Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan emphasizes training in five directions: Hand Technique, Gaze, Body Shape, Method, and Footwork. The Footwork is the foundation. The main Footwork includes Bow Stance, Empty Stance, One leg Standing Stance, and Down Stance.
Let’s talk Bow Stance first. The demonstrations in figures are based on the left foot in the front. The left foot points to the forward direction, then right foot points 45 degrees from the forward direction. The feet are shoulder width apart. The weight is 60% on the front leg and 40% on the back leg. The left knee moves forward following the direction of the front toes and does not pass the toes. Weight should be centered over the Bubbling Well and both feet are rooted. Figure 1 and Figure 2.
The body shape for movements with Bow Stance Footwork generally require the upper body to incline slightly in the forward direction, so it leans at the same angle as the back leg. There are three exceptions in which the torso is straight up and down when using Bow Stance footwork: Left Ward off, Single Whip, and Fan Through the Back.
FAQ:
Q: What is “shoulder width apart?”
A: The feet are parallel with outside edge of the feet at the same width as outside edge of the shoulders.
Q: How do I know if my footwork is shoulder width apart in a Bow Stance?
A: Use the heel to turn right toes in until the right foot is parallel with the left foot. Move the back foot straightforward until it is opposite the front foot. Check to see if the outside edge of the feet and shoulders are aligned. Figure 3 and Figure 4.
