XU YIQIAN’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FOOTWORK-TRAINING SET

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新編練步拳圖說
A NEWLY ARRANGED HANDBOOK FOR THE FOOTWORK-TRAINING SET
胥以謙編述
by Xu Yiqian
張之江　吳峻山
with input from Zhang Zhijiang & Wu Junshan
金一明繪圖
drawings by Jin Yiming
[published in serialized form in 國術週刋 Martial Arts Weekly, Oct—Dec, 1934:
postures 1-4 in issue #127, Oct 7
postures 5-8 in issue #128, Nov 3
postures 9-12 in issue #129, Nov 11
postures 13-16 in issue #130, Nov 18
postures 17-20 in issue #131, Nov 25
postures 21-24 in issue #132, Dec 2
postures 25-28 in issue #133, Dec 9
postures 29-32 in issue #134, Dec 16
postures 33-36 in issue #135, Dec 23]

[translation by Paul Brennan, March, 2017]

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第一段
SECTION ONE

第一式　懷抱太極（亦名太極勢）
Posture 1: EMBRACING THE TAIJI SPHERE (also called TAIJI POSTURE)

就立正姿勢，（假定朝南）左手提貼胸部，手心向下，上膊平肩，右手提貼腹部，手心向上，兩手掌心相對，指攏而微屈，中間相隔兩拳，平身正，胸開張，目前視，如第一圖。
Standing at attention (facing to the “south”), your left hand lifts to be close to your chest, palm facing downward, arm at shoulder level, as your right hand lifts to be close to your abdomen, palm facing upward, the palms facing each other, fingers together and slightly bent, a space of two fists between your hands. Your body is upright, your chest spread out. Your gaze is forward. See drawing 1:

口令　練步拳數……（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
此乃請手，卽國術家開始動作時，向對方及在場者，表示敬禮之意。
This is a gesture of politeness. When Chinese martial artists begin their actions, approaching their opponent and entering the combat space, they salute to show respect.

第二勢　左平掌（亦名平心掌）
Posture 2: LEFT LEVEL PALM (also called CHEST-LEVEL PALM)

由上勢，左足向左（東）進一步，曲膝，與足尖相對，右足伸直如箭，成左弓右箭襠，同時，右手沿左臂外面一撩，急握拳抱肘，左手乘勢向東發出一掌，掌口向前，掌心向下，高與肩平，目視左掌，如第二圖。
Continuing from the previous posture, your left foot advances a step to the left (to the east) and the knee bends until over the toes, your right leg straightening to be like an arrow, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your right hand raises and moves along the outside of your left arm, then quickly grasps into a fist and withdraws with a wrapping elbow while your left hand shoots out as a palm strike to the east, the palm mouth [i.e. the edge of the palm] facing forward, palm facing downward, at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your left palm. See drawing 2:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
此乃敵襲我左，我急以右手托開敵臂，乘勢以左掌擊其肋部。
An opponent to my left attacks me by surprise, so I quickly use my right hand to prop away his arm, then take advantage of the opportunity to use my left palm to strike to his ribs.

第三勢　轉身斷肘（亦名斷肘）
Posture 3: TURN AROUND, BREAK THE ELBOW (also called simply BREAK THE ELBOW)

承上勢，左手收囘護右肘，右手握拳曲肘，身由右後轉，（西）重量偏於左足，右拳於轉身時，由左向面前一格，肘尖對膝，拳眼對鼻，同時，左足原地扭轉，曲膝，右足收囘半步，足跟稍起，成虛勢，（亦名右剪襠）目視右拳，如第三圖。
Continuing from the previous posture, your left hand withdraws to guard your right elbow, your right hand grasping into a fist, the elbow bending, and your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the west), the weight on your left foot. As you turn around, your right fist goes from the left to block in front of you, the tip of the elbow pointing to your [right] knee, the fist eye aligned with your nose. At the same time, your left foot stays where it is and twists around, the knee bending, as your right foot withdraws a half step, heel slightly lifted, making an empty stance (also called a “scissors stance”). Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 3:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
此乃敵由後方擊來，我急轉身，以拳臂格開之意，身後坐者，讓其鋒也，右足虛步者，未知敵人虛實也。
An opponent now comes to attack from behind me, so I quickly turn around and use my fist and forearm to block aside, my body sitting back to receive the brunt of his attack, my right foot making an empty stance as I do not yet fully know his own emptiness and fullness.
練法
Practice method:
此勢左手收囘護肘，右手握拳曲肘，為一氣，轉身，格拳，及兩足動作，為一氣。
In this posture, your left hand withdraws to guard your elbow, your right hand grasps into a fist, and the elbow bends – making a single action. Turn around, block with your fist, and your feet move – making a single action.

第四勢　右冲拳（亦名觸拳）
Posture 4: RIGHT THRUST PUNCH (also called CRASHING PUNCH)

承上勢，右足前進半步，曲膝，與足尖相對，左足後伸挺直，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左手護右腋，右拳隨步冲出，（西）拳眼向上，高與肩齊，目視右拳，如第四圖。
Continuing from the previous posture, your right foot advances a half step and the knee bends until over the toes, your left leg straightening behind, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand guards your right armpit as your right fist goes along with your step by thrusting out (to the west), the fist eye facing upward, at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 4:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
上勢將敵拳格開，此卽乘虛進擊其胸肋等部，虛勢變為箭襠，乃轉守為攻也。
Having blocked the opponent’s fist aside in the previous posture, I now take advantage of the opportunity to advance and strike to his chest or ribs, my empty stance switching to an arrow stance, thereby switching from defense to attack.
練法
Practice method:
此勢須手足一氣，拳到脚亦到，方可打人。
In this posture, your hand and foot must move as a single action. If your fist arrives when your foot arrives, you will then be able to defeat the opponent.

第五勢　左平掌
Posture 5: LEFT LEVEL PALM

左足向左踏出一步，膝前曲，與足尖相對，右足原地，微向裏扭，膝直，成左弓右箭襠，身隨步左轉，（南）同時，右手由左腕握拳抱肘，拳心向上，左手向左足踏出之方向，發出一掌，掌心向下，掌口向前，高與肩齊，目視左掌，如第五圖。
Your left foot steps out to the left and the knee bends forward until over the toes, your right foot staying where it is and twisting slightly inward, the knee straightening, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow, your torso going along with your step by turning to the left (to be facing to the south). At the same time, your right hand goes from [the outside of] your left wrist, grasps again into a fist, and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, the center of the fist facing upward, while your left hand shoots out as a palm strike in the direction of your left step, palm facing downward, the palm mouth facing forward, at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your left palm. See drawing 5:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
敵偏我左，我急以左掌進擊其腰肋，右手抱肘，防其刼肋。
The opponent veers away to my left, so I quickly use my left palm to strike forward to his waist or ribs, my right hand withdrawing with a wrapping elbow, to defend my ribs from attack.

第六勢　右平拳
Posture 6: RIGHT LEVEL PUNCH

左足尖稍向開扭，右足前進一步，膝前曲，與足尖相對，左足膝直，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左手握拳，護耳，拳心向下，肘尖向前，右手隨右步發出一拳，（南）拳心向下，高與肩平，右肩稍帶前探，目視右拳，如第六圖。
Your left toes are twisted slightly outward and your right foot advances a step, the knee bending forward until over the toes, your left leg straightening, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand grasps into a fist and guards your ear, the center of the fist facing downward, the tip of the elbow pointing forward, and your right hand goes along with your right step by punching out (to the south), the center of the fist facing downward, at shoulder level, your right shoulder slightly pulled forward. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 6:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵欲讓我上勢之掌，急向後退，我乘勢進步，以右拳擊其胸部，左拳曲肘護耳，乃先格其右臂，後防其摑耳。
The opponent wants to evade my palm strike from the previous posture and quickly retreats, so I ride along with his energy by advancing a step and using my right fist to strike to his chest, my left fist guarding my ear, the elbow bending, an action which first blocks his right arm, and then prevents him from swinging to my ear.
練法
Practice method:
此勢左手與左足齊動，右足與右拳齊動。
In this posture, your left hand and left foot move at the same time, then your right foot and right fist move at the same time.

第七勢　退步趕肘（亦名蓋肘）
Posture 7: RETREAT, CHASING THE ELBOW (also called COVERING THE ELBOW)

右足撤囘，踏於後方，約距左足半步，曲膝，左足足跟稍提，虛步，成左剪襠，（南）同時，右拳收囘抱肘，左拳向前下方打出，拳心向下，與足尖相對，高與膝齊，目視左拳，如第七圖。
Your right foot withdraws, coming down to the rear about a half step away from your left foot, and the knee bends, your left heel slightly lifted, the foot empty, making a left scissors stance (pointing to the south). At the same time, your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, while your left fist strikes out forward and downward, the center of the fist facing downward, aligned with your [left] toes, at knee level. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See drawing 7:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
敵手摘我右腕，腿踼我膝部，我退步荷腰解其腿，虛步趕肘擊其肘。
The opponent grabs my right wrist and kicks to my [right] knee, so I retreat, pulling back my waist, dispelling his leg attack by emptying my stance, as I chase with my forearm to attack his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
右拳與右足同時動作，左拳與左步同時動作。
Your right fist and right foot move at the same time. Your left fist and left foot move at the same time.

第八勢　右平拳
Posture 8: RIGHT LEVEL PUNCH

左足向前半步踏實，右足前進一步，膝前曲，與足尖相對，左足後撑挺直，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左拳翻向肩部，護耳，拳心向下，肘尖向前，右拳由肋向正前方發出，（南）拳心向下，高與肩齊，目前視，如第八圖。〔其手足姿勢與第六圖同〕
Your left foot goes a half step forward and comes down fully, then your right foot advances a step, the knee bending forward until over the toes, your left leg behind extended straight, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left fist turns over, moves toward your shoulder, and guards your ear, the center of the fist facing downward, the tip of the elbow pointing forward, as your right fist goes from your ribs to shoot out directly forward (to the south), the center of the fist facing downward, at shoulder level. Your gaze is forward. See drawing 8 [no drawing] (the posture of the hands and feet the same as in drawing 6).
口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
左拳動作，乃先格敵之右臂，後防敵之摑耳，右拳隨卽進擊敵之胸部。
My left fist moves to first block the opponent’s right arm and then prevent him from swinging to my ear, my right fist at the same time striking forward to his chest.

第九式　封門搶掌
Posture 9: CLOSE THE DOOR, SNATCHING PALM

右足拈步，右拳收囘抱肘，左拳變掌向右蓋下，貼於右腋，掌心向下，同時，左足前進一步，曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，右掌向前托出，掌心斜向左前，高與下頦相對，目視右掌，（南）如第九圖，
Your right foot twists and your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow as your left fist changes to a palm and covers downward to the right, near your right armpit, palm facing downward. At the same time, your left foot advances a step, the knee bending to make a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow, as your right palm props out forward, the palm facing diagonally to the forward left, at chin level. Your gaze is toward your right palm (to the south). See drawing 9:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
左手將敵臂蓋下，右手向其下頦一托，左足上步扣其右足，使敵欲逃不得，
My left hand covers the opponent’s arm downward as my right hands props toward his chin, my left foot stepping forward to hook around his right foot so that even if he wants to get away he cannot.
練法
Practice method:
右拳收囘抱肘，左手蓋下，右足拈步，為一氣，左足前進，左掌護腋，右掌發出，為一氣，
Your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, your left hand covers downward, and your right foot twists – making a single action. Your left foot advances, your left palm guards your armpit, and your right palm shoots out – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「拈步」卽將內扣之足尖，就原地稍起拈闊
“Twisting step” – a foot with its toes hooked inward, staying where it is, slightly lifting and twisting outward.

