馬步 – Ma Bu

Translated as Horse Stance or Horse Riding Stance, Bu 步 actually means step. Horse Step is a lateral side step like in the movement; “Wave Hands like Clouds”. Prepare* is an example of a small tall Ma Bu.

As the step gets wider, the center of gravity must be lower and closer to ground. To be seated (dang 裆 – seat of the pants), Ding 定 (settled, steady), upright and plumb, the Kua 胯 crotch has to be folded at the hip and rounded like the arch of a bridge.

The lower Dan Tian is the keystone. There is a lot to be considered structurally in the alignment of the Center line. The resulting Form (shape) is an expression of its proper Function (功 Kung Skill). There are no fixed postures or holding of stances. Stillness is motion concealed. Motion is stillness concealed. The potential for change must be ever present.

*Wuji is the first training posture in Zhan Zhuang.