deflect it to the left. The right hand wards off (băng) B's left hand, the two arms forming a half circle (hình 39).

图 39

2/ Without stopping, the left hand continues deflecting left, the right foot steps up behind B's right foot, the weight moving forward into a right bow stance. Following the momentum, the right arm rotates inward and cuts across to the left in a sideways liè (hoành liệt), attacking B's neck. At this moment A faces southeast, B faces west (hình 40).

图 40

Phần 23

1/ As A's sideways liè (hoành liệt) chop is about to arrive, B uses the left hand to seize A's wrist, turning the body right and shifting the weight onto the left leg. At the same time the right hand rotates inward and threads downward across the left side, freeing itself from A's hand. Eyes watch A's right hand attentively (hình 41).

图 41

2/ Continuing, the right foot withdraws to the right of the left foot and the body turns right. The right hand rotates inward, thumb pointing down, seizing A's right wrist and warding it upward. At the same time the left hand opens and arcs down from the left side. The weight shifts entirely onto the right leg, the left foot lifting slightly (hình 42).

图 42

3/ Then the left foot steps forward, landing about three inches behind A's right foot, the weight moving forward into a left bow stance. At the same time the right hand, following the momentum, uses a plucking (thái) grip to seize A's right hand and draw it down and to the right. The left palm faces up and threads beneath A's right armpit, the forearm warding diagonally upward into A's chest and ribs. At this moment B faces northwest, A faces northeast (hình 43) (hình 44 — reverse view).

图 43

图 44

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Phần 24

At the moment when B is using a warding-off (băng) posture on the left and is about to complete a plucking (thái) posture on the right, A at once raises the left hand and, using a plucking grip, seizes B's left wrist. Then the body turns slightly left, the weight moving onto the left leg, the left hand pushing B's left hand down and forward, the right fist rotating the wrist outward and withdrawing. At the same time the right foot lifts and arcs around B's left foot, landing behind it……

……leg, striking with the right fist toward B's head. Eyes on B; at this moment A faces northeast, B faces northwest (hình 45).

Key point: The right fist striking out and the bow-stance advance must be performed at the same instant.

图 45

Phần 25

1/ As A's right fist is about to strike the head, B loosens the hips, the weight shifting slightly right, the left foot stepping half a pace forward to the right, toes turning outward, the body turning left. The left hand turns the wrist over, palm facing down, seizing A's left wrist with a plucking (thái) grip, the weight moving onto the left leg. Just as A is having his left wrist seized by B and has stretched the left leg across, he borrows the force, the left foot stepping a large pace forward, toes turning outward (hình 46).

图 46

2/ Without stopping, B's right foot then arcs a large pace around to the left, toes turning inward. At the same time the left hand follows the momentum, drawing A's wrist to the left, while the right hand, following the body's rotation, arcs around from the right……

……(forming a fist, the arm rotating outward, fist-heart facing himself), and using the outer side of his own forearm to strike upward against A's arm. As B's right foot steps up, A's right foot simultaneously takes a large pace to the inner left, toes turning inward; the right fist opens into a palm, the arm arcing and, following the body's rotation, circling to the left (hình 47).

图 47

3/ Continuing, B's left foot withdraws a large pace to the rear, the body turning left into a half-horse stance, the weight shifting slightly onto the left leg. At the same time the left hand rotates outward, plucking A's left hand downward and withdrawing it to the left hip. The forearm sinks with the momentum, pressing down on A's left elbow (đại loạt, grand lü). Eyes on A's chest; at this moment B faces east, A faces west (hình 48).

图 48

Phần 26

As B is withdrawing to the left rear with a plucking-and-rolling posture, A seizes the opportunity, the body turning right, the left foot stepping in between B's two feet. At the same time, borrowing B's plucking force, the right hand covers and presses on the inner side of his own left elbow joint, the weight forming a left bow stance, and the left arm and left shoulder counterattack B with a bumping (khao) posture (hình 48, 49 — reverse view).

Key point: When executing the left bump, the weight must not lean too far forward. The footwork and the attacking movement must be coordinated in rhythm.

图 49

Phần 27

1/ As A is about to bump in, the right foot arcs a pace around to the left, toes pointing outward, continuing to turn the body right, hollowing the chest so that the bump is neutralised and falls into empty space. Eyes on A's shoulder (hình 50).

图 50

2/ Without stopping, the right fist opens into a palm and rotates inward, pressing (án) down on A's right wrist, while the left hand presses A's right elbow, both hands pressing forward. At the same time the weight moves forward into a left bow stance (hình 51).

图 51

Phần 28

1/ As B applies the double push, A moves the weight onto the right leg at the rear, hollowing the chest to neutralise B's pushing posture. The right arm encircles in an arc, using a warding-off (bằng) posture to receive B's double push.

2/ Continuing, the left foot withdraws one pace to the rear, the weight moving onto the left leg so that B's push falls into empty space. At the same time the left hand points forward, palm facing right, sweeping down across the inner side of B's right wrist; the right hand seizes B's left wrist, the two hands separating to left and right. The right foot lifts, using the heel to kick into B's lower abdomen. Eyes on B's face (hình 52).

图 52

1/ As A's right foot kicks in, B moves the weight onto the rear leg, the left foot withdrawing behind the right foot, toes pointing outward, the body turning slightly right. The left arm rotates inward, turning the wrist over to follow A's right wrist downward (thumb toward himself), adhering to the inner side of A's right ankle and sweeping it to the left. At the same time the right palm becomes a fist, arcing down to the right waist, fist-heart facing up (hình 53).

图 53

2/ Without stopping, the weight moves onto the left leg and the right foot advances half a pace into a bow stance. At the same time the right fist rotates inward from the waist, tiger-mouth facing up, striking toward A's lower abdomen (crotch) (hình 54).

图 54

Phần 29

1/ As B's right fist draws near, A's right hand drops and arcs before the lower abdomen, palm facing inward, seizing B's right wrist with a plucking (thái) grip. At the same time the left hand drops to pluck B's arm (hình 54, see above). The right foot hooks outward and comes down on the right, escaping B's sweeping hand (lâu thủ), then arcs around to the outer side of B's right foot and stamps down into a half-horse stance, both hands seizing B's right hand and plucking it down and to the right. Eyes on B (hình 55).

图 55

2/ At this moment B, having been plucked, loses his centre of gravity and so the body sinks. A's left hand does not leave B's right elbow; the right hand uses a plucking grip to draw B's right wrist downward, and then……

……the arm rotating inward, tiger-mouth facing down, using the right arm to follow along B's arm and liè forward into B's chest. At the same time the right foot advances slightly, the weight moving forward into a right bow stance. Eyes on B's face. At this moment A faces west, B faces northeast (hình 56).

图 56

Phần 30

1/ As B is plucked by A, the weight moves onto the left leg at the rear (see hình 56). The right foot then withdraws one pace, toes turning outward. At the same time the right hand wards upward (bằng), lifting A's right hand; the right fist opens into a palm and threads through beneath A's right arm, the body turning right with it, arcing up from the left side (thumb down) to seize A's right wrist. The body continues turning right, the right hand following the momentum to lift A's right hand upward. At the same time the left arm rotates outward, arcing down to the left hip and drawing up to the inner side of the right leg (hình 57).