第十勢　邊捶
Posture 10: SIDEWAYS HAMMER

承上勢，兩足就原地變騎馬襠〔襠不變〕，右手收囘抱肘，左手就右腋，以拳背向前，橫掃發出，拳眼向上，高與肋齊，目視左拳，（南）如第十圖，
Continuing from the previous posture, your feet stay where they are but switch to a horse-riding stance (or do not have to change stance at all) as your right hand withdraws with a wrapping elbow and your left hand goes from your right armpit to suddenly sweep across forward with the back of the fist, the fist eye facing upward, level with your ribs. Your gaze is toward your left fist (to the south). See drawing 10:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵以右手掠我右掌，我卽以右手摘其腕，左拳擊其右肋，
The opponent uses his right hand to swat away my right palm, so I use my right hand to pull his wrist and my left fist to strike to his right ribs.
練法
Practice method:
兩手一收一發同時動作
Your hands move at the same time, one withdrawing, one shooting out.
按此勢有兩種練法
(Note) This posture has two practice methods:
（一）兩足就原地變騎馬襠〔襠不變〕，左拳橫掃中部，名邊捶，先學者主之
1. The feet stay where they are and switch to a horse-riding stance (or not changing stance) as the left fist sweeps across mid-level. This is a “sideways punch” and is the version for beginners.
（二）襠不變，左拳摑耳，名摑耳拳，
2. The stance does not change and the left fist swings to the ear. This is a kind of “swing-to-the-ear punch”.
編者之意，上勢之搶掌，乃托敵人之下頦敵欲應付上部，其中必虛，此拳不擊其肋，而摑其耳，是舍近求遠，是避虛擊實，於拳理上似不大合，故以先學者為標準，
I feel that with the previous posture’s snatching palm propping the opponent’s chin, he will want to respond above, and so his middle will surely be open. If this punch is a swing to the ear rather than a strike to the ribs, it would be a case of abandoning the near to seek the far, or of avoiding the empty to attack the full, thus it seems to not conform well with boxing principles and therefore version 1 is the standard for beginners.

第十一勢　上步斷肘
Posture 11: STEP FORWARD, BREAK THE ELBOW

左足拈步，左手向左一擄，急拍右臂，（下膊）虎口向上，右足前進一步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，同時，右拳由右向前面一撇，拳心向裏，高與目齊，目視右拳，（南）如第十一圖，
Your left foot twists as your left hand goes to the left with a capturing action and suddenly slaps your right arm (at the forearm), the tiger’s mouth facing upward, as your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow, and your right fist swings forward from the right, the center of the fist facing inward, at eye level. Your gaze is toward your right fist (to the south). See drawing 11:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
左手擄開敵之右臂，敵又以左手擊我面，我急以右臂向敵之上膊一撇，左手向敵之下膊一拍，以斷其肘，又右拳如用於撇開敵臂，則左手卽為護肘，以防敵人摘腕，總之，動作雖規定，用法却是活的。
My left hand captures and takes aside the opponent’s right arm, but now he uses his left hand to strike to my face, so I quickly swing my right arm toward his upper arm and use my left hand to slap his forearm, thereby breaking his elbow. Or I may swing my right fist to take aside his arm and use my left hand to guard at my elbow, preventing him from pulling my wrist. In either case, although the movements are fixed, the application is nevertheless lively.
練法
Practice method:
左足左手先動，為一氣，右手與右足為一氣
First your left foot and left hand move – making a single action. Then your right hand and right foot move – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
近肩者為上膊，近手者為下膊，俗統稱為臂，
The “upper arm” is the area nearer the shoulder, the “forearm” the area nearer the hand, the whole thing being the “arm” in general.
查此拳第三勢，名轉身斷肘，此勢為上步斷肘，斷肘之名稱雷同，而用法與練法，迴然不同，似不可不有以區別，茲經規定，第三勢改為轉身反肘，此勢為上步斷肘，
(Notice that Posture 3 is called TURN AROUND, BREAK THE ELBOW and this posture is called STEP FORWARD, BREAK THE ELBOW. While it is called “break the elbow” in both cases, the application and practice method is not really the same, and so it seems that there ought to be a greater distinction. I suggest that perhaps we could change Posture 3 to TURN AROUND, OPPOSE THE ELBOW and leave this as STEP FORWARD, BREAK THE ELBOW.)

第十二勢　鴛鴦掌
Posture 12: MANDARIN DUCK PALMS

右足拈步，左足前進一步，兩膝微屈，成側馬襠，兩手收囘變掌，由肋發出，左手在前，指尖與鼻端相對，右手稍後，指尖與心部相對，臂皆微屈身側向右前，（西南）目視左掌，如第十二圖，
Your right foot twists and your left foot advances a step, both knees slightly bending to make a sideways horse-riding stance, as your hands withdraw, becoming palms, and then shoot out from your ribs, your left hand in front, fingertips at nose level, your right hand slightly behind, fingertips at chest level, arms slightly bent. Your torso is facing to the forward right (southwest), your gaze toward your left palm. See drawing 12:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
用於上，則左手擊其右太陽穴，右手托其左頦，用於中，則擊其胸肋，或右手摘其右腕，左手逼其上膊，以斷敵之右肘左足進步，扣其右膝，又可相機以膝圈折其膝，以脚圈鈎其足，總之，明於技者處處可用：
This technique is primarily for using my left hand to strike to the opponent’s right temple and using my right hand to prop up the left side of his chin. But within the technique, there is also striking to the opponent’s chest or ribs. Or my right hand can pull his right wrist as my left hand presses on his upper arm, breaking his right elbow. My left foot advances to close off his right knee, or if the opportunity arises, I can use my knee to circle around and fold his knee in, or use my foot to circle around and hook his leg. Whatever the case, once the technique is understood, there is always a way to apply it.
練法
Practice method:
右足拈步，兩手收囘，為一氣，左足上步，兩手發出，為一氣，
Your right foot twists and your hands withdraw – making a single action. Your left foot steps forward and your hands shoot out – making a single action.

〔第二段〕
[SECTION TWO]

第十三勢　中門掌
Posture 13: MID-LEVEL PALM

左足拈步，右足上步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左手下蓋，護右腋，掌心向下，右手自心向前刺出，（南）指尖向前，手心向下，高與眉齊，目視右掌，如第十三圖，
Your left foot twists and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand covers downward to guard your right armpit, palm facing downward, as your right hand goes from your chest and stabs out forward (to the south), fingers pointing forward, palm facing downward, at eyebrow level. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See drawing 13:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
敵欲逃我上勢之鴛鴦掌，一面退步，一面以右手切出，我急以左手蓋其右臂，右掌四指合攏，平刺其印堂，或刺其氣管，左手護腋，旣防其腿，又防其下面右手
The opponent wants to escape from my previous technique of MANDARIN DUCK PALMS by both retreating and using his right hand to cut my attack away, so I quickly use my left hand to cover his right arm and use my right palm, fingers together, to do a level stab to his Yintang acupoint or to his windpipe, my left hand guarding my armpit to protect against a kick or defend the area below my right hand.
練法
Practice method:
左手與左足先動，為一氣，右手與右足齊到，為一氣，
The movement starts with your left hand and your left foot – making a single action. Your right hand and your right foot move together – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「印堂」兩眉中間為印堂，
“Yintang” – acupoint between the eyebrows.
「氣管」喉頭之下為氣管，
“Windpipe” – area at the bottom of the throat.
又「上步」向前進一步曰上步，
“Step forward” – advancing a full step.

第十四勢　扎拳（亦名攔肘）
Posture 14: SMOTHERING FIST (also called BLOCK THE ELBOW)

身向左轉，（東）足就原地隨身左轉，變騎馬襠，同時，左掌上挑過眉，右手握拳，猛向右膝外面扎下，（南）拳眼向裏，拳心向下，頭右向，目視右拳，如第十四圖。
Your torso turns to the left (to be facing to the east), your feet staying where they are and going along with the turning of your torso by switching to a horse-riding stance. At the same time, your left palm carries upward past your eyebrows as your right hand grasps into a fist and fiercely smothers downward to the outside of your right knee (to the south), the fist eye facing inward, the center of the fist facing downward. Your head is turned to the right, your gaze toward your right fist. See drawing 14:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵挑開我刺掌，進踢我膝蓋，上擊我面部，我左手上挑其手，右拳下攔其腿，敵若用弓步，以右拳摑我左耳，則此勢卽為上挑其拳，下扎其膝，右拳下扎時，亦可變掌擄其腿，總之，用法是活的，在人之臨機變化耳，
The opponent carries aside my stabbing palm and kicks forward to my knee while striking to my face, so I send my left hand upward to carry his hand and send my right fist downward to block his leg. Or if he adopts a bow stance and uses his right fist to swing at my left ear, then I use this posture to carry his fist upward and smother downward to his knee. When my right fist smothers downward, it can also change to a palm and capture his knee. This technique is generally adaptable and can be suited to the situation as needed.
練法
Practice method:
轉身變襠，左挑右扎，皆為同時動作，
Turn your body, switch your stance, carry to the left, and smother to the right – all moving at the same time.

第十五勢　撩陰掌
Posture 15: RAISING PALM TO THE GROIN

身向左轉，（北）足就原地隨身向左，變左弓右箭襠，同時，左手下搭右臂，（下膊）右拳變掌，向前下方撩出，掌心向上，與氣海相對，目視右掌，如第十五圖，
Your body turns around to the left (to be facing to the north), your feet staying where they are but going along with your body toward the left, switching to a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand lowers to connect with your right forearm as your right fist changes to a palm and goes from below to raise out forward, palm facing upward, level with your “sea of energy”. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See drawing 15:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
敵竄至我後，我急轉身以右掌撩其腎部，左手搭膊，防其切脈，若用於中部，則左手搭其脈，右手托其肘，
The opponent scurries around behind me, so I quickly turn around and use my right palm to do a raising action to his genitals, my left hand connecting with the forearm to prevent his hand from cutting at my pulse area. If I instead apply this technique at the middle level, my left hand would connect at the pulse area and my right hand would prop up his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，變襠及兩手，皆為同時動作，
Turn around, switch your stance, and move your hands – all at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「氣海」臍下一寸五分為氣海，
“Sea of energy” – area an inch and a half below the navel.
「搭」附加其上曰搭，
“Connect” – contacting on top.
「托」由下上舉曰托，
“Prop” – lift upward from below.
「下膊」近手者曰下膊，
“Forearm” – the area nearer the hand.

第十六勢　收步趕肘
Posture 16: WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW

左足收囘半步，足跟稍提，成虛步，左剪襠（北）同時，右掌握拳收囘抱肘，左手握拳向前下方趕出，拳心向下，與左膝相對，目視左拳，如第十六圖，
Your left foot withdraws a half step, heel slightly lifted, making an empty stance, a left scissors stance (pointing to the north). At the same time, your right palm grasps into a fist and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, while your left hand grasps into a fist, and chases out forward and downward, the center of the fist facing downward, level with your left knee. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See drawing 16:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
上勢之撩陰掌，如用到，則此勢右手摘其腎，左拳抵其氣海，若未用到，而反被敵人接腕，則此勢右拳縮轉，左拳發出以趕其肘，
Having applied the previous posture of RAISING PALM TO THE GROIN, in this posture my right hand then grabs his genitals while my left fist presses into his sea of energy. If I do not succeed with the previous technique due to the opponent connecting with his wrist, I then use this posture by withdrawing my right fist [pulling his wrist] and shooting out my left fist to chase his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
兩手握拳，一發一收，相合，同時，右拳抱肘，與右足曲膝相合，左拳發出，與左足虛步相合，眼與左拳相合，總而言之，手眼身法步，處處相應，非實地練習者，不能會其意也，
Both hands grasp into fists and one shoots out as the other withdraws, both moving in unison. Your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow and your right knee bends, acting together. Your left fist shoots out and your left foot makes an empty stance, acting together. Your gaze and your left fist act together. Basically, your hands, eyes, body, technique, and step are coordinated with each other throughout. If you do not practice this for yourself, you will not be able to understand it.
查第七勢，原名趕肘，經編者改為退步趕肘，以其動作，為在前之右足撤囘後方，故冠以退步二字，本勢原名亦為趕肘，研究其練法用法，與第七勢，實不相同，爰改為收步趕肘，以其動作，為在前之左足收成虛步，故冠以收步二字，以資區別，
The name of Posture 7 was originally just CHASING THE ELBOW, but was changed to RETREAT, CHASING THE ELBOW because its movement starts with the right foot withdrawing to the rear, hence “retreat”. This posture was also originally called simply CHASING THE ELBOW, but examining its practice method and function shows that it is not really the same as Posture 7, therefore it has been changed to WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW and this is because its movement starts with the left foot withdrawing to make an empty stance, hence “withdrawing”, which serves as a means of differentiating the two postures.
附註
Terminology:
「趕」追逐曰赶，亦作趕，
To “chase” is to pursue.

第十七勢　上步加封
Posture 17: STEP FORWARD, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT

左足向右拗步，左手由右上挑至左，下托右臂，（下膊）右足上步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（北）同時，右拳由右斜向前上方摑出，拳眼向右，臂微曲、目視右拳，如第十七圖，
Your left foot goes to the right with a curving step, your left hand going from the right, carrying upward to the left to prop up under your right forearm, and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the north). At the same time, your right fist goes from the right to swing diagonally forward and upward, the fist eye facing to the right, arm slightly bent. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 17:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
左手上挑敵臂，拗步防腿，上步備攻，右拳摑其左耳，左手防其斷肘，
As my left hand carries the opponent’s arm upward, I do a curving step to defend my legs, then step forward to set up my attack, my right fist swinging to his left ear, my left hand preventing him from breaking my elbow.
練法
Practice method:
左手上挑、左足右拗，先動、為一氣，右拳摑耳，右足上步，齊動，為一氣，
Your left hand carries upward and your left foot does a curving step to the right – moving at the same time, making a single action. Your right fist swings to the opponent’s ear and your right foot steps forward – moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「拗步」亦名蓋步，卽以左足，蓋於右足右前，或右足，蓋於左足左前之類，
“Curving step” (also called “covering step”) – Use your left foot to cover to the forward right of your right foot, or your right foot to cover to the forward left of your left foot.

