Standing Postures

Quoting from Grandmaster Wang:

• Tibao shi. Feet are shoulder width apart, making shape of / \ (Chinese character for 8). Weight evenly distributed on both feet. Main point of supporting weight is just behind ball of foot (from translator: can be also interpreted as back part of foot - both variants are used in yiquan). Knees slightly bent. They should not overreach toes (depending on situation of a specific person, they can be bent less, or not bent). Body straight, arms curved, armpits half open. Shoulders very slightly moved back, so chest can be open ñ it is position of light, agile erection.

Fingers of both palms are pointing toward each other. Distance between them is about 3 fists. Palms are at level slightly below navel. Insides of palms directed upward. Arms as if embracing a big balloon. Head straight or slightly leaning back. Eyes closed or naturally open (especially at first stage of practice), mouth slightly open. Whole body is relaxed (ìrelaxed but not slackî). On face there is "as smile not smile". There is feeling like "urinating but not urinating".

• Fu'an shi. Slightly raise arms. Fingers slightly separated, slightly bent, pointing obliquely forward. Palms are at navel level. Insides of palms directed downward, as if resting on a big balloon floating on surface of water. Other demands are the same as when practicing tibao shi.

• Chengbao shi. Place your arms in front of chest. Shoulders should be relaxed, elbows slightly lowered. Distance between palms and chest ñ about 1 foot. Fingers separated. Insides of palms directed toward body, as if embracing something. Or directed outward, as if pushing something. Other demands are the same as when practicing tibao shi.

• Fenshui shi. Both arms slightly bent and placed on both sides of body. Palms are below navel. Fingers separated. Insides of palms directed downward, as if separating water. Other demands are the same as when practicing tibao shi.

• Xiuxi shi - resting postures.

First posture. Backs of palms are resting on both sides, at waist or hips area. Or put palms into pockets, only thumbs outside. Other demands are the same as when practicing tibao shi.

Second posture. Both arms are resting on a balustrade on level of chest, elbows bent. One foot is more to the front than the other. Whole front foot is on the ground. Toes of back foot are on the ground and heel lifted. Positions of both feet can be interchanged sometimes.

Third posture.. Buttocks are resting on edge of a table. You can assume first resting posture or tibao shi posture. Feet can be put together, heels lifted. Palms can be put into pockets, only thumbs outside..

Fourth posture. Left palms is resting on a table or on back of a chair. Back of right palm is resting on your side, in the waist area. Left foot in front, whole sole on the ground. Left leg straight or slightly bent. Right foot in back, right leg naturally slightly bent. Right heel raised above ground. The intention is as if this leg was starting step, but havenít started yet. Or you can turn slightly and slowly to the right and to the left, toes being axis of this movement. Head can be inclined to the left (not more than one fist), weight on left side. This way, right side can receive relax and comfort. Sides can be changed.