图 57

2/ Without stopping, B's left arm rotates inward and arcs upward, lifting A's right arm up and to the left. Then the left foot steps up to the outer side of A's right foot, the weight moving forward into a left bow stance. At the same time the right arm rotates outward, sinks slightly, then rotates inward so the palm faces forward, attacking A's chest with a push (án) following the bow-stance momentum. Eyes on A; at this moment A's left hand withdraws to the left waist, palm facing up (hình 58).

Phần 31

1/ As B's right palm attacks, A hollows the chest and raises the back, the weight moving onto the left leg at the rear. The right toes lift, escaping B's palm. At the same time the left hand wards upward (bằng) from the left waist to lift B's left wrist. The right arm rotates outward, and having freed itself from B's left palm, changes to a fist, fist-heart facing to the rear (hình 59).

图 59

图 61

2/ Without stopping, the waist turns left and the right fist chops downward onto B's chest (phách chuy). At the same time the weight moves forward, the right foot presses flat into a right bow stance. Eyes on B (hình 60).

图 60

Phần 32

图 61

As A's right fist chops down, B's right foot advances half a pace, the weight moving onto the right leg, hollowing the chest. At the same time the left hand rotates inward and arcs down to the front, deflecting A's right fist outward. The left foot lifts, using the toes to kick into A's right knee. Eyes on A's right foot (hình 61).

图 61

Phần 33

1/ As B is kicking in, A uses the right wrist as a pivot, the fingers arcing from the right side to the left in one counter-clockwise circle, adhering to B's right wrist and, following the momentum, sinking down to deflect B's leg to the right. B's right hand adheres to A's left hand. A's eyes watch B's knee (hình 62).

2/ B's left foot comes down to the rear, the left wrist turning over to rest against the inner side of A's right wrist, palm facing left, deflecting A's right wrist away (hình 63).

3/ A's left hand, following the momentum, presses B's right hand forward and downward, the body turning right, the weight moving onto the right leg, the left foot stepping up behind B's right foot into a left bow stance. At the same time the left palm faces right and hooks diagonally downward, adhering diagonally onto A's own right arm (pressing B's right arm). Without stopping, following the momentum of the left bow stance, use the left shoulder to bump into B's right chest. The right hand still adheres to B's left wrist. Eyes on B's chest. At this moment A faces northwest, B faces east (hình 64, hình 65 — reverse view).

图 64

图 65

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Phần 34

1/ As A bumps in, B hollows the chest slightly and turns the body right, the weight moving onto the left leg, the right toes lifting. At the same time the left hand presses down on A's left elbow, the right hand arcs up from the waist and becomes a fist. Eyes on A's shoulder (hình 66).

图 66

2/ Without stopping, the right foot lifts and arcs around A's left foot, landing behind his left leg, the weight moving slightly forward into a right half-horse stance. At the same time the left hand slides down along A's left arm……

……seizing the wrist, hooking A's left wrist and pulling it forward. The right arm rotates outward, the right fist arcing up from the waist and moving to the left. When the fist-heart comes to face up, use the outer side of the forearm to press down on A's left elbow; the left hand lifts while the right hand presses down, clamping A's left elbow (quyết tỵ). Eyes on A's face; at this moment B faces northeast, A faces west (hình 67).

图 67

Phần 35

1/ As A is about to have his arm clamped, use the left hand to press and cover the inner side of his own left elbow, the right arm warding off (bằng) B's right hand, the weight moving onto the right leg, the upper body leaning slightly right (hình 68 — reverse view).

图 68

2/ The right toes turn slightly inward, then turn the body to the left, turn the waist, lift the elbow, the weight moving from the right leg to the left leg into a left bow stance. At the same time the left hand turns over upward to seize B's left wrist, plucking (thái) it to the rear. The right hand presses B's left chest, pushing forward and to the left. At this moment B is forced to shift the weight rearward, the left leg bending at the knee, the right leg straightening, the right toes lifting. Eyes on B (hình 69, 70).

图 69

Phần 36

1/ As B is plucked and pressed, he at once turns the waist to the left, the body sinking, the weight moving onto the left leg, the left hand using a warding-off (bằng) posture to receive the opponent. At the same time the right palm arcs downward from the front, tracing a small clockwise circle (forming a fist while rotating outward) and threading to the inner side of A's left wrist. Eyes toward A's left side (see hình 70).

2/ Then the left hand forms a fist, arcing down past the left side and then bending at the elbow to arc upward, using the back of the wrist to deflect A's right hand. At the same time both arms rotate inward and, following the momentum, the body leans slightly rearward, separating A's two hands to left and right to shoulder width (hình 71).

图 71

3/ Without stopping, the weight moves forward, the right foot presses flat, the right leg bends at the knee and the left leg straightens into a right bow stance. At the same time both fists, using the wrists as pivots, arc upward and forward, striking toward both sides of A's ears. Eyes on A's face (hình 72).

图 72

Phần 37

1/ As B attacks with both fists, A moves the weight onto the right leg at the rear, the left foot withdrawing beside the right foot. Both arms rotate inward at the same time (palms facing down), the hands adhering to the backs of B's wrists, closing together and pressing forward and downward (án). The right heel then lifts. Eyes on B's hands (hình 73).

图 73

2/ The right foot steps forward, landing in front of B's right foot, the weight moving slightly forward into a half-horse……

……stance. At the same time both hands, following the momentum, press forward and downward (palms facing down), then arc upward to press (án) into B's chest. Eyes on B's upper body (hình 74).

图 74

Phần 38

As A presses in, B follows the momentum, shifting the weight onto the left leg, the toes lifting. Both arms (palms facing down) ward off (bằng) A's arms, neutralising A's push to the right; then, turning the toes slightly inward and pressing flat, sink into a half-horse stance. The left hand at the same time changes from fist to palm (palm facing down), tracing one counter-clockwise circle into a vertical palm (palm facing left), the outer edge of the palm adhering to A's wrist, warding and neutralising to the left rear. The right arm rotates outward, tiger-mouth facing up, striking toward A's chest (right fist). Eyes on A's chest (hình 75).

图 75

Phần 39

As B strikes with the fist, the left palm adheres to and follows B's right wrist. As B's fist is about to reach the chest, at once hollow the chest and turn the waist to the right. At the same time use the left palm to press (án) upon A's arm, pushing diagonally down to the right. The stance of the legs does not change; eyes on B's head (hình 76).

Key point: When the left hand pushes and presses, one must sink the shoulders and drop the elbows. The arm is shaped like a bow.

图 76

As B's right arm is being pushed, follow the momentum, the waist turning slightly left, the left palm rotating outward to seize A's wrist. At the same time the right arm rotates outward, arcing down past the left side and then up again, clamping A's right elbow joint (cooperating with the left hand). Eyes on A's right hand.