第十八勢　中門掌
Posture 18: MID-LEVEL PALM

左手沿右臂上面刷出，收護右腋，掌心向下，右手縮囘，由左手上面變掌制出，四指合攏，指尖向前，手心向下，高與眉齊，同時，左足原地不動，右足閃步，仍落原地，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（北）目視右掌，如第十八圖，
Your left hand brushes out along the top of your right arm, palm facing downward, as your right hand withdraws. Then your right hand switches from fist to palm and stabs out over your left hand, fingers together, fingers pointing forward, palm facing downward, at eyebrow level, [your left hand guarding at your right armpit.] At the same time, your left foot stays where it is, unmoving, as your right foot does a “flash step” and comes down again where it was, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the north). Your gaze is toward your right palm. See drawing 18:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵欲破我上勢之拳，卽以右手掠我，或以左手格我，我欲防其摘腕，必須將右拳縮轉，同時，再以左手向出一刷，敵懼切腕，與斷肘，不得不放，我卽乘際以掌尖刺其天庭，或氣管，右足閃步，避其踹脛，仍落原地，敵腿已過，有際可乘，
The opponent wants to defeat my fist in the previous technique by using his right hand to swat at me or his left hand to block, but as I want to prevent my wrist from being pulled, I have to withdraw my right fist. At the same time, I also use my left hand to brush out, and he then fears my hand cutting at his wrist or breaking his elbow, but he cannot get away, so I take advantage of the opportunity to do a palm stab to his Tiantang acupoint [middle of the forehead] or windpipe. My right foot meanwhile does a flash step to avoid being kicked in the shin, the foot coming back down where it was. Once his leg has missed, I have an opportunity to take advantage of.
練法
Practice method:
右手縮，左手刷，與右足閃步，齊動，為一氣，左掌護腋，右掌刺出與右足落步，齊動，為一氣，
Your right hand withdraws, your left hand brushes out, and your right foot evades – all moving at the same time, making a single action. Your left palm guards your [right] armpit, your right palm stabs out, and your right foot comes down – all moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「閃步」在前之足，迅速縮囘、而仍落於原地者，曰閃步，
“Flash step” – the front foot quickly withdraws and then comes back down where it was.
「閃」疾速曰閃，側身避之曰閃，瞥然一見曰閃，
“Flash” – to move with great speed, as in evading your body sideways and then suddenly reappearing.
「掠」以左手向右、或右手向左，撇開敵手者，為掠，
“Swat” – sending your left hand to the right or your right hand to the left to fling aside an opponent’s hand.
「格」以左手向左，或右手向右，拂去敵手者，為格，
“Block” – sending your left hand to the left or your right hand to the right to flick away an opponent’s hand.
「脛」小腿內側之骨曰脛，
“Shin” – bony inner side of the lower leg.

第十九勢　扎拳
Posture 19: SMOTHERING FIST

身向左轉，（西）足就原地，隨身左轉，變騎馬襠，同時，左掌上挑過眉，右手握拳，猛向右膝外面下扎，（北）拳眼向裏，拳心向下，頭右向，目視右拳，如第十九圖，
Your torso turns to the left (to be facing to the west), your feet staying where they are and going along with the turning of your torso by switching to a horse-riding stance. At the same time, your left palm carries upward past your eyebrows as your right hand grasps into a fist and fiercely smothers downward to the outside of your right knee (to the north), the fist eye facing inward, the center of the fist facing downward. Your head is turned to the right, your gaze toward your right fist. See drawing 19:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
上架其手，下攔其腿，或扎其膝，大致與第十四勢同，
Propping away his hand upward, blocking downward to his leg or smothering to his knee… it is mostly the same as in Posture 14.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，變襠，上架，下扎，皆為同時動作，
Turn your body, switch your stance, prop upward, and smother downward – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「拳眼」「拳心」虎口方面為拳眼，手心方面為拳心，
The “fist eye” is the same as the tiger’s mouth, and the “center” of the fist is the same as the palm.

第二十勢　封門大閉
Posture 20: SLAM THE DOOR SHUT

身由右後轉，（東）偏坐右足，右足就原地扭轉，曲膝，左足隨身跟進，向身之左方仆腿，（北）成埋襠勢，同時，右手由左與左手上托，虎口相對，隨身後轉，拍於胯下，手心向下，虎口相對，頭微左向，目視左下，如第二十圖，
Your torso turns to the right rear (to be facing to the east) and then sits down onto your right leg, your right foot staying where it is and twisting, the knee bending, your left leg going along with your body by advancing and flattening out to your left (pointing to the north), making a crotch-covering stance. At the same time, your right hand goes from the left as your left hand props upward, the tiger’s mouths facing each other, then they go along with your torso as it turns to the rear, slapping downward to be lower than your hips, palms facing downward, the tiger’s mouths facing each other. Your head is turned slightly to the left, your gaze downward to the left. See drawing 20:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
敵以右拳扎來，我以右手托其腕，左手逼其肘，隨身翻轉壓下，
The opponent uses his right fist to do a smothering strike, so I use my right hand to prop up his wrist and my left hand to crowd his elbow, as I turn my body, then press down.
練法
Practice method:
兩手上托，左足起步，與轉身，齊動，為一氣，右足曲膝，左足仆腿，兩手下拍，齊動，為一氣，
Your hands prop up, your left foot lifts and steps, and your torso turns – all moving at the same time, making a single action. Your right knee bends, your left leg flattens out, and your hands slap downward – all moving at the same time, making a single action.

第卄一勢　上步加封
Posture 21: STEP FORWARD, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT

承上勢，起身向左，（北）左足就原地向開稍扭，右足上步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左手上挑，向左下繞，至面前托護右臂，（下膊）右手握拳，由後斜向前上方摑出，拳心向裏，拳眼向右，與耳門相對，臂直，目視右拳，如第二十一圖。
Continuing from the previous posture, your body rises up and turns to the left (to be facing to the north), your left foot staying where it is and slightly twisting outward, and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left arm carries upward and arcs downward to the left until in front of your face to prop up and guard your right forearm, while your right hand grasps into a fist and goes from the rear to swing diagonally forward and upward, the center of the fist facing downward, the fist eye facing to the right at ear level, arm straight. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 21:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
左手挑開敵臂，右拳進摑其左耳。
My left hand carries away the opponent’s arm and my right fist swings forward to his left ear.
練法
Practice method:
起身，左手挑，右足扭，齊動，右足上步，右拳摑出，與左手托，齊動，右臂雖直，而內須微含，過直則折，乃國術家之所切忌。
Your body rises, your left hand carries, and your right [left] foot twists – all moving at the same time. Your right foot steps forward, your right fist swings out, and your left hand props up – all moving at the same time. Although your right arm is straight, there still has to be a slight bend to it. If you make your arm too straight, it could get broken, and so it is something that martial artists avoid doing.

第二十二勢　搶掌
Posture 22: SNATCHING PALM

足就原地不動，右拳變掌，收護左肋，左掌就近向前托出，（北）掌心向上，高與下頦相對，目視左掌，如第二十二圖。
Your feet staying where they are, unmoving, your right fist changes to a palm and withdraws to guard your left ribs as your left palm moves in close, propping out forward (to the north), palm facing upward, at chin level. Your gaze is toward your left palm. See drawing 22:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵格我右拳，我左掌就近向其下頦一托，右手護肋，上防斷肘，下防踢腿。
The opponent blocks my right fist, so I send in my left palm, which is already close to him, to prop up his chin, my right hand guarding my [left] ribs to defend against an elbow break above or a kick from below.
練法
Practice method:
兩手一發一收，同時動作。
Your hands move at the same time, one shooting out and one withdrawing.

第二十三勢　撲肘
Posture 23: POUNCING ELBOW

身由左後轉，（南）兩足就原地後扭，成左弓右箭襠，同時，左掌護右臂，（下膊）右肘隨身後轉，向面前一撲，肘肩向前，高與肩平，目視右肘，如第二十三圖。
Your body turns around to the left rear (to be facing to the south), your feet staying where they are but twisting to the rear, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your left palm guards your right forearm as your right elbow goes along with your body’s rearward turn by pouncing out in front of your face, the tip of the elbow pointing forward at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your right elbow. See drawing 23:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
敵以右手托我左臂，我以左手帶其肘，右肘撲其胸，向左橫壓，又敵若以右手挑我左臂，我卽搭其臂，向左後方一帶，乘其前磕時，我以右肘向其項下一壓。如其手在上。則撲其左肋。
The opponent uses his right hand to prop up my left arm, so I use my left hand to pull his elbow and use my right elbow to pounce to his chest, pressing across to the left. Or if he uses his right hand to carry my left arm, I can connect to his arm and pull it across to the left rear, then take advantage of him knocking forward into me by using my right elbow to press down on his neck, and if he covers it with his hand, then I will instead pounce his left ribs.
練法
Practice method:
扭足，轉身，齊動，護臂，撲肘，齊動，
Twist your feet and turn your body – moving at the same time. Guard your arm and pounce with your elbow – moving at the same time.

第二十四勢　搗肘
Posture 24: POUNDING ELBOW

身由右後轉，（北）足就原地扭轉，略向前移，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左掌抵住右掌，右肘隨身後轉，向面前搗出，肘尖向前，高與胸齊，目視右肘。如第二十四圖。
Your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the north), your feet staying where they are but twisting around and shifting slightly forward, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left palm presses on your right palm as your right elbow goes along with your body’s turn to the rear by pounding out forward, the tip of the elbow pointing forward at chest level. Your gaze is toward your right elbow. See drawing 24:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
敵被我上勢一撲，勢必反響、欲向轉縮，我乘其動時，卽囘身一肘，搗其胸肋。
Faced with my previous technique of pouncing, the opponent will of course react by wanting to dodge around me, so I ride along with his movement by turning my body back and pounding my elbow to his chest or ribs.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，扭步，及兩手，皆為同時動作。
Turn around, twist your feet, and move your hands – all at the same time.

〔第三段〕
[SECTION THREE]

第廿五勢　披挂埋伏
Posture 25: DRAPING & HANGING, AMBUSH POSTURE

兩手上格過額，左足提向前進，隨身右轉，（東）落步曲膝，成騎馬襠，落步時，兩手由上向襠前一撲，虎口相對，高與胯平，目視兩手，如第廿五圖。
Your hands block upward past your forehead, your left foot lifting and advancing as your torso turns to the right (to be facing to the east), and upon stepping down, the knee bends to make a horse-riding posture. As your step comes down, your hands pounce from above to be in front of your crotch, the tiger’s mouths facing each other at hip level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See drawing 25:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
敵以雙鳳貫耳擊我太陽穴，我以兩手向上一分，以解之，兩手下撲乃擊其挑襠之腿，進步轉身，所以跟蹤追敵也。
The opponent uses the technique of TWIN PHOENIXES THROUGH THE EARS to strike to my temples, so I send both my hands upward to spread apart in order to dispel it. My hands then pounce downward to strike to the crotch area of his thighs. By advancing and turning my body, I am chasing the opponent.
練法
Practice method:
兩手上格與左足提起，齊動，轉身落步，與兩手向下撲，齊動，為一氣。
Your hands block upward and your left foot lifts – moving at the same time. Your body turns, your step comes down, and your hands pounce downward – all moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「撲」以掌下擊曰撲，亦曰擘，
“Pouncing” – using the palms to strike downward, also called “smashing”.
「雙鳳貫耳」，拇指扣住食指以中節由旁橫向裏擊，單手者，為鳳拳，雙手者，為雙鳳貫耳，「拇指」手足之大指，皆名拇指，「食指」手之第二指名食指。
TWIN PHOENIXES PIERCE THE EARS – With the thumb pressing out the forefinger, use the mid-knuckle of the forefinger to strike inward from the side. When done with one hand, it is called PHOENIX PUNCH. When done with both hands, it is called TWIN PHOENIXES PIERCE THE EARS. (The thumb is also called the “mother finger”. The forefinger is also called the “eating finger”.)