……A's right hand. At this moment B faces northeast, A faces west (hình 77).

图 77

Phần 40

When the arm is clamped by B, A at once uses the left hand to push and press B's right elbow, at the same time shifting the weight forward into a right bow stance. Eyes on B's right arm. At this moment A faces west, B faces northeast (hình 78, hình 79 — reverse view).

图 78

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Phần 41

1/ When pushed and pressed by A, the weight must move onto the left leg, the body turning slightly left, following the momentum to escape A's push. The right arm wards off (bằng) B's left hand without letting go (see hình 78, 79).

2/ Without stopping, the right fist follows the momentum downward, rotating inward, arcing down past the left side and then up along the inner side of the left arm, swinging the fist to the right (phiết thân chuy), striking with the back of the fist toward A's face. The weight moves onto the right leg, the right leg bending at the knee and the left leg straightening into a right bow stance. At the same time the left hand wards off A's right hand without letting go. Eyes on A's face (hình 80).

图 80

As B's fist strikes in, A tilts the head to the left to evade, the body leaning slightly rearward, the weight moving onto the left leg, the right toes lifting. Eyes follow B's right fist. At the same time the left hand slides along B's right arm to the wrist, pressing downward (án) to neutralise, causing B's right fist (which falls along A's right inner side) to strike empty air; eyes follow the movement of the hand (hình 81).

Phần 42

B's right fist having been neutralised and striking empty air, the weight moves forward into a right bow stance. At the same time the right arm rotates inward and bends at the elbow, following the momentum to strike A's chest with the point of the right elbow. The left hand seizes A's right wrist. Eyes on A's face (hình 82) (hình 83 — reverse view).

图 82

图 83

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Phần 43

1/ As B's elbow strike arrives, A hollows the chest and raises the back, the weight moving onto the left leg, the right toes lifting. The right hand seizes B's right wrist, the left hand pressing on the elbow joint, neutralising B's strike. At the same time the right foot lifts and withdraws, causing B to lean forward. At this moment B is in a right bow stance (hình 84, see also hình 83).

图 84

2/ Continuing, the right foot steps up behind B's right foot, and at the same time the right hand opens and becomes a fist, the arm rotating inward (fist-heart facing down), striking toward B's neck. The left hand still presses on B's right shoulder. Eyes on B (hình 85).

图 85

1/ B, having been attacked with the liè posture, must shift the weight rearward, at once loosening the shoulders and loosening the waist, the weight moving onto the left leg, the waist turning right. At the same time the right hand rotates inward, the elbow bending and lifting (bằng) to withdraw, separating from A's right arm, and following the momentum turns the hand over (palm facing down) to seize A's wrist.

The weight follows the momentum rearward, the right foot lifting from the ground and withdrawing to land behind the left foot (for B's movement before retreating, see hình 85).

2/ Then the left foot at once advances half a pace, the right foot's toes turning outward, the knee bending into a right bow stance. At the same time the right hand, having slid along A's right hand, rotates outward and hooks A's wrist; the left hand becomes a fist, the arm rotating outward (fist-heart facing up), using the forearm to press down on A's right elbow, while the right hand lifts to clamp A's right elbow. Eyes on A. At this moment B faces southeast, A faces west (hình 86).

图 86

Phần 44

As B is about to clamp the arm, A bends the right arm and wards upward (bằng), the left hand turning over from the inner side at the right elbow and lifting to seize B's left wrist (thumb pointing down), using a plucking (thái) grip to draw it forward and to the left. The right hand rotates outward, freeing itself from B's right hand, the weight moving rearward, neutralising B's arm-clamp. The right foot, following the momentum, lifts and arcs behind B's left foot, the weight moving forward into a right bow stance. As the right foot lifts, the right hand arcs downward (rotating inward at the same time), using the fist……

……arcing upward to strike B's head (the back of the head). Eyes on B. At this moment A faces west, B faces southeast (hình 87).

图 87

Phần 45

1/ As B's left hand is plucked, use the left arm to ward off (bằng) A's left hand. The right hand changes to a palm and arcs from below to the right side, stopping at the rear, palm facing outward (see hình 87).

As the right fist is about to strike the back of the head, B moves the weight to the right side, the left foot arcing half a pace forward (toes turning outward), the waist turning right. The left hand turns the wrist over (rotating inward, thumb down) to seize A's left wrist, the weight moving onto the left leg.

图 88

At the same time, A also follows the momentum, the left foot taking a large pace forward (toes turning outward), the right hand changing to a palm, the arm rounded into a circle. The two face each other (hình 88).

2/ Without stopping, B's right foot arcs forward to the left, toes turning inward. At the same time the left hand follows the momentum, drawing to the left; the right arm, following the body's rotation, rotates outward and bends at the elbow, forming a fist while arcing, fist-heart slanting toward himself, using the forearm to press down on the outer side of A's left elbow. As B steps up, A also at the same time arcs the right foot a large pace forward to the left, the toes likewise turning inward.

3/ Continuing, B's left foot withdraws a large pace to the rear, the body turning left into a half-horse stance, the weight shifting slightly onto the left leg. At the same time the left arm rotates outward, seizing A's left hand and drawing it left, withdrawing to the left hip. The right arm, following the momentum, slides down and presses on A's left elbow, cooperating with the left hand to clamp A's arm. Eyes on A's chest (hình 89, 90).

图 89

图 90

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Phần 46

As A is being drawn rearward by B, he borrows the force, the waist turning left, the left foot taking a large pace forward, inserting between B's two feet. At the same time, borrowing B's pulling force, the weight moves forward into a left bow stance. The right palm covers and presses on the inner side of his own left elbow joint, using the left shoulder to bump into B's chest (see hình 90).

As A bumps toward the chest, B's left hand releases A's left wrist and, bending at the elbow before the body, withdraws to the inner side of the right arm, the palm covering the right forearm, thumb pointing right. The right fist at once opens, the palm turning inward, thumb pointing up. At the same time the weight moves forward, the right leg bending at the knee and the left leg straightening into a right bow stance, both arms borrowing the power of waist and legs to press (tế) toward A (hình 91).

图 91

1/ As B is about to press in, A moves the weight onto the right leg, the right toes lifting, the left palm rotating outward, the right hand covering behind the left hand (the two palms facing each other), receiving B's pressing force, eyes on B's head (see hình 91).

2/ Continuing, the left foot withdraws beside the right foot. At the same time both hands thread out from the front, between B's two hands. Both arms rotate outward, seizing both of B's wrists and separating them to left and right at shoulder height (hình 92).

图 92

3/ Without stopping, the left foot presses flat, the right foot steps up and inserts between B's legs (crotch), the right leg bending at the knee, the weight moving forward into a right bow stance. Seizing both of B's wrists, the left hand lifts (bằng) while the right hand slides down, the waist turning left and the body sinking slightly, using the right shoulder to attack B's chest. At this moment A faces east, slightly north, B faces west (hình 93).