第廿六勢　雙推手
Posture 26: DOUBLE-HAND PUSH

兩掌提囘貼肋，掌心向上，掌根向前，右足提起，身由右後轉，（西）左足尖微起，以足跟隨身扭至後方時，右足卽向右前方落步，（西北）曲膝成右弓左箭襠，同時，兩掌向右前方雙推，掌心相對，掌根向前，中隔兩拳，高與腰齊，目視兩手，如第廿六圖。
Your palms lift and withdraw tight to your ribs, palms facing upward, the heels of the palms going forward, as your right foot lifts and your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the west), your left toes slightly lifting for the heel to twist to the rear as your body turns, your right foot then coming down to the forward right (to the northwest), the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your palms push out together to the forward right, palms facing each other, the heels of the palms going forward, a space of two fists between them, at waist level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See drawing 26:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵以腿橫掃我右足，我提起以解之，敵又竄至我後方，我卽跟蹤扭轉落步，以兩手之掌根，雙推其腰部，以擊之。
The opponent uses his leg to sweep my right foot, so I lift my leg to evade it. He then scurries around behind me, so I follow him, twisting around and stepping down, and use the heels of my palms to attack him with a double-hand push to his waist.
練法
Practice method:
兩手收囘貼肋，右足提起，齊動，左足扭步，身向後轉，齊動，右足落步，兩手發出，齊動。
Your hands withdraw tight to your ribs and your right foot lifts – moving at the same time. Your left foot twists and your body turns around to the rear – moving at the same time. Your right foot comes down and your hands shoot out – moving at the same time.

第廿七勢　撩陰掌
Posture 27: RAISING PALM TO THE GROIN

身向左轉，（南）足就原地隨身扭轉，左足曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，同時，左手搭右臂，右手由下向前撩出，掌心向上，高與氣海相對，目視右掌，如第二十七圖。
Your body turns around to the left (to be facing to the south), your feet staying where they are but twisting along with your body, your left knee bending to make a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand connects with your right arm as your right hand goes from below to raise out forward, palm facing upward, level with your sea of energy. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See drawing 27:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
敵竄至我後，我卽轉身，以右掌向其腎部一撩，左手搭臂，防其切腕。
The opponent scurries around behind me, so I turn around and use my right palm to do a raising action to his genitals, my left hand connecting with my forearm to prevent his hand from cutting at my wrist.
練法
Practice method:
轉身變襠，及左搭右撩，皆為同時動作。
Your body turns around, your stance switches, your left hand connects, and your right hand raises – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「切」以掌口下擊者，曰切掌。
“Cut” – using the palm mouth to strike downward.

第廿八勢　收步趕肘
Posture 28: WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW

左足收囘半步，足跟稍提，成虛步左剪襠，（南）同時，右掌握拳，收囘抱肘，左手握拳，向前下方趕出，拳心向下，與左膝相對，目視左拳，如第二十八圖。
Your left foot withdraws a half step, heel slightly lifted, making an empty stance, a left scissors stance (pointing to the south). At the same time, your right palm grasps into a fist and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, while your left hand grasps into a fist, and chases out forward and downward, the center of the fist facing downward, level with your left knee. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See drawing 28:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
與第十六勢同
Same as in Posture 16.
練法
Practice method:
與第十六勢同
Same as in Posture 16.

第廿九勢　上步加封（右勢）
Posture 29: STEP FORWARD, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT (right side)

左足向右拗步，左手由右上挑至左，下托右臂，（下膊）右足上步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，右拳由右上方斜向前扎出，拳眼向右，臂直，（微含）高與耳齊。目視右拳，如第廿九圖。
Your left foot goes to the right with a curving step, your left hand going from the right, carrying upward to the left to prop up under your right forearm, and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, my right fist goes from the upper right to smother diagonally forward, the fist eye facing to the right, arm straight (though still slightly bent), at ear level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 29 [with 左 left and 右 right indicators]:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
左手上挑敵臂，拗步防腿，上步趨敵，右拳斜摑其左耳，左手托臂，防其斷肘。
As my left hand carries the opponent’s arm upward, I do a curving step to defend my legs, then step forward to crowd him as my right fist diagonally swings to his left ear, my left hand propping up my arm to defend against an elbow break.
練法
Practice method:
左手與左足先動，為一氣，右手與右足齊動，為一氣。
Your left hand and your left foot move first – making a single action. Then your right hand and right foot move together – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「上步」前進一步為上步，
“Stepping forward” means advancing a full step.
「拗步」見第十七勢附註。
“Curving step” was explained in Posture 17.

第三十勢　上步加封（左勢）
Posture 30: STEP FORWARD, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT (left side)

右足向左拗步，右手由左上挑至右，下托左臂，（下膊）左足上步，曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，（南）同時，左拳由左上方斜向前扎出，拳眼向左，臂直，（微含）高與耳齊，目視左拳。如第三十圖。
Your right foot goes to the left with a curving step, your right hand going from the left, carrying upward to the right to prop up under your left forearm, your left foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your left fist goes from the upper left to smother diagonally forward, the fist eye facing to the left, arm straight (though still slightly bent), at ear level. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See drawing 30:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
右手上挑敵臂，拗步防腿，上步趨敵，左拳扎其右耳，右手托臂，旣可護己之肘，又可帶敵之手。
As my right hand carries the opponent’s arm upward, I do a curving step to defend my legs, then step forward to crowd him as my left fist smothers to his right ear. My right hand propping up my arm can be used to defend my elbow or to pull his hand.
練法
Practice method:
右手上挑，右足拗步，先動，為一氣，左拳扎出，與左足上步，齊動，為一氣。
Your right hand carries upward and your right foot does a curving step – moving at the same time, making a single action. Your left fist smothers to the opponent’s ear your left foot steps forward – moving at the same time, making a single action.

第三十一勢　勾絆
Posture 31: HOOK & TRIP

右手翻至左腕上面，兩手變鈎，向左右分，臂直，成一字式，鈎尖向下，同時，左足原地微扭，右足就地向前掃出，（南）足尖裏扣，成高勢右剪襠，目前視如第三十一圖。
Your right hand turns over above your left wrist as your hands become hooks and they spread apart to the sides, arms straight, making a single-line posture, the tips of the hooks pointing downward. At the same time, your left foot stays where it is and slightly twists as your right foot keeps in contact with the ground and sweeps out forward (to the south), toes hooking inward, making a tall right scissors stance. Your gaze is forward. See drawing 31:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
敵左足在前，以右臂格我上勢之拳，我右手搭其右腕，向右一帶，同時，再以右足向其左足一掃，敵自站不住矣，如其右足在前，則我之右足卽可踹其右脛，右鈎卽可擊其右耳。
With his left foot forward, the opponent uses his right arm to block my fist from the previous posture, so I use my right hand to connect to his right wrist and pull it to the right. At the same time, I also use my right foot to sweep toward his left foot, which will naturally destabilize his stance. If his right foot is forward, my right foot could kick to his right shin and my right hooking hand could strike to his right [left] ear.
練法
Practice method:
手足一氣
Your hands and feet move as a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「勾」與鈎通，用於此處，乃以我手，鈎開敵手之意，
To “hook” is to catch, in this case using my hand to hook aside the opponent’s hand.
「絆」繫足曰絆，用於此處，乃以我足，絆倒敵足之謂，
To “trip” is to tangle up the opponent’s foot, in this case using my foot to trip his.
「脛」小腿內側之骨曰脛。
“Shin” – bony inner side of the lower leg.

第三十二勢　退步加封（右勢）
Posture 32: RETREAT, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT (right side)

左足原地曲膝，右足後退，撑直，成左弓右箭襠，（南）同時，左鈎由右變掌，上繞至左，向面前托護右臂，（下膊）右鈎下落變拳，向右後繞，自右上面斜向面前扎出，拳心向上，拳眼向右，高與耳齊，目視右拳，如第三十二圖。
Your left foot stays where it is, the knee bending, as your right foot retreats, the leg straightening, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your left hooking hand goes from the right, changing to a palm, and arcs upward to the left until in front of your face to prop up your right forearm, as your right hooking hand lowers, changing to a fist, and arcs to the right rear, going from the upper right to smother diagonally forward, the center of the fist facing upward, the fist eye facing to the right, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See drawing 32:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
敵逃出我上勢之勾絆，左足跨進我右側，以左拳扎來，我退步以左手挑開敵之左臂，乘勢以右拳扎其後腦，或擊其左肋。
The opponent evades my previous posture of hooking and tripping, then advances his left foot to my right side and uses his left fist to do a smothering strike, so I retreat, using my left hand to carry aside his left [right] arm, and take advantage of the opportunity to use my right fist to smother to the back of his head or to his left ribs.
練法
Practice method:
左手挑，右手變拳後繞，與右足動步，齊動，為一氣，左手托臂，右拳扎出，與右足撑直，左足前弓，齊動，為一氣。
Your left hand carries, your right hand changes to a fist and arcs to the rear, and your right foot steps – all moving at the same time, making a single action. Your left hand props up your arm, your right fist goes out with a smothering strike, your right leg presses straight, and your left leg bends forward – all moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「退步」凡在前之足，撤囘後方者，謂之退步。
By “retreat” is meant that your front foot withdraws to the rear.

第三十三勢　退步加封（左勢）
Posture 33: RETREAT, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT (left side)

右足原地曲膝，左足退步後撐，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，右拳由左變掌，上繞至右前，向面前托護左臂，（下膊）左手由下向後繞至左上方，斜向面前扎出，拳心向上，拳眼向左，高與耳齊，目視左拳，如第三十三圖。
Your right foot stays where it is, the knee bending, and your left foot retreats, the leg straightening, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your right fist goes from the left, changing to a palm, and arcs upward to the forward right until in front of your face, propping up your left forearm, as your left hand goes from below, arcs to the rear, to the upper left, and smothers diagonally forward, the center of the fist facing upward, the fist eye facing to the left, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See drawing 33:

口令（一）
Command: “One!”
用法
Function:
敵逃出我上勢之右拳，又上右步，以右拳扎來，我退步以右手挑開，並擒其右臂，乘勢以左拳扎其後腦，或擊其右肋，因其右臂已被我右手擒住，故右邊全部畢露，任我宰割。
The opponent evades my previous posture of striking with my right fist, and he steps forward again, now with his right foot, using his right fist to do a smothering strike at me, so I retreat, using my right hand to carry aside and grab his right arm and take advantage of the opportunity to use my left fist to smother to the back of his head or to his right ribs. Because his right arm has been grabbed by my right hand, his right side is now completely open, allowing me to destroy him.
練法
Practice method:
右手挑，左手繞，左足動步，齊動，右手托，左拳扎，與右足曲膝，左足後撐，齊動。
Your right hand carries, your left hand arcs, and your left foot steps – all moving at the same time. Your right hand props up, your left fist goes out with a smothering strike, your right knee bends, and your left leg straightens behind – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「退步」凡在前之足退囘後方者曰退步，
By “retreat” is meant that your front foot withdraws to the rear.
「撐」俗通作撑，斜柱也，
By “straighten” is meant that your leg supports like a slanted pillar.
「擒」急持也，捉也。
By “grab” is meant that you urgently take hold of or capture.

第三十四勢　翻身雙推
Posture 34: TURN OVER, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH

左足原地扭步，右足提起，兩手變掌貼肋，掌心向上，身由右後轉，（北）右足向前落步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，同時，兩掌向前推出，掌心相對，虎口向上，中距兩拳，高與腰齊，目視兩手，如第三十四圖。
Your left foot stays where it is and twists as your right foot lifts, your hands as palms withdrawing tight to your ribs, palms facing upward, and your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the north), your right foot then coming down forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your palms push out forward, palms facing each other, tiger’s mouths facing upward, a space of two fists between them, at waist level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See drawing 34:

口令（二）
Command: “Two!”
用法
Function:
敵一面逃出我上勢左拳，一面以右足踹我右足，且竄至我後，我急以右足提起破其踹，轉身雙推擊其腰。
The opponent evades my previous technique of attacking with my left fist then uses his right foot to kick my right leg and scurries around behind me, so I quickly lift my right foot to ruin his kick and turn around to attack his waist with a double-hand push.
練法
Practice method:
右足提起，與兩手變掌貼肋，先動，轉身，左足扭步，齊動，右足落步，與兩掌發出，齊動，為一氣。
Movement begins with your right foot lifting and your hands as palms withdrawing tight to your ribs. Your body turns around and your left foot twists – moving at the same time. Your right foot comes down and your palms shoot out – moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「翻身」在前之足，隨身提轉後方者，曰翻身，
To “turn over” means your front foot lifts and goes along with your body turning around to the rear.
「轉身」兩足就原地，隨身扭轉後方者，曰轉身。
To “turn around” means both feet stay where they are and twist as the body turns to the rear.

第三十五勢　轉身雙推
Posture 35: TURN AROUND, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH

兩掌收囘貼肋，身由左後轉，（南）右足拈步撑直，左足拈步曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，同時，兩掌向前推出，掌心相對，虎口向上，中距兩拳，高與腰齊，目視兩手，如第三十五圖。
Your palms withdraw tight to your ribs as your body turns around to the left rear (to be facing to the south), your right foot twisting, the leg straightening, your left foot twisting, the knee bending, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your palms push out forward, the palms facing toward each other, tiger’s mouths facing upward, a space of two fists between them, at waist level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See drawing 35:

口令（三）
Command: “Three!”
用法
Function:
敵襲我後，我就原地轉身，以兩掌向其腰部一推。
An opponent behind me attacks me by surprise, so I turn around where I am and use both palms to push to his waist.
練法
Practice method:
兩掌貼肋，左足扭步與轉身，齊動，右足拈步，左足曲膝，與兩掌發出，齊動。
Your hands withdraw tight to your ribs, your left foot twists, and your body turns – all moving at the same time. Your right foot twists, your left knee bends, and your palms shoot out – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「襲」攻其無備曰襲。
To “attack by surprise” is to [Art of War, chapter 7:] “attack when he is unprepared.”

第三十六勢　太極歸眞
Posture 36: RETURNING TO TAIJI

左足扭步，右足倂步，（南）同時，左掌貼胸，掌心向下，臂與肩平，右掌貼腹，掌心向上，兩掌相對，中隔兩拳，目前視，如第三十六圖。
Your left foot twists and your right foot steps up to stand next to it (pointing to the south), while your left palm goes close to your chest, palm facing downward, arm at shoulder level, and your right palm goes close to your abdomen, palm facing upward, palms facing each other, a space of two fists between them. Your gaze is forward. See drawing 36:

口令（四）
Command: “Four!”
用法
Function:
此乃收束勢，亦卽與對方表示敬禮之意。
This is a posture of gathering in. It also serves as a salute showing respect to the opponent.
練法
Practice method:
手足一氣。
Your hands and feet move as a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「倂步」凡在後之足，與在前之足相並，或在前之足，與在後之足相並，皆曰倂步，
The feet “standing next to each other” means that the rear foot moves to stand next to the front foot or the front foot moves to stand next to the rear foot.
「歸眞」還其本來面目，曰歸眞，（國策）歸眞反璞，則終身不辱。
By “return” is meant reverting to your original state. (From Strategies of the Warring States [book 1 of Qi, chapter 4]: “He returned to his original simplicity, and thus for the rest of his life he was without disgrace.”)

– – –

[The following year, Xu compiled these nine parts into a single volume, in which he included prefaces, a portrait, replaced the drawings with photos, and did some revision to the text.]

練步拳啚说
A HANDBOOK FOR THE FOOTWORK-TRAINING SET
胥以谦徧
by Xu Yiqian

–

凡例
GENERAL COMMENTS

一此拳相傳為少林龍蛇鶴虎豹五拳中之龍拳，由本館前教務處處長劉崇峻先生教授，遂列入本館必修科，
– This boxing set was traditionally from the Dragon Boxing among the Shaolin five animals boxing styles – dragon, snake, crane, tiger, leopard. It was taught to our school by the previous dean, Liu Chongjun, and subsequently became a part of the required curriculum.
一此拳動作簡單，為初學入門之教材，
– This set, with its very simple movements, is good teaching material for beginners.
一此書內容，分術名，口令，動作，插圖，用法，練法，附註，七項，並於動作項內，註明方向，
– The postures in this book are divided into seven parts: the technique name, the vocal command, the movement, the image, the application, pointers for practice, and notes on terminology. Within the movement descriptions are also given clear orientation indications.
一本書之插圖，其方向，皆按照拳路拍照間有一圖不能盡者，加以附圖，
– The orientations of the photos in this book are all according to the performance of the set. When such a photo is consequently unhelpful, there is an additional photo included [to show a different view]. [This happens five times: Postures 11, 19, 20, 22, 25.]
一本書叙述動作，力求簡單，明瞭，以除煩去濫，
– For the movement descriptions in this book, I have strived for simplicity and clarity, avoiding using language that would come across as annoying affectation.
一叙述動作，係依照拳路先後，依次，叙述，如手先動，則先叙手，足先動，則先叙足，以免預先規定者，而有後先顛倒之弊，
– The movement instructions are given in their proper sequence. If the hand moves first, the movement of the hand is described first, and if the foot moves first, the movement of the foot is described first. This is done to prevent bad habits of the wrong part of the body moving ahead of the correct part.
一前四項，便於初學，可以一目了然，後三項，含有研究性質，如用法內，叙述其拳，掌或腿，係擊對方何處者，為什麼要轉身，為什麼要提足，皆提多數同學對練，研究得来，然後叙述，練法內，叙述其拳，掌或腿，應當如何相應，手眼身法步，或疾，或徐，皆從實地練習中得来，附註內，解釋各項文字，與名詞之疑義間有用典者，並註明其出處，
– The first four parts [of the technique explanations] are for beginners to be able to more easily understand. The last three have to do with further study. For instance, within the application explanations, there is description of where to target the opponent, whether using fist, palm, or leg, as well as reasons why you are to turn your body or lift your foot, all of which comes from partner practice and analysis with many of my classmates. Within the explanations for how to practice, there is description of correct coordination, whether focused on fist, palm, or leg. All parts should work together – hand, eye, body, technique, step – whether fast or slow. All of this comes from my personal practice. Within the terminology notes at the end of each posture, ambiguous terms are defined and made clear, and source texts are cited.
一本書術名，皆用四字，因原有名詞，参差不齊，如搶掌，勾絆，為兩字，中門手，太極勢，為三字，封門大逼，四字，左挑右摑耳拳，六字，等是故分别增損，仍照原名意義，编成四字，以資一律，
– The technique names in this book are all four-character phrases. The original names are of uneven lengths (such as SNATCHING PALM [qiang zhang] and HOOK & TRIP [gou ban], both two characters long, or MID-LEVEL PALM [zhong men shou] and TAIJI POSTURE [tai ji shi], both three characters long, or SLAM THE DOOR SHUT [feng men da bi], four characters, or LEFT CARRYING, RIGHT SWINGING PUNCH TO THE EAR [zuo tiao you guo er quan], six characters), and so the names have been expanded or truncated to four-character lengths to provide consistency [presumably consistency of cadence for when they were being hollered to groups of people when not using the numbered commands], while still staying true to the original names.
一本書初稿，在本館國術週刋中披露，因隨编隨登，讹误尚多，茲後详加釐订，並由本館编審處長吳峻山，编辑主任金一明，教務處楊副處長松山，郭教授錫三，黃教授柏年，馬教授慶雲，龔教授潤田，刘教授鸿慶，孫隊長玉銘等，於第二次教材编辑研究會，逐勢審查通過，
– The first draft of this book was published within our Martial Arts Weekly. Because it was published hurriedly, there were many errors. I have since made detailed revisions, and thanks to our school’s head compiler Wu Junshan, head editor Jin Yiming, vice-dean Yang Songshan, instructor Guo Xisan, instructor Huang Bonian, instructor Ma Qingyun, instructor Gong Runtian, instructor Liu Hongqing, and team captain Sun Yuming this second edition of these teaching materials has been gone over with a fine-toothed comb.
一本書初稿時，承本館编辑主任金一明先生逐勢繪圖，刋登國術週刋，再稿時，承劉同志鳳林拍照，皆有助於是書至巨，誌之以示感謝，
– For the first draft of this book, our head editor Jin Yiming made drawings which were published in Martial Arts Weekly. For this second draft, I hired my comrade Liu Fenglin to take photographs. Both of them have been of immense help in making this book, so I hereby record my gratitude to them.

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编者民國卄五年之照時年四十又六
Photo of the author in 1936, age 46

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金序
PREFACE BY JIN YIMING

嘗讀論語始章，即曰，學而時習之，是鼓舞人之好學也，子思著中庸，復明求學之正軌，須人一能之，己百之，人十能之，己千之，謂果能此道，雖愚必明，雖柔必强，鳴呼，技擊之道，豈外是哉，夫少林，武當，崑崙，峨嵋，雖各有師承，各傳秘訣，手法，則圓手雲手，各異其名，步法，則馬襠地盆，各矜其妙，然按其體用，實則殊途同歸，仍為一轍也，乃因此疆彼界，判若鴻溝，致使名異術同，滋生疑竇，後之學者將何㪽適從哉，中央國術館開辦以来，有鑒於此，迺歷聘名師，講求絕學，咸以拳術精微，其根在足，勁起於腿，主宰於腰，形於手指發而為拳，故練拳不如練腿，練腿必先練步，練步功深始能落足穩如泰山，發腿疾如閃電，否則飄蓬斷梗，首重足輕，臂力雖有千鈞，舉步即形失措，基礎未堅，欲其險中呈巧，豈可得乎，㪽以館中功課，首即以練步拳為必修課，盖有由耳，胥子以謙，有心人也，目擊外侮侵凌，國勢曰弱，非人人自强，不足以肩救國之任，爰抱時習之忱，来受春風之惠，尤於練步拳㪽得為深，茲願本其薪傳，以公同好，字斟句酌，編者成篇，庶使聞雞起舞者，從此自柔而强，索驥按圖者，不致迷津失渡，復興民族精神，喚起國人尚武，以收自衛禦侮之實效，當從此焉始矣，
民國二十四年六月江都金一明序於中央國術館編審處
It says in the first chapter of the Lun Yu: “To learn something and then practice it always – is that not delightful?” This inspires us to learn. Zisi wrote in the “Zhong Yong” that to properly seek knowledge, one must have this attitude: “He may have become able after one try, but I will give a hundred tries if need be. Or perhaps he needed ten tries, but still I will give a thousand tries if need be. If one can adopt this principle, then no matter how foolish one is, one can become wiser, and no matter how weak one is, one can become stronger.” Indeed, why would martial arts be any different?
     Whether Shaolin, Wudang, Kunlun, or Emei, every school has its own lineage, its own special tricks (for instance, techniques such as circling hands or clouding hands), its own terminology (for instance, stances such as horse-riding stance or sitting-twisted stance), and is proud of what makes it unique. However, in both form and function, they are actually different ways of reaching the same goal, and so are effectively the same method. Looking at one martial arts community versus another, there seem to be obvious distinctions, thus resulting in different names for the same techniques, creating sources of doubt. What then are later generations of students supposed to rely on?
     Ever since the Central Martial Arts Institute was opened, it was with this dilemma in mind that famous masters have been hired. The Institute stresses the preservation of rare knowledge and always making use of the deeper principles of boxing arts, for instance [from the Taiji Boxing Treatise]: “Starting from your foot, power issues through your leg, is directed at your waist, expressed at your fingers, and manifests as a punch.” Therefore practicing punching is not like practicing kicking. To practice kicking, you must first practice stepping. Once you have practiced to a deep enough level of skill, you will then be able to bring your foot down as firm as Mt. Tai or launch your leg out as fast as lightning. Otherwise you will drift about unrooted, head heavy and feet light, and even though your arms may have many tons of force, if you step at a bad angle, your base would be too unsteady. If you wished to find opportunity within a dangerous situation, there would be no way you could. Therefore the Institute’s curriculum starts with the Footwork-Training Set as a required course and builds from there.
     Xu Yiqian is a dedicated man who clearly sees our foreign humiliation – that our nation really is “weak”. Unless everyone is involved in self-strengthening, we will not be able to shoulder the task of rescuing the nation, embrace the sincerity needed to practice, or receive the blessing of any kind of renewed springtime. This set in particular is something that will get us to where we need to go. His wish is to pass this teaching on, sharing with all those who are interested. He has put care into every word in the making of this book in order to inspire people to take action and go from weakness to strength, and also to give them the right hints so they do not get lost in confusion. To revive a national spirit, rouse our countrymen to esteem our martial arts in order to receive the effects of defending the self and defending the nation, this is the place to begin.
     – written by Jin Yiming of Jiangdu District [in Yangzhou, Jiangsu], in the editing department of the Central Martial Arts Institute, June, 1935