图 93

Phần 47

1/ As A is about to bump toward the chest, B hollows the chest and raises the back, causing A's bump to fall into empty space. At this moment the weight moves onto the left leg at the rear, the right toes lift, and both hands withdraw, separating to left and right (hình 94).

……then, following, it frees itself from A's left hand and arcs horizontally to the right rear, palm facing down, stopping behind the body (hình 95).

图 95

3/ Without stopping, the left foot advances and inserts between A's two feet, the weight moving forward into a left half-horse stance (at this moment A's right hand slides down, the tiger-mouth adhering to the outer side of B's arm), the body turning right, using the left shoulder to bump into A's right shoulder. At this moment B faces northeast, A faces west (hình 96) (hình 97 — reverse view).

图 96

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Phần 48

As B bumps in, A loosens the hips and turns the waist to the left. The left hand arcs from the left side to the right and, from beneath his own right elbow, turns over upward (palm facing outward, tiger-mouth facing down), seizing B's forearm and drawing it up and to the left. At the same time both knees bend slightly, the waist turns slightly right, and the right hand becomes a fist, dropping from above to before the left chest, striking out with the elbow bent (fist-heart facing down), using the elbow point to strike B's left ribs. At this moment A faces east, slightly north, B faces northwest (hình 98).

图 98

1/ As A's elbow strike arrives, B's left foot withdraws half a pace to the rear, toes touching the ground, the weight moving onto the right leg, the waist turning left, neutralising A's attack. Eyes on A's face (hình 99).

图 99

2/ Without stopping, the right foot steps half a pace forward to the right, the right hand arcs inward and up from the right side, threading beneath his own left hand to deflect A's left hand away; the left hand drops before the body (after being freed by the right hand, the arm rotating inward), deflecting A's right elbow down and to the left, and at the same time……

……the left leg bends at the knee and lifts, using the knee to strike A's lower abdomen. Eyes on A (hình 100).

图 100

Phần 49

As B lifts the knee, A adheres to both of B's wrists and, using the wrist joints as pivots, arcs from the outside upward and inward, closing B's two hands together and pressing them down. At the same time the weight moves onto the left leg and the right foot retreats one pace. Eyes on B (hình 101).

图 101

Phần 50

B's two arms use warding-off jin (bằng kình), drawing slightly rearward and inward to neutralise A's force, causing A's power to fall into empty space. Then both hands rotate inward, separating A's two hands to left and right. The left leg at once straightens, kicking into A's abdomen (đang cước), toes pointing up. Eyes on A (hình 102).

图 102

1/ As B kicks toward the abdomen, A hollows the chest and turns the waist slightly left to evade B's kick. The right hand, using the elbow joint as a pivot, arcs from above B's left wrist inward and downward (first rotating slightly outward, then at once turning inward to press B's left wrist down), and pulls down to the inner side of B's left knee, forcing B's left hand and leg to descend. Eyes on B's hips (hình 103).

图 103

2/ Without stopping, the weight moves onto the left leg, the right foot advances one pace, the left arm rotates slightly outward, turning the wrist over, using the outer edge of the palm…… ……the little-finger side pressing down on B's right wrist (at this moment B's left leg, having been swept, comes down to the rear). Eyes on B's chest (hình 104).

图 104

3/ Then the left foot advances one pace, landing behind B's right foot, the weight moving forward, the left leg bending at the knee and the right leg straightening into a left bow stance. At the same time the left hand, following B's descent, settles before the chest, using the left shoulder to bump (khao) into B's chest. The right hand arcs up, the elbow bending, resting against the inner side of the left arm. Eyes on B's head; at this moment A faces southeast, B faces southwest (hình 105).

图 105

Phần 51

1/ As A bumps in, B moves the weight onto the left leg at the rear, the right toes lifting, neutralising A's bumping jin (see hình 105).

2/ Then B at once lifts the right heel and arcs around to the outer side of A's left foot, pressing flat, the weight shifting slightly right into a half-horse stance. At the same time the left hand plucks A's left wrist downward and twists it to the left, the right hand becomes a fist, arcing from the right waist to the right and then up, pressing down on the rear of A's left elbow, fist-heart facing up; the left hand lifts to cooperate in clamping A's arm. Eyes on A (hình 106).

图 106

1/ As A's arm is clamped by B, the body turns slightly left, the weight moving onto the right leg, the left toes lifting. At the same time the left arm bends slightly upward, using the left arm to ward off (bằng) B's two hands. Eyes on B's hands (hình 107).

图 107

2/ Without stopping, the left foot withdraws behind the right leg, the weight moving onto the left leg, the left hand warding B's right hand, the right hand arcing beneath his own left hand to deflect B's right wrist outward. Eyes on B's head (hình 108). 3/ Continuing, the right hand lifts B's two hands upward, the left hand rotates inward, freeing itself from B's left hand and arcing up to the left. At the same time the right foot lifts, using the toes to kick into B's right waist. Eyes on the right foot. At this moment A faces east by north, B faces west (hình 109).

图 109

Phần 52

1/ As A wards off on the left, the weight moves forward into a right bow stance (see hình 107).

2/ As A kicks out the right foot, B's left palm rotates inward, palm facing outward, threading beneath A's right wrist to ward upward (bằng) and lift A's right hand. Then, using the outer edge of the right palm, press and deflect downward along the outer side of A's right lower leg. Eyes on A's head; at this moment B faces west, A faces east by north (hình 110).

图 110

1/ A's right foot having been deflected, the right foot arcs via the left side and comes down to the right of the left leg, toes turning outward, the body turning slightly right. At the same time the left hand arcs down via the right side and then up, deflecting B's left hand (palm facing up). Eyes on B's left hand (hình 111).

图 111

2/ Without stopping, A's right hand arcs via the right side. At the same time withdraw the hips and lift the left foot, using the toes to kick into B's left ribs. Eyes on B's face (hình 112).

Phần 53

As A kicks out the left foot, the right hand threads beneath the left wrist (the arm rotating inward, palm facing forward), using a warding-off (bằng) posture to receive A's left hand. Then, using the outer edge of the left palm, arc downward to deflect A's left leg. At the same time the right foot withdraws a large pace to the rear, the right leg straightening and the left leg bending at the knee into a left bow stance. Eyes on A; at this moment B faces west, A faces southeast (see hình 112).

图 112

1/ A's leg having been deflected, the left foot arcs via the outer side and comes down to the left of the right leg, toes turning outward, the body turning slightly left (palm slanting upward). Eyes on B's right hand (hình 113).

图 113

2/ Without stopping, the right hand rotates inward, turning the wrist over to seize B's right wrist and, from above, plucking (thái) it downward. The left hand, following the momentum, extends diagonally to the rear and below. The weight moves onto the left leg, the right foot steps up to the inner side of B's left foot, the right leg bending at the knee and the left leg straightening into a right bow stance. At the same time use the right shoulder to bump into B's right chest (hình 114).