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自序
AUTHOR’S PREFACE

余編練步拳之動機，以本館國術週刋關於必修科之記載甚少，新舊同學在此㪽學拳械，每苦無書參攷，間有之，非偏於文，即過於俚，不能入科學軌範，爰稟命館長，承乏編審工作，沙氏穿拏编竣後，即著手編辑練步拳，練步拳為本館必修科，初學入門之教材也，曰於公餘之暇，手演之，筆述之，金主任一明圖畫之，畫簡神肖，其有助於斯書至巨，全稿刋登本館國術週刋一二七期至一三五期，因隨編隨登，訛誤尚多，茲復詳加釐正，並將術名參差不齊者，分别增損，編成四字，以資一律，全書三十六勢，勢分術名，口令，動作，插圖，用法，練法，暨附註七項，復於動作項內，註明方向，前四項便於初學，可一目了然，後三項含有研究性質，故用法叙其㪽以然，練法叙其㪽當然，附註解釋各項文字，與名詞疑義，並註明其出典，以備深造者，精益求精，動作一項力求簡单明瞭，使讀者望而知㪽先後，稿成呈蒙館長鑒可，顧一人之心力有限，而國術變化無窮，願我同志，本同道相成之義，開誠布公，攻其錯而糾正，指其闕而彌補，以共躋於建設途徑，使中央六七年来㪽規定之國術教材，得及早編成，以副萬方睽睽之望，斯則國術前途之大幸，抑亦吾人之天職也，
民國二十四年九月南通胥以謙吉六序於中央國術館
My motivation for writing about the Footwork-Training Set [lian bu quan, or “Lianbu”] is that very few of the required courses had been published in the Institute’s Martial Arts Weekly, from which classmates both old and new had been learning boxing sets and weapon sets. They frequently suffered when there was no text to refer to, or if there was, it was not usually written well, a little too sloppily presented, unable to conform to any scientific standard. Therefore the director [Zhang Zhijiang] assigned me the task of writing about it. After I had completed a description of Master Sha’s Threading & Grabbing Boxing [chuan na quan (also published in serialized form in Martial Arts Weekly, text only)], I got to work on writing about the Footwork-Training Set.
     This set is a required course in the Institute, good teaching material for beginners. During my spare time, I performed the movements and then wrote down the actions. Jin Yiming drew pictures, simple drawings to capture the essence of the postures. He has been of great help in making this book. The whole manuscript was published in the Institute’s Martial Arts Weekly, from issues #127 to #135. Because it was made hurriedly, there were many errors, and so I have since made detailed revisions. I have also taken the names of the techniques, which used to be of uneven lengths, and expanded or truncated them to four-character lengths to provide consistency.
     The instructions for each of the thirty-six postures in this book are divided into seven parts: the technique name, the vocal command, the movement, the image, the application, the practice method, and notes on terminology. Within the movement descriptions are also given clear orientation indications. The first four of these parts are for beginners to be able to more easily understand. The last three have to do with further study. For instance, within the application explanations are given the reasoning behind the techniques, and within the explanations for how to practice are given tips for how to properly perform them. Within the notes at the end of each posture, ambiguous terms are defined and made clear. In order to prepare you for more advanced studies and continue improvement, I have strived with each movement explanation to make things simple and clear so that when you look at it you will understand it from beginning to end.
     When the manuscript was finished, I presented it to director Meng Jianke. There may seem to be a limit to a person’s strength of character, but martial arts will transform you without end. I hope my comrades and colleagues will be minded toward helping each other by being forthright, criticizing and correcting mistakes, pointing out and fixing flaws. Let us work together to construct this path, so that all these martial arts teaching materials being formulated over the last several years can be published sooner and fulfill all our hopes. This will bring good fortune to the future of martial arts. It is our duty.
     – written by Xu Yiqian, called Jiliu, of Nantong, at the Central Martial Arts Institute, Sep, 1935

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練步拳三十六勢術名
NAMES OF THE FOOTWORK-TRAINING SET’S THIRTY-SIX POSTURES

第一段
SECTION ONE
　第一式　懷抱太極
　Posture 1: EMBRACING THE TAIJI SPHERE
　第二勢　左平心掌
　Posture 2: LEFT CHEST-LEVEL PALM
　第三勢　轉身斷肘
　Posture 3: TURN AROUND, BREAK THE ELBOW
　第四勢　弓勢觸拳
　Posture 4: BOW STANCE, CRASHING PUNCH
　第五勢　左平心掌
　Posture 5: LEFT LEVEL PALM
　第六勢　上步平拳
　Posture 6: STEP FORWARD, LEVEL PUNCH
　第七勢　退步赶肘
　Posture 7: RETREAT, CHASING THE ELBOW
　第八勢　上步平拳
　Posture 8: STEP FORWARD, LEVEL PUNCH
　第九式　封門搶掌
　Posture 9: CLOSE THE DOOR, SNATCHING PALM
　第十勢　順手鞭捶
　Posture 10: WHIPPING HAMMER IN A STRAIGHT STANCE
　第十一勢　上步斷肘
　Posture 11: STEP FORWARD, BREAK THE ELBOW
　第十二勢　鴛鴦雙肘
　Posture 12: MANDARIN DUCK DOUBLE FOREARMS
第二段
SECTION TWO
　第十三勢　右中門手
　Posture 13: RIGHT MID-LEVEL PALM
　第十四勢　上挑下扎
　Posture 14: CARRYING ABOVE, SMOTHERING BELOW
　第十五勢　轉身撩掌
　Posture 15: TURN AROUND, RAISING PALM
　第十六勢　收步赶肘
　Posture 16: WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW
　第十七勢　反擒迎風
　Posture 17: REVERSE GRAB, GOING AGAINST THE WIND
　第十八勢　右中門手
　Posture 18: RIGHT MID-LEVEL PALM
　第十九勢　上挑下扎
　Posture 19: CARRYING ABOVE, SMOTHERING BELOW
　第二十勢　封門大逼
　Posture 20: SLAM THE DOOR SHUT
　第二十一勢　上步加封
　Posture 21: STEP FORWARD, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT
　第二十二勢　原地搶掌
　Posture 22: STAYING IN PLACE, SNATCHING PALM
　第二十三勢　轉身撲肘
　Posture 23: TURN AROUND, POUNCING ELBOW
　第二十四勢　囬身搗肘
　Posture 24: TURN BACK, POUNDING ELBOW
第三段
SECTION THREE
　第二十五勢　披挂埋伏
　Posture 25: DRAPING & HANGING, AMBUSH POSTURE
　第二十六勢　翻身雙推
　Posture 26: TURN OVER, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH
　第二十七勢　轉身撩掌
　Posture 27: TURN AROUND, RAISING PALM
　第二十八勢　收步赶肘
　Posture 28: WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW
　第二十九勢　反擒迎風
　Posture 29: REVERSE GRAB, GOING AGAINST THE WIND
　第三十勢　反擒迎風
　Posture 30: REVERSE GRAB, GOING AGAINST THE WIND
　第三十一勢　封門勾絆
　Posture 31: SHUT THE DOOR, HOOK & TRIP
　第三十二勢　退步加封
　Posture 32: RETREAT, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT
　第三十三勢　退步加封
　Posture 33: RETREAT, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT
　第三十四勢　翻身雙推
　Posture 34: TURN OVER, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH
　第三十五勢　轉身雙推
　Posture 35: TURN AROUND, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH
　第三十六勢　太極歸真
　Posture 36: RETURNING TO TAIJI

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初練教材練步拳
TEACHING MATERIAL FOR BEGINNERS: FOOTWORK-TRAINING SET
南通胥以謙編者
by Xu Yiqian of Nantong

第一段
SECTION ONE

第一勢　懷抱太極
Posture 1: EMBRACING THE TAIJI SPHERE

口令
Command:
練步拳數…（一）
“Footwork-Training Set… One!”
學者聞令，就立正姿勢，（南）左手提貼胸部，手心向下，上膊平肩，右手提貼腹部，手心向上，兩掌相對，指攏而微屈，中間相隔兩拳，身平正，胸開張目前視，如第一圖，
When you hear the command, standing at attention (facing to the south), your left hand lifts to be close to your chest, palm facing downward, arm at shoulder level, as your right hand lifts to be close to your abdomen, palm facing upward, the palms facing each other, fingers together and slightly bent, a space of two fists between your hands. Your body is upright, your chest spread out. Your gaze is forward. See photo 1:

用法
Function:
此為預備勢，亦即開始之動作，
This is the preparation posture of the set, as well as the first movement.
練法
Practice method:
先立正，然後兩手為同時動作，
Begin by standing at attention, then your hands move in unison.
附註
Terminology:
「太極」天地未分以前曰太極，（易經）易有太極，是生兩儀，
“Taiji” [“grand polarity”] – the moment before “sky” and “ground” became distinguishable is called the Grand Polarity. (From the Book of Changes: “Change has a grand polarity, which generates the dual aspects.”)
「懷抱」抱於懷中也，用於此處，乃兩手如抱一圓球之意，
“Embrace” – to hold to the chest, in this case the hands seeming to hold a round ball.
「上膊」近肩之臂為上膊，
“Upper arm” – the area nearer the shoulder.

第二勢　左平心掌
Posture 2: LEFT CHEST-LEVEL PALM

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（東）左足上步曲膝，右足原地扭步後撐，成左弓右箭襠，同時，右手沿左臂外面一撩，握拳抱肘，左掌隨左步向前發出，掌口向前，指尖向右，高與肩平，目視左掌，如第二圖，
When you hear the command, your body turns to the left (to be facing to the east) and your left foot steps forward, the knee bending, your right foot staying where it is but twisting, the leg straightening behind, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your right hand raises and moves along the outside of your left arm, then grasps into a fist and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, your left palm going along with your left foot by shooting out forward, the palm mouth [i.e. the edge of the palm] facing forward, fingers pointing to the right, at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your left palm. See photo 2:

用法
Function:
此乃敵襲我左，我急以右手撩開敵臂，乘勢以左掌擊其肋部，
An opponent to my left attacks me by surprise, so I quickly use my right hand to raise his arm away, then take advantage of the opportunity to use my left palm to strike to his ribs.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，右手撩，左步出，齊動，左膝前曲，右膝後撐，與右拳抱肘，左掌發出，齊動，
Your body turns, your right hand raises, and your left foot steps – all moving at the same time. Your left knee bends forward, your right knee straightens behind, your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, and your left palm shoots out – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「平心」無低昂曰平，用於此處，乃㪽發之掌，與心部平也，
“Chest-level” – going neither low nor high makes it level, which would in this case put the palm strike at the level of the opponent’s chest.
「襲」攻其無備曰襲，
To “attack by surprise” is to [Art of War, chapter 7:] “attack when he is unprepared.”

第三勢　轉身斷肘
Posture 3: TURN AROUND, BREAK THE ELBOW

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，身由右後轉，（西）左足原地扭轉曲膝，右足於轉身時，收囬半步，夾膝成右虛步，同時，左手收囬護右肘，右手握拳曲肘，由左向面前一格，肘尖對膝，拳眼對鼻，目視右拳，如第三圖，
When you hear the command, your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the west), your left foot staying where it is and twisting around, the knee bending, your right foot withdrawing a half step, your knees squeezing to make a right empty stance. At the same time, your left hand withdraws to guard your right elbow as your right hand grasps into a fist, elbow bending, and goes from the left to block in front of you, the tip of the elbow pointing to your [right] knee, the fist eye aligned with your nose. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 3:

用法
Function:
此乃敵由我右側，以右拳擊我胸部，我一面轉身，一面以左手帶其腕向左，右拳格其上膊向右，以反斷其肘，若僅用以格開敵臂，則不得謂為斷肘矣，
An opponent from my right side uses his right fist to strike to my chest, so I turn my body and use my left hand to pull his wrist to the left while using my right fist to block his upper arm away to the right, thus breaking his elbow. If this posture is only used to block aside an opponent’s forearm, then it would not fulfill its name of “breaking the elbow”.
練法
Practice method:
左手收囬護肘，右手握拳曲肘，齊動，轉身，格拳，及兩足動作，齊動，
Your left hand withdraws to guard your elbow, your right hand grasps into a fist, and the elbow bends – all moving at the same time. Turn around, block with your fist, and your feet move – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「扭」足尖稍起，以足跟微向裏轉，或外轉者，為扭，
To “twist” means your toes lift and you use your heel to turn the foot slightly inward or outward.
「格」架格也，
To “block” means that you are warding away.