图 113

图 114

>

Phần 54

1/ As A bumps in, B hollows the chest and raises the back, the waist turning slightly right, the weight moving onto the right leg, the left foot withdrawing to the left of the right foot, the weight then shifting slightly onto the left leg, the right foot advancing half a pace. At the same time the right hand turns the wrist over outward, plucking (thái) and gripping A's right wrist, and draws it in an arc from below-left up to the right (hình 115).

图 115

图 116

> 2/ Without stopping, the right hand continues drawing A's right wrist down and to the right (to the outside of the right hip). At the same time the right foot advances half a pace, landing outside A's right foot. Use the right shoulder to bump A's right shoulder (hình 116).

图 116

Phần 55

1/ As B bumps in, A's body turns slightly right, the weight moving onto the left leg, the right foot withdrawing to the right of the left foot, toes turning outward, the weight then shifting slightly onto the right leg, the left heel lifting. At the same time the right hand turns the wrist over outward, plucking (thái) and gripping B's wrist, and arcs upward half a circle clockwise from below. The left hand arcs back and withdraws to the waist. Eyes on B's head (hình 117).

2/ Continuing, the right hand seizes B's right wrist and plucks it to the right. The left foot steps up, landing behind B's right foot, the left leg bending at the knee and the right leg straightening into a left bow stance. At the same time the left hand bends at the elbow and threads beneath B's right armpit, using a warding-off (bằng) lift (palm facing up). Eyes on B's face; at this moment A faces southeast, B faces……

Phần 56

As A wards and lifts upward beneath the armpit, B raises the back and hollows the chest, turning the waist to the right, the weight moving onto the left leg, then the right foot withdrawing a large pace to the right rear and the left foot advancing half a pace into a left bow stance. At the same time the right hand rotates inward, turning the wrist outward (thumb down) to seize A's right wrist, drawing it right on the power of the turning waist. At the same time the left hand arcs out from the left to the front, the palm pressing on A's arm and lan-pressing slightly to the right (pushing across). Eyes on A; at this moment B faces west, A faces east by north (hình 119).

图 119

1/ As B applies the lan press, A loosens the shoulders and loosens the waist, turning slightly left to neutralise, the right arm rotating outward, the weight sinking slightly. At the same time the left hand arcs upward (the arm rotating outward, palm facing up) and threads in beneath his own right elbow (thumb down) to seize B's left wrist (hình 120).

2/ Without stopping, the right foot steps up behind B's left foot,……

……and plucks it down to the left, the right hand bending at the elbow and withdrawing to before the chest, then, following the momentum, threading out from beneath B's left arm and extending forward, using the back of the palm (thumb up) with a warding-off (bằng) push toward B's left ribs. Eyes on B's head. At this moment A faces northeast, B faces northwest (hình 121).

图 121

Phần 57

As A's right hand wards up to the armpit, B hollows the chest and raises the back, turning the waist left, the weight moving onto the right leg, the left foot withdrawing a large pace to the left rear into a half-horse stance. The right hand (thumb down) seizes A's left wrist, drawing it to the left rear with the power of waist and legs. The left hand plucks A's right wrist; as the left foot withdraws, the right palm lan-presses on A's right arm, slanting slightly left. Eyes on A (hình 122 — reverse view, hình 123).

图 122

>

Phần 58

1/ When struck by B's lan, A turns the waist left to neutralise, the weight shifting slightly onto the left leg, forming a half-bow half-horse stance. At the same time the left hand rotates outward (palm toward the opponent). The right hand, following the body's turn, withdraws before the chest, the back of the hand facing forward (all of the above are transitional movements). Eyes on B's left arm (hình 124, 125 — reverse view).

图 124

图 125

> 2/ Without stopping, borrowing the power of waist and legs, turn the body left, the weight sinking slightly, the left hand sweeping B's right hand up and to the left (phi thân). At the same time strike with the back of the right hand to the right into B's right ribs. Eyes on B's chest and ribs. At this moment A faces east by north, B faces west by south (hình 126).

Phần 59

1/ As A is about to strike into the flank, B raises the back and hollows the chest, the weight moving onto the left leg into a right empty stance (the right toe lifted level), and at the same time turning the waist to the left. Borrowing that momentum the waist withdraws to the rear to neutralise; the right hand closes into a fist, rotating inward and sinking down, slipping free of A's left hand, circling down in front of the belly and slightly to the left, then circling up (clockwise) in one small arc to hook A's right hand outward, the fist-eye facing A. As the left hand sinks beneath…… ……the right hand, the right fist turns up and follows through to cover and seal upon A's right side. Eyes on the right fist (hình 127).

图 127

2/ The right foot stamps solid, the weight moving forward onto the right leg, the right arm and right fist pressing slightly down on A's right wrist. At the same time the body turns slightly to the right and the left hand strikes up into A's face. Eyes on A's face (hình 128).

图 128

3/ Just as A neutralises the strike to the face, B immediately turns the waist to the left, the weight sinking slightly, and strikes A's chest with the right fist (fist-heart facing up). The left hand shifts to the left, slipping free of A's left hand, and arcs up in front of the forehead (hình 129).

图 129

Phần 60

1/ When B swipes the left hand at the face, the left hand immediately arcs up from below the waist to the front, propping B's left wrist with ward-off force (bằng) to neutralise. Eyes on B's left hand (see again hình 128).

2/ As B's right fist attacks, the right hand sticks and follows B's right wrist, the palm rotating outward, riding the force of B's fist and leading it to the rear to neutralise. At the same time the waist turns slightly to the right and the weight moves onto the left leg (see again hình 129).

3/ Without stopping, the right hand rises slightly, edging to the right in a clockwise circle, the palm turning outward to seize B's right wrist. At the same time the body turns right, the right foot steps back to the right of the left foot (toes turned out) and comes down solid, and the left foot lifts to kick with the toe into B's left shin. At the same time the left hand attacks (probing out) into B's face. Eyes on B (hình 130).

图 130

1/ As A uses the "probing palm" and kicks out, B moves the weight onto the left leg, leading and neutralising to the rear so that the opponent's attack lands in emptiness. Continuing to borrow the momentum, the waist turns left and the left hand arcs up from behind (see again hình 130).

2/ Without stopping, the left hand swings horizontally from behind, across the waist and up to the front, brushing the inner edge of A's right wrist, turning the wrist over (thumb down), then rising slightly to the left to ward-off (bằng) A's right hand. Next the right fist, turning outward, wards on the left side; the two arms form a bow shape, splitting apart to ward both of A's hands. At the same time the whole weight is placed on the left leg, the body twists to the right, and following the waist turn the right foot lifts to stamp sideways with the sole (toes pointing right) into A's left shin. Eyes on A's leg (hình 131).

图 131

Phần 61

1/ As B's right foot stamps out, A turns the waist to the right and, taking advantage of the moment, uses the left hand to seize B's right hand and pull it down to the right, so that B, standing on one leg, loses balance and is forced to put the right foot down (B's right toe pointing outward). At the same time A's left foot follows the body turn to the right, the toes hooking inward (weight on the right leg). Eyes on B's posture (hình 132).