第四勢　弓勢觸拳
Posture 4: BOW STANCE, CRASHING PUNCH

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，承上勢，右足前進半步，曲膝，左足原地後撐，成右弓左箭襠，（西）同時，左手護右腋，右拳隨步向前觸出，拳眼向上，高與心部相對，目視右拳，如第四圖，
When you hear the command, continue from the previous posture, your right foot advancing a half step and the knee bending, your left foot staying where it is, the leg straightening behind, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand guards your right armpit as your right fist goes along with your step by crashing out forward, the fist eye facing upward, at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 4:

用法
Function:
敵欲應付上勢之斷肘，右手不得不縮囬，我之右拳即乘隙攻入其腋下，以觸其肋部，虛步變為弓箭襠，乃轉守為攻，
The opponent wants to deal with the elbow-break situation from the previous posture and has no choice but to withdraw his right hand, so my right fist takes advantage of the opportunity to slip in under his armpit and crash into his ribs, my empty stance switching to a bow and arrow stance, thereby switching from defense to attack.
練法
Practice method:
此勢與上勢為一氣下来，須手足齊動，拳到，脚亦到，方可克敵，
This posture is joined to the previous posture to make a single technique. Your hand and foot must move at the same time. If your fist arrives when your foot arrives, you will then be able to defeat the opponent.
附註
Terminology:
「觸」撞擊曰觸，（揚子法言）星辰不相觸，
To “crash” is to do a strike that has a quality of crashing against. (From Yang Xiong’s Model Sayings [Yang Xiong’s Great Mystery Classic]: “The stars do not crash into each other.”)
「弓勢」即弓箭襠，
“Bow stance” [or “arrow stance”] – just another way to say “bow and arrow stance”.
「承上勢」凡用承上勢三字者，則本勢之動作，即與上勢為一氣下来，
“Continuing from the previous posture” – this indicates that this posture’s movement is joined to the previous posture to make a single technique.

第五勢　左平心掌
Posture 5: LEFT LEVEL PALM

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（南）左足上步曲膝，右足原地微扭，後撐直，成左弓右箭襠，同時，右拳由左手外面收囬抱肘，拳心向上，左掌隨步向前發出，掌口向前，指尖向右，高與肩平，目視左掌，如第五圖，
When you hear the command, your torso turns to the left (to be facing to the south) and your left foot steps forward, the knee bending, your right foot staying where it is and slightly twisting, the leg straightening behind, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your right fist goes from the outside of your left hand and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, the center of the fist facing upward, as your left palm goes along your step by shooting out forward, the palm mouth facing forward, fingers pointing to the right, at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your left palm. See photo 5 [repeat of photo 2]:

用法
Function:
敵偏我左，我急以左掌進擊其胸肋，右拳抱肘，防其襲肋，
The opponent veers away to my left, so I quickly use my left palm to strike forward to his chest or ribs, my right fist withdrawing with a wrapping elbow, to defend my ribs from attack.
練法
Practice method:
身向左轉，左足出步，右拳曲肘，齊動，左膝前曲，右足撐直，右拳抱肘，左掌發出，齊動，
Your body turns to the left, your left foot steps out, and your right fist withdraws, the elbow bending – all moving at the same time. Your left knee bends forward, your right leg straightens behind, your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, and your left palm shoots out – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「撐」斜柱曰撐，（韓愈詩）摧杌饒孤撐，用於此處，乃以在後之足，挺膝撐直也，
“Straightening” – supporting like a slanted pillar. (From the poetry of Han Yu [“Southern Wall (of Xi’an) Partner Couplets” (written with Meng Jiao – the particular line by Han Yu)]: [Meng cuing with “The vanity of fresh-cut jade…”, Han responding with:] “A ruined tree stump will support me just fine.”) The usage in this case is that the rear leg extends at the knee until pressed straight.
「抱肘」拳心向上，緊貼肋部者，為抱肘，
“Wrapping elbow” – the center of the fist is facing upward, tight against the rib area.

第六勢　上步平拳
Posture 6: STEP FORWARD, LEVEL PUNCH

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，左足拈步膝直，右足上步曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，左手握拳護耳，拳心向下，肘尖向前，右拳隨步向前發出，拳心向下，高與肩平，右肩稍帶前探，目視右拳，如第六圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot twists, the knee straightening, and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your left hand grasps into a fist and guards your ear, the center of the fist facing downward, the tip of the elbow pointing forward, and your right fist goes along with your step by shooting out forward, the center of the fist facing downward, at shoulder level, your right shoulder slightly pulled forward. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 6:

用法
Function:
敵欲讓我上勢之掌，急退步，我乘勢進擊其胸部，左拳曲肘護耳，乃先格其右臂，後防其摑耳，
The opponent wants to evade my palm strike from the previous posture and quickly retreats, so I ride along with his energy by advancing and striking to his chest, my left fist guarding my ear, the elbow bending, an action which first blocks his right arm, and then prevents him from swinging to my ear.
練法
Practice method:
左手與左足齊動，右足與右拳齊動，
Your left hand and left foot move at the same time. Your right foot and right fist move at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「上步」凡前進一步者，為上步，
“Step forward” – advancing a full step.
「拈步」足就原地拈開，或拈轉者，為拈步，
“Twisting step” – your foot stays where it is and twists outward or inward.

第七勢　退步趕肘
Posture 7: RETREAT, CHASING THE ELBOW

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，右足撤退後方，曲膝，左足原地，足跟稍提，夾膝，成左虛步，（南）同時，右拳收囬抱肘，左拳沿右臂上面向前盖下，拳心向下，高與左膝相對，目視左拳，如第七圖，
When you hear the command, your right foot withdraws to the rear and the knee bends, your left foot staying where it is, the heel slightly lifted, your knees squeezing toward each other to make a left empty stance (pointing to the south). At the same time, your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, while your left fist goes along the top of your right arm, going forward and covering downward, the center of the fist facing downward at knee level. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See photo 7:

用法
Function:
敵手握我右腕，腿踼我膝，我退步荷腰解其腿，虛步一拳赶其肘，乃以右手帶其腕，左拳擊其肘，以反折之，
The opponent grabs my right wrist and kicks to my [right] knee, so I retreat, pulling back my waist, dispelling his leg attack by emptying my stance, while I send out a fist to chase his elbow, meaning that I use my right hand to pull his wrist as my left fist strikes to his elbow, thereby breaking it.
練法
Practice method:
右拳與右足同時動作，左拳與左步同時動作，
Your right fist and right foot move at the same time. Your left fist and left foot move at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「趕」追逐曰赶，亦作趕，
To “chase” is to pursue.
「退步」凡在前之足，撤囬後方者，曰退步，
By “retreat” is meant that your front foot withdraws to the rear.
「虛步」一足踏實，一足僅以足掌踏地，而足跟稍提者，曰虛步，
“Empty stance” – one foot stands flat on the ground while the other foot touches down only with the ball of the foot, the heel slightly lifted.

第八勢　上步平拳
Posture 8: STEP FORWARD, LEVEL PUNCH

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，左足向前半步踏實，右足上步曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，左拳反向肩部護耳，拳心向下，肘尖向前，右拳隨步向前發出，拳心向下，高與肩齊，目視右拳，如第八圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot goes forward a half step and comes down fully, then your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left fist turns over, moves toward your shoulder, and guards your ear, the center of the fist facing downward, the tip of the elbow pointing forward, as your right fist goes along with your step to shoot out forward, the center of the fist facing downward, at shoulder level. Your gaze is forward. See photo 8 [repeat of photo 6]:

用法
Function:
左拳先格敵臂，後防摑耳，右拳進擊敵之胸肋，或面部，
My left fist first blocks the opponent’s arm and then prevents him from swinging to my ear as my right fist strikes forward to his chest, ribs, or face.
練法
Practice method:
左足落步，與左拳護耳，先動，右足上步，與右拳發出，齊動，
The movement starts with your left foot coming down and your left fist guarding your ear. Then your right foot steps forward and right fist shoots out – moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「弓箭襠」兩足相距一大步，一足前曲如弓，一足後撐似箭者，曰前弓後箭襠，
“Bow and arrow stance” – your feet are spread into a large step, the forward leg bent like a bow, the rear leg straight like an arrow.
「摑耳」凡以拳斜擊敵耳者，曰摑耳，
“Swinging at the ear” – using a fist to diagonally strike to an opponent’s ear.

第九式　封門搶掌
Posture 9: CLOSE THE DOOR, SNATCHING PALM

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，右足拈步，右拳收囬右肋，左拳變掌，向右盖下護右肋，掌心向下，同時，左足前進一步，曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，（南）右拳變掌，隨左步向前托出，掌心向上，掌口斜向左前，高與下頦相對，目視右掌，如第九圖，
When you hear the command, your right foot twists and your right fist withdraws to your right ribs as your left fist changes to a palm and covers downward to the right to guard your right ribs, palm facing downward. At the same time, your left foot advances a step, the knee bending to make a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow, as your right palm goes along with your left step by propping out forward, palm facing upward, the palm mouth facing diagonally to the forward left, at chin level. Your gaze is toward your right palm (to the south). See photo 9:

用法
Function:
左手將敵臂盖下，右手向其下頦一托，左足上步，扣其右足，使敵欲逃不得，
My left hand covers the opponent’s arm downward as my right hands props toward his chin, my left foot stepping forward, to hook around his right foot so that even if he wants to get away he cannot.
練法
Practice method:
右拳收囬抱肘，左手盖下，右足拈步，齊動，左足上步，左掌護腋，右掌發出，齊動，
Your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, your left hand covers downward, and your right foot twists – all moving at the same time. Your left foot advances, your left palm guards your armpit, and your right palm shoots out – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「封門」封，鎖也，用於此處，乃以我之手，封住敵人之手臂也，
“Close the door” – to seal, to lock. In this case, my [left] hand seals off the opponent’s arm.
「搶」爭取曰搶，
By “snatching” is meant forcefully seizing.
「頦」頤下曰頦，
By “chin” is meant the area below the cheeks.

第十勢　順手鞭捶
Posture 10: WHIPPING HAMMER IN A STRAIGHT STANCE

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，承上勢，足就原地不動，右手收囬抱肘，左手就右肋，以拳背向前橫掃發出，拳眼向上，高與肋齊，目視左拳，（南）如第十圖，
When you hear the command, continue from the previous posture, your feet staying where they are, unmoving, as your right hand withdraws with a wrapping elbow and your left hand goes from your right ribs to suddenly sweep across forward with the back of the fist, the fist eye facing upward, level with your ribs. Your gaze is toward your left fist (to the south). See photo 10:

用法
Function:
敵以右手掠我右掌，我即以右手帶其腕，左拳反鞭其肋，或胸部，
The opponent uses his right hand to swat away my right palm, so I use my right hand to pull his wrist as my left fist whips to his ribs or chest.
練法
Practice method:
兩手一收一發，同時動作，惟練時，左肩須稍向前探，
Your hands move at the same time, one withdrawing, one shooting out. When practicing, your left shoulder must reach slightly forward.
附註
Terminology:
「順手」凡左足在前，而以左手發出，或右足在前，而以右手發出，無論是拳是掌，皆為順手，
“Straight stance” – with your left foot forward, your left hand shoots out, or with your right foot forward, your right hand shoots out, as either a fist or palm.
「捶」擣也，與錘通，
“Hammer” – to pound, as with a mace.
查此勢有兩種練法
(Note) This posture has two practice methods:
（一）左拳橫掃中部，名鞭捶，先學者主之，
1. The left fist sweeps across mid-level. This is a “whipping punch” and is the version for beginners.
（二）左拳摑耳，名摑耳拳，後學者主之，
2. The left fist swings to the ear. This is a kind of “swing-to-the-ear punch” and is a version for more advanced students.
編者，以為上勢之搶掌，乃托敵人之下頦，敵方應付上部，其中必虛，此拳不擊其肋，而摑其耳，是舍近而求遠，是避虛而擊實，於拳理上，似不大合，故以先學者為準，
(I feel that with the previous posture’s snatching palm propping the opponent’s chin, he will want to respond above, and so his middle will surely be open. If this punch is a swing to the ear rather than a strike to the ribs, it would be a case of abandoning the near to seek the far, or of avoiding the empty to attack the full, thus it seems to not conform well with boxing principles and therefore version 1 is the standard for beginners.)

第十一勢　上步斷肘
Posture 11: STEP FORWARD, BREAK THE ELBOW

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，左足向右前拗步，左拳變掌隨步向左擄下，托護右臂，（下膊）右足上步曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，右拳由右向面前一撇，拳心對鼻，目視右拳，如第十一圖。
When you hear the command, your left foot does a curving step to the forward right as your left fist becomes a palm and goes along with your step by going downward to the left with a capturing action, then props up to guard your right arm (at the forearm) as your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow, and your right fist swings forward from the right, the center of the fist facing inward, at eye level. See photo 11 [two views]:

用法
Function:
左手擄開敵之右臂，敵又以左手擊我頭部，我急以右臂向敵之上膊一撇，左手向敵之下膊一拍，以斷其肘，
My left hand captures and takes aside the opponent’s right arm, but now he uses his left hand to strike to my head, so I quickly swing my right arm toward his upper arm and use my left hand to slap his forearm, thereby breaking his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
左手與左足先動，右手與右足齊動，
Movement starts with your left hand and left foot. Then your right hand and right foot move at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「上膊下膊」近肩者為上膊，近手者為下膊，俗統稱為臂，
The “upper arm” is the area nearer the shoulder, the “forearm” the area nearer the hand, the whole thing being the “arm” in general.