2/ Continuing from the above, the weight moves to the left, the right heel lifts, and the body turns to the right and to the rear. At the same time the right foot lifts and swings on centrifugal force, arcing up in a sweeping kick to the right, striking B's right hip with the instep. As the body turns right, the right hand follows the momentum, swinging right and to the rear to strike B's head with the ridge of the palm. The left hand follows the body turn, threading beneath his own right armpit (palm facing down). Once the turn has carried the sweeping kick out, it springs out to the left together with the right hand. Eyes on B. At this moment A faces north-east, B faces west (hình 133).

图 133

Phần 62

1/ As A turns the body to the right and to the rear, B shifts the weight slightly onto the right leg. Just as A's right hand swipes in, B's right hand rises from the right and circles to the left counter-clockwise, following through to pull A's right hand; the waist turns slightly left, the left hand held low on the left. Eyes on A's right hand (see again hình 133).

2/ Continuing from the above, the right hand bends the wrist, the five fingers gathering into a hook hand, and following through swings down and to the right, reaching to the rear to hook and sweep A's right leg. At that moment A, in order to avoid being swept by B's hand, immediately turns the body to the right and lowers the foot……

……down, B changes to a crouching stance, lowering the body (weight on the right leg). At the same time the left hand lowers gradually from the front to the inside of the left knee (thumb up). Eyes on the left hand. At this moment B faces north-west, A faces north-east (hình 134).

图 134

Phần 63

1/ As B uses the hook hand to hook and sweep the right leg, A turns the waist to the left and lowers the right foot down in front of B's right foot.

2/ Once B has completed the lower form, A is in danger of being struck with the shoulder and thrown down. The left hand at once presses down and grips B's arm, the weight moving to the left leg to the……

……the rear, the right foot lifts and takes one step back, the weight moving onto the right leg, the left foot turning inward, the weight shifting slightly forward into a left bow stance. At the same time, following the backward step to the rear, the left hand slides along the arm and strokes down to seize B's left wrist. The right hand becomes a fist, circling down to the rear and then arcing up to strike forward and down, attacking B's head. Eyes on B. At this moment A faces east, B faces north-west (hình 135).

图 135

Phần 64

1/ As A's right fist strikes in, B at once stamps the right foot and stands up, the right leg slightly bent, the weight still on the right leg. At the same time the left hand arcs up from below across to the left, turning the wrist over to seize A's left wrist and, following the body's turn to the left, pulling it up to the left. At the same time the right hook hand becomes a palm and drops beside the right hip; the left foot lifts, toes pointing outward, and steps half a pace sideways to the right, the weight moving forward onto the left leg, the right heel raised. Eyes on A's head (hình 136).

2/ Without stopping, the right foot swings up in one large step and comes down behind B's left foot, the weight moving forward, the left knee bending and the left leg extending into a right bow stance. At the same time the left hand pulls slightly downward, the right hand arcs up to the front and threads through beneath A's left armpit, using the right shoulder to strike (kháo) into A's chest. Eyes on A's head. At this moment B faces south-west, A faces south-east (hình 137).

图 137

Phần 65

When A is struck by B's shoulder blow (kháo), he at once hollows the chest, turning the waist slightly to the right, the weight moving onto the right leg; with the right thumb pointing down he uses the palm to seize B's right wrist and push it forward. The left arm rotates outward and withdraws, and at the same time the left foot lifts, withdraws, and circles past B's right foot to come down behind it; the left knee bends, the right leg extends into a left bow stance, and the waist turns to the left. The left hand becomes a fist, circling to the rear while rotating inward, then arcing up to strike B's head. Eyes on B's head. At this moment A faces south-east, B faces south-west (hình 138).

图 138

Phần 66

1/ As A's left fist is about to strike, B uses the left hand to circle to the left (see again hình 138). At the same time the waist turns slightly to the right and the weight shifts slightly to the rear, resting between the two feet. At the same time the right arm uses ward-off (bằng) to hold the opponent's right hand. The left arm rotates outward, arcs up to the front and threads into the inner edge of A's right wrist.

2/ Without stopping, the left hand turns A's right wrist over. Continuing to turn the waist to the right, the weight moves onto the left leg to the rear, the right toe lifting level. The left hand draws A's right hand outward. The right hand closes into a fist, the arm rotating inward and circling to the right to brush away A's left fist. The two arms form a bow, parting to either side. Eyes on the right fist (hình 139).

图 139

3/ Without stopping, the left foot stamps solid, the waist turns slightly to the left, the weight moves forward, the right knee bends and the left leg extends into a right bow stance. At the same time, following the movement of the waist, the right fist rotates the forearm outward and strikes A's face with the back of the fist. Eyes on A's face (hình 140).

图 140

Phần 67

1/ As B drives the right fist downward, A moves the weight to the rear, hollows the chest and raises the back, the left fist opening into a palm, and with the palm centre sticking to B's right side, the waist turning to the right. The left palm follows B's striking fist downward, sticking to the inner edge of B's right wrist and neutralising to the right. Eyes following B's right fist (hình 141).

图 141

2/ Without stopping, the right hand circles down to the rear, arcs up level with the ear and then swipes forward to attack B's face, the elbow slightly bent and the fingers pointing up. At the same time the waist turns to the left, the left hand still placed on B's right wrist. Eyes on B's face (hình 142).

图 142

As A's right palm strikes in, the right fist opens into a palm, the arm rotating inward and arcing up on the right, the thumb pointing down, seizing A's right wrist and leading it across to the right. At the same time the waist turns to the right and the left hand, as an upright palm, presses out and pushes up against A's elbow. Eyes on A's face; at this moment B faces west, A faces north-east (hình 143).

图 143

Phần 68

When A, being led by B, is about to lose the position, the weight moves onto the right leg to the rear, the waist turning to the left, the left toe lifting level. The left palm, centre facing up, withdraws to the hip; the right arm sinks the shoulder and drops the elbow, using ward-off (bằng) to hold both of B's hands (see again hình 143). Next the right hand lowers slightly. At the same time the left foot steps back one pace, the left toe hooking to face straight forward. The left hand arcs up from the rear, the waist turning to the right, the left elbow bending to swing horizontally past the ear and strike forward into B's face (hình 144).

图 144

Phần 69

As A swipes the left palm in, B uses the left hand to circle to the right, meeting the outside of A's left arm and arcing up to the left (the hand rotating inward, thumb down) to seize A's left wrist and pull it to the left. At the same time the waist turns slightly to the left, the left foot advances one step, the weight moving forward, the left knee bending and the right leg extending into a left bow stance. The right hand, back of the palm leading, arcs up to press at the left elbow, pushing and covering A's left arm across to the left. Eyes on A's face. At this moment B faces west, A faces south-east (hình 145).

图 145

When A is led by B, he at once moves the weight onto the left leg to the rear, turning the waist to the right, the right hand (palm centre facing up) withdrawing to the right hip; the left arm sinks the shoulder and drops the elbow, using ward-off (bằng) to hold both of B's hands (see again hình 145). Continuing without stopping, the left hand lowers to the rear, causing the opponent to press into emptiness. The right foot withdraws one step to the rear, the weight on the right leg. At the same time the right hand arcs up from behind, again following the waist as it turns……

……to the left, and strikes B's face with the right palm. Eyes on B (hình 146).

图 146

Phần 70

As A's right hand is about to strike, the right hand leaves B's elbow, closes into a fist and extends beneath the left arm, crossing with the left fist; the elbow bends and lifts to prop A's right fist. At the same time the weight moves onto the left leg and the right foot lifts, kicking with the toe into A's left shin. Eyes on A (hình 147).

图 147

As B's right foot kicks in, the right hand turns the palm over to seize B's right wrist and pull it down to the right. The body leans slightly forward, the waist turning slightly to the right, the weight still on the right leg. At the same time the left hand drops from the left hip to B's lower abdomen (palm centre facing right). Eyes watch B's changes. At this moment A faces east, B……

……faces south-west (hình 148).

图 148

Phần 71

1/ When B is pulled down by A, the right foot comes down to the front, the waist turning to the left, the knee bending into a right bow stance. The left hand drops to prop A's wrist (see again hình 148).

2/ Without stopping, the right hand sinks slightly, blending softly with the opponent's posture. Next the right fist at once becomes a palm, rotating inward, and with the little-finger edge of the hand it grips A's right wrist in reverse and lifts it, drawing it to the rear. The waist turns to the right, the right foot steps back one pace and extends straight, the left foot advances one pace and bends the knee into a left bow stance. The left hand releases A's left wrist and, borrowing the waist turn to the right, drives the ridge of the left palm forward to attack A's chest (A's left hand withdrawing beside the left hip). Eyes on A's chest (hình 149).

图 149

As B's left palm strikes in, hollow the chest and raise the back, turning the waist to the right, the weight moving onto the right leg to the rear, the left toe lifting level. At the same time the right forearm rotates outward to grip B's right wrist in reverse and, turning the waist, pulls B's hand down. The left hand rises from the hip to the front, pushing and covering at the shoulder blade, then stroking down with the momentum. Eyes on B's face. At this moment A faces east, B faces west by south (hình 150).

图 150

Phần 72

1/ When B's right arm is plucked down by A, B loosens the shoulder and uses the right arm with ward-off (bằng) to hold the opponent, the right heel raising, the body following slightly forward, the left hand assisting at the inner edge of the right arm (see again hình 150).

2/ Continuing from the above, the weight moves up onto the left leg at the front, the right arm bends the elbow and rotates outward, the right hand turning the palm over to seize A's right wrist. At the same time the right foot advances one large step forward. The right arm continues to borrow the power of the waist and hip to lift up to the right. The left hand withdraws to the left hip; eyes on A's right armpit (hình 151).

图 151

3/ Without stopping, the waist turns to the right, the right knee bends and the left leg extends into a right bow stance. Together with the turning of the waist and thigh, the right hand seizes A's right wrist and draws it across to the right and to the rear. The left fist rotates inward, the tiger-mouth facing up, and drives up from the waist into A's right flank, becoming……

……the Bending-bow Shoots-tiger form. Eyes on A's right flank. At this moment B faces south-east, A faces west (hình 152).

图 152

Phần 73

1/ As B plucks A's right wrist, following B's momentum the left foot steps out to the left one pace into a left bow stance. The left hand releases B's right arm and circles behind to the left. The right hand forms a hook hand above B's right wrist, completing the left Single Whip form. Eyes on his own right hand and on B's head (see again hình 152).

2/ As B's left fist is about to strike, the left hand shifts slightly forward. The hand relaxes, the five fingers gathering into a hook hand, the right arm rotating outward to escape B's right hand. Loosen the shoulder, turn the waist slightly to the right, the right elbow bending and sinking, using the point of the elbow to press down on B's left fist. At the same time, without stopping, the right forearm rotates inward, the waist turning to the left, and the right hook hand strikes forward and up, attacking B's chin (hình 153).

图 153

Phần 74

As A's hook hand is about to strike, B's left fist opens into a palm, the palm centre sticking on A's right elbow and pushing it to the right. At the same time the right hand withdraws beside the hip. Eyes on A's right arm. The left foot accordingly advances one step, the weight moving forward, the left knee bending and the right leg extending into a left bow stance. At the same time the right fist, following the waist turn to the left, is released forward to attack A's right flank. Eyes on A. At this moment B faces west, A faces north-east (hình 154).

图 154

1/ As B's right fist is about to strike, A raises the back and hollows the chest, the right foot stepping back behind the left foot, the toes turning outward. At the same time the body turns to the right. The right hook hand follows……

……that, sinks down, and following B's right arm downward brushes B's right wrist across to the right. At the same time the left hand circles down beside the left hip and extends forward (palm centre facing down). Eyes on B's head (hình 155).

图 155

2/ Without stopping, the left tiger-mouth opens and, following along B's right arm, stabs in toward B's neck. At the same time the left foot advances half a pace, the weight on the right leg (hình 156).

图 156

Phần 75

1/ As A's left hand stabs in, B moves the weight slightly to the rear, the feet not moving. At the same time the left palm, centre facing down, circles beneath his own elbow and threads out, immediately becoming an upright palm (palm centre facing right), penetrating upward to the outside of A's left wrist. This movement must contain ward-off force (bằng). The right fist withdraws and becomes a palm (hình 157).

图 157

2/ Both arms rotate outward at the same time (palm centres facing inward), the left wrist leading and neutralising A's left wrist; the weight shifts slightly onto the right leg to the rear, the waist turning slightly……

……to the right. At the same time the two hands part to the right and left (the left hand inclining slightly forward, the right hand inclining to the rear); with respect to A's two hands the movement must not stop: both arms rotate inward, the palm centres facing forward, pressing onto A's left arm (the right hand pressing on the elbow, the left hand pressing on A's left wrist). At the same time the weight moves forward, the left knee bending and the right leg extending into a left bow stance. The eyes follow his own two hands from beginning to end (hình 158).

图 158

Phần 76

1/ Following B's pressing momentum, A uses the left hand with ward-off (bằng) to hold both of B's hands (palm centre slanting inward). At the same time the right arm rotates outward and is placed at the inner edge of the left elbow joint to support the left arm in holding against the pressing force. At this moment the weight moves onto the right leg, the two arms cradling a circle, using ward-off force to neutralise B's double push (see again hình 158).

2/ Without stopping, the body turns slightly to the left, the right hand extends from the inside and continues along B's right palm, the right arm rotating inward (palm centre facing……

……forward, thumb down), the elbow bending to lift both of B's hands up and across to the right, neutralising B's pressing force. The left hand accordingly circles down to the left and presses on B's right elbow (hình 159).

图 159

3/ The two hands stick to B's forearms and, following the movement of the waist, turn slightly to the right and then push forward again, all the fingers pointing up. At the same time the left knee bends and the right leg extends into a left bow stance. At this moment B's left hand withdraws to the inside of the right elbow joint, the two arms bending at the elbow into a bow shape (hình 160).

图 160

Phần 77

1/ As A presses in, B uses the right hand to ward-off both of A's hands. The left hand bends the elbow and is placed at the inner elbow joint of the right arm to support it (both palm centres facing inward). At the same time the weight moves onto the right leg to the rear, the left toe lifting level (see again hình 160).

2/ Without stopping, the left foot withdraws one step to the rear, the left leg extending straight and the right knee bending into a right bow stance. At the same time the two hands part from inside A's two hands out to the right and left. Eyes on A (hình 161).

3/ Continuing from the above, both hands at the same time brush outward to grip B's two forearms, twisting them outward and lifting them up. At the same time the right foot withdraws one step to the rear, level with the left foot, and both stand upright. A's two arms, following B's twisting, are lifted up and come together, palm centres facing up. As B steps again, A brings the right foot up level with the left foot and stands upright. The two face each other (hình 162).

图 162

Phần 78

Continuing from the above, both practitioners at the same time withdraw the right foot half a step to the rear (the toes turning slightly outward), the weight moving onto the right leg, the [waist] turning slightly to the right. The right hand, following the downward……

……down, circling to the rear, then following the waist as it turns slightly left, arcs up and moves forward to come to rest at the upper right (palm centre facing forward-right, thumb down). The left hand circles down on the right as the waist turns right, then circles across to the left as the waist turns left, coming to rest in front of the left hip (palm centre facing down-left, thumb inward). As the waist turns left the body sinks slightly, the weight moving onto the right leg to the rear, the left foot drawing slightly back. The left toe touches the ground in a left empty stance. The two hands of the two practitioners (right above, left below) are slightly rounded. They look at each other (hình 163).

图 163

Phần 79

1/ Continuing from the above, using the left toe as pivot the left heel turns outward, the weight moving onto the left leg, the body turning to the right. At the same time, without stopping, using the right heel as pivot the toes turn outward, the body continuing to turn right and straightening. The left arm at the same time rotates outward so that the palm centre faces up and arcs up to the front. The right palm arcs and presses down, the arm bending and withdrawing beneath the left armpit (hình 164).

图 164

2/ The weight moves onto the right leg to the rear, the left toe hooking inward, the body turning slightly to the right, the weight then moving back onto the left leg. The two hands follow the body's turn to the right and arc up on the right. Without stopping, the weight moves to the rear, the upper body turns slightly to the left, the two hands continue circling down on the left and then arc up again (tracing one full circle in front of the body). As the circle passes to the right, the right foot lifts and swings across from the left to the right (the knee slightly bent). The left and right hands in turn slap across the instep of the right foot. Eyes follow the movement of the two hands (hình 165).

图 165

Phần 80

Continuing from the previous form, the right foot slowly comes down to the front right, the waist turning to the right, the weight moving to the right, the right knee bending and the left leg extending into a right bow stance. At the same time the two hands (palm centres facing down) lower and, following the waist turn to the right, close into fists. The right fist circles horizontally past the right hip to the rear and arcs up to the front counter-clockwise, coming to rest above and to the right of the head (tiger-mouth toward the head). The left fist circles horizontally in front of the lower belly, slightly to the right, then arcs up to the front and slowly strikes out……

……and finally comes to rest straight to the front (tiger-mouth facing up). The eyes follow the hands. Once the posture is settled, the two practitioners' left fists face each other (hình 166).

图 166

Phần 81

Continuing from the previous movement without stopping, the waist turns to the left, the weight moves to the rear, the right toe hooking inward and the left toe turning outward, the left knee bending into a left bow stance. At the same time the left fist circles down along the left side and then arcs up to rest beside the left of the head (tiger-mouth toward the head). At the same time the right fist rotates outward and lowers. As it lowers……

……in front of the chest, and slowly strikes out forward (tiger-mouth facing up). The two practitioners' right fists face each other, and they look at each other (hình 167).

图 167

Phần 82

1/ Without stopping, the right fist lowers (fist-heart facing down), the waist turns slightly to the right, the right arm rotates outward, and the right fist circles past the edge of the left elbow and arcs up to the front, releasing out to the right (draping the body, phiết thân). The left fist becomes a palm, the palm pressing down at the left hip. At the same time the right toe turns outward; as the right fist releases, the right foot steps forward and stamps solid (hình 168).

图 168

2/ Without stopping, the waist turns to the right and the left foot advances one step. At the same time the right arm rotates inward, the fist-heart facing down, lan-parrying to the right. After that the forearm rotates outward, the fist-heart facing up, and withdraws to the right hip. The left palm arcs up from below clockwise and presses out as an upright palm, the palm centre facing right (hình 169). 3/ Without stopping, the weight moves forward, the left knee bending and the right leg extending into a left bow stance. The right fist, rotating inward from the hip, strikes out forward (tiger-mouth facing up). The left palm lan-parries to the right and then withdraws to the inside of the right fist's elbow joint. The two fists face each other and the two gaze at each other (hình 170).

图 170

Phần 83

1/ Continuing from the above, the left arm rotates outward, the left palm centre facing up, and threads upward along the underside of the right arm. At the same time the right fist becomes a palm; the two wrists cross in the shape of the character "ten" (十) (the right hand above, the left below), both palm centres facing inward (hình 171).

图 171

2/ Without stopping, the two palms part to the right and left, the width equal to the shoulders. The weight moves onto the right leg to the rear, the left toe lifting level. At the same time both palm centres face inward and, following the withdrawing posture, draw back to roughly two tấc apart (hình 172).

图 172

3/ Continuing from the above, the weight moves forward, the left knee bending and the right leg extending into a left bow stance. At the same time both arms rotate inward, both palm centres facing forward, and push forward. The palm centres of the two practitioners face each other (hình 173).

图 173

Phần 84

1/ Continuing from the above, the weight moves onto the right leg, the left toe hooking inward, the body turning to the right, the right toe turning outward, the two feet parallel to each other (A's toes pointing south, B's toes pointing north). At the same time the right hand, following the body turn to the right, arcs up on the right in a half circle, passing across in front of the face. The left hand stays where it is, unmoving; the two arms are rounded and parted to either side, the palm centres slanting forward (hình 174).

图 174

2/ Without stopping, bend the knees and let the body sink; both hands at the same time circle down in front of the belly and arc up to cross in front of the chest. The weight moves onto the left leg, both legs slowly straighten, and the right foot steps half a pace sideways across to the left, the feet shoulder-width apart (hình 175).

Phần 85

Without stopping, turn the palms outward and part them to the right and left, until the width equals the shoulders (palm centres facing down and forward); loosen the shoulders and let both elbows sink. The fingers point forward and slowly press down beside the hips. The movement pauses briefly; the whole body relaxes and the eyes look forward (hình 176).

图 176

Phần 86

Introduction Foreword Reference material used in compiling this book Volume one: Chen-style Tai Chi — (The Chen family Tai Chi forms)