第十二勢　鴛鴦雙肘
Posture 12: MANDARIN DUCK DOUBLE FOREARMS

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，右足拈步曲膝，左足上步曲膝，成側馬襠，（西南）同時，兩手收囬變掌，由肋發出，左掌在前，指尖與鼻端相對，右掌稍後，指尖與心部相對，臂皆微屈，身側向右前，目視左掌，如第十二圖，
When you hear the command, your right foot twists and the knee bends, then your left foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a sideways horse-riding stance (pointing to the south). At the same time, your hands withdraw, becoming palms, and then shoot out from your ribs, your left palm in front, fingertips at nose level, your right palm slightly behind, fingertips at chest level, arms slightly bent. Your torso is facing to the forward right, your gaze toward your left palm. See photo 12:

用法
Function:
用於上，則左手擊其右太陽穴，右手托其左頦，用於中，則擊其胸肋，或右手帶其右腕，左手逼其上膊，以斷敵之右肘，左足進步，扣其右膝，又可相機以膝圈折其膝，脚圈勾其足，總之，明於技者，處處可用，
This technique is primarily for using my left hand to strike to the opponent’s right temple and using my right hand to prop up the left side of his chin. But within the technique, there is also striking to the opponent’s chest or ribs. Or my right hand can pull his right wrist as my left hand presses on his upper arm, breaking his right elbow. My left foot advances to close off his right knee, or if the opportunity arises, I can use my knee to circle around and fold his knee in, or use my foot to circle around and hook his leg. Whatever the case, once the technique is understood, there is always a way to apply it.
練法
Practice method:
右足拈步先動，左足上步，兩手發出，為一氣。
Movement starts with your right foot twisting. Then your left foot steps forward, and your hands shoot out – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「鴛鴦」鳥名，雄曰鴛，雌曰鴦，常偶居不離，此勢之動作，係兩掌齊出，故名，
“Mandarin duck” [yuan yang] – a type of bird, the male of which is called “yuan”, the female “yang”, who once they meet will never part from each other. This posture gets its name because its movement involves the palms going out in unison.

第二段
SECTION TWO

第十三勢　右中門掌
Posture 13: RIGHT MID-LEVEL PALM

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，左足拈步膝直，右足上步曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，左手下護右肋，掌心向下，右手由左臂上面隨步向前刺出，指尖向前，手心向下，高與眉齊，目視右掌，如第十三圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot twists, the knee straightening, as your right foot steps forward and its knee bends to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand goes downward to guard your right armpit, palm facing downward, as your right hand goes along with your step by stabbing out forward from over your left arm, fingers pointing forward, palm facing downward, at eyebrow level. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See photo 13:

用法
Function:
敵欲應付上勢，一面退步，一面以右手切出，我急以左手盖其右臂，右掌四指合攏，平刺其印堂，或喉部，左手護腋，既防其腿，又防其下面右手，
The opponent wants to deal with the previous technique by both retreating and using his right hand to cut my attack away, so I quickly use my left hand to cover his right arm and use my right palm, fingers together, to do a level stab to his Yintang acupoint or to his throat, my left hand guarding my armpit to protect against a kick or defend the area below my right hand.
練法
Practice method:
左手與左足先動，為一氣，右手與右足齊到，為一氣，
The movement starts with your left hand and your left foot – making a single action. Your right hand and your right foot move together – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「印堂」兩眉中間為印堂，
“Yintang” – acupoint between the eyebrows.
「刺」直傷曰刺，
To “stab” is to go straight in to injure.

第十四勢　上挑下扎
Posture 14: CARRYING ABOVE, SMOTHERING BELOW

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（東）足就原地隨身左轉，變騎馬襠，同時，左掌上挑過眉，右拳猛向右膝外面下扎，（南）拳眼向裏，拳心向下，頭微右向，目視右拳，如第十四圖，
When you hear the command, your torso turns to the left (to be facing to the east), your feet staying where they are and going along with the turning of your torso by switching to a horse-riding stance. At the same time, your left palm carries upward past your eyebrows as your right fist fiercely smothers downward to the outside of your right knee (to the south), the fist eye facing inward, the center of the fist facing downward. Your head is turned slightly to the right, your gaze toward your right fist. See photo 14:

用法
Function:
敵挑我右臂，踢我右膝，更以左拳擊我頭部，我左手上托其拳，右拳下攔其腿，亦可扎其小腹，敵若弓步，以右拳摑我左耳，則此勢即為上挑其拳，下扎其膝，右拳下扎時，亦可變掌擄其腿，總之，用法是活的，在人之臨機變化耳，
The opponent carries aside my right arm and kicks to my right knee while using his left fist to strike to my head, so I send my left hand upward to carry his fist and send my right fist downward to block his leg, or I can smother to his lower abdomen. Or if he adopts a bow stance and uses his right fist to swing at my left ear, then I use this posture to carry his fist upward and smother downward to his knee. When my right fist smothers downward, it can also change to a palm and capture his knee. This technique is generally adaptable and can be suited to the situation as needed.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，變襠，左挑，右扎，皆為同時動作，
Turn your body, switch your stance, carry to the left, and smother to the right – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「挑」以我之臂，架開敵臂，在上為挑，在中為攔，為格，在下為盖，
“Carry” – I use my arm to prop away the opponent’s arm upward. The same kind of action to the middle is “blocking”, and performed lower is “covering”.
「扎」凡以拳口擊人者曰扎拳，掌口方面為拳口，虎口方面為拳眼，手背方面為拳背，
“Smothering” – using the fist mouth to strike the opponent. The palm mouth is the same as the fist mouth. The tiger’s mouth is the same as the fist eye. The back of the hand is the same as the back of the fist.

第十五勢　轉身撩掌
Posture 15: TURN AROUND, RAISING PALM

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（北）足就原地隨身向左，成左弓右箭襠，同時，左手下搭右臂，（下膊）右拳變掌，向前下方撩出，指尖向下，掌心向前，與氣海相對，目視右掌，如第十五圖，
When you hear the command, your body turns around to the left (to be facing to the north), your feet staying where they are but going along with your body toward the left, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand lowers to connect with your right forearm as your right fist changes to a palm and goes from below to raise out forward, fingers pointing downward, palm facing forward, level with your “sea of energy”. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See photo 15:

用法
Function:
敵竄至我左側，我急轉身以右掌向其腹下一撩，左手搭膊，防其切掌，若用於中部，則左手搭其腕，右手托其肘，
The opponent scurries around to my left side, so I quickly turn around and use my right palm to do a raising action to his genitals, my left hand connecting with the forearm to prevent his hand from cutting at my pulse area. If I instead apply this technique at the middle level, my left hand would connect at the pulse area and my right hand would prop up his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，變襠，及兩手，皆為同時動作，
Turn around, switch your stance, and move your hands – all at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「氣海」臍下一寸五分為氣海，俗稱小腹，
“Sea of energy” – area an inch and a half below the navel, also a general name for the lower abdomen.
「搭」附加其上曰搭，
“Connect” – contacting on top.
「托」由下上舉曰托，
“Prop” – lift upward from below.

第十六勢　收步赶肘
Posture 16: WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，左足收囬半步，足跟稍提，成左虛步，（北）同時，右掌握拳，收囬抱肘，左手握拳，向前下方赶出，拳心向下，與左膝相對，目視左拳，如第十六圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot withdraws a half step, heel slightly lifted, making a left empty stance (pointing to the north). At the same time, your right palm grasps into a fist, and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, your left hand grasps into a fist, and chases out forward and downward, the center of the fist facing downward in front of your left knee. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See photo 16:

用法
Function:
上勢之撩掌，如用到，則此勢右手取其下部，左拳抵其氣海，若未用到，而反被敵人接腕，則此勢右拳縮囬，反帶彼腕，左拳發出，以赶其肘，
Having applied the previous posture of RAISING PALM TO THE GROIN, in this posture my right hand then grabs his genitals while my left fist presses into his sea of energy. If I do not succeed with the previous technique due to the opponent connecting with his wrist, I then use this posture by withdrawing my right fist, pulling his wrist, and shooting out my left fist to chase his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
兩手握拳一發一收，相合，同時，右拳抱肘，與右足曲膝，相合，左拳發出，與左足虛步，相合，眼與左拳相合，手眼身法步，處處相應，非實地練習者，不能心領神會也，
Both hands grasp into fists, and one shoots out as the other withdraws, both moving in unison. Your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow and your right knee bends, acting together. Your left fist shoots out and your left foot makes an empty stance, acting together. Your gaze and your left fist act together. Your hands, eyes, body, technique, and step are coordinated with each other throughout. If you do not practice this for yourself, you will not be able to understand it.
附註
Terminology:
「赶」追逐曰赶，亦作趕，
To “chase” is to pursue.
「赶肘」凡以一手帶往敵腕，一拳下盖敵臂，而使敵肘欲折者，曰赶肘，
To “chase the elbow” is when one hand pulls the opponent’s wrist while the other as a fist covers downward on his arm, causing his elbow to break.
「收步」凡在前之足，收囬半步者，曰收步，
A “withdrawing step” is when the front foot withdraws a half step.

第十七勢　反擒迎風
Posture 17: REVERSE GRAB, GOING AGAINST THE WIND

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，左足向右拗步，左手由右而上至左繞一圓圈，下托右臂，（下膊）右足上步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（北）同時，右拳由右隨步向前一撇，拳心對面，臂微曲，目視右拳，如第十七圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot goes to the right with a curving step, your left hand going from the right, carrying upward to the left, arcing in a circle to prop up under your right forearm, and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the north). At the same time, your right fist goes from the right, going along with your step by swinging forward, the fist eye facing to the right, arm slightly bent. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 17:

用法
Function:
左手上挑敵臂，拗步防腿，上步備攻，右拳摑其左耳，左手防其斷肘，
As my left hand carries the opponent’s arm upward, I do a curving step to defend my legs, then step forward to set up my attack, my right fist swinging to his left ear, my left hand preventing him from breaking my elbow.

第十八勢　右中门手
Posture 18: RIGHT MID-LEVEL PALM

口令數…（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，左手沿右臂上面刷出，橫掌向前，右拳縮囬抱肘，同時，右腿提囬，向前落步成右弓左箭襠。左掌護右肋，掌心向下，右拳變掌隨右步向前刺出，指尖向前，掌心向下，目視右掌，如第十八圖，
When you hear the command, your left hand brushes out along the top of your right arm, going forward as a sideways palm, as your right fist withdraws with a wrapping elbow, your right foot at the same time lifting and withdrawing. Your right foot then comes down forward, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow, as your left palm moves to guard your right ribs, palm facing downward, your right fist becoming a palm and going along with your right step by stabbing out forward, fingers pointing forward, palm facing downward. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See photo 18:

用法
Function:
敵欲破我上勢之拳，即以右手掠我，或以左手格我，我欲防其帶腕，急將右拳縮囬，同時，再以左掌向出一刷，敵懼斬脈與斷肘，不得不放，我即乘際以掌尖直刺其目，或喉部，右足閃步，避其踹脛，仍落原地，敵腿已過，有際可乘，
The opponent wants to defeat my fist in the previous technique by using his right hand to swat at me or his left hand to block, but as I want to prevent my wrist from being pulled, I quickly withdraw my right fist. At the same time, I also use my left hand to brush out, and he then fears my hand slashing at his pulse area or breaking his elbow, but he cannot get away, so I take advantage of the opportunity to do a palm stab to his eyes or throat. My right foot meanwhile does a “flash step” to avoid being kicked in the shin, the foot coming back down where it was. Once his leg has missed, I have an opportunity to take advantage of.
練法
Practice method:
右手縮，左手刷，與右足閃步，齊動，為一氣，左掌護腋，右掌刺出，與右足落步，齊動，為一氣，
Your right hand withdraws, your left hand brushes out, and your right foot evades – all moving at the same time, making a single action. Your left palm guards your [right] armpit, your right palm stabs out, and your right foot comes down – all moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「閃步」在前之足，迅速縮囬，而仍落原地者，曰閃步，
“Flash step” – the front foot quickly withdraws and then comes back down where it was.
「閃」疾速曰閃，側身避之曰閃，瞥然一見曰閃，
“Flash” – to move with great speed, as in evading your body sideways and then suddenly reappearing.
「掠」以左手向右，或右手向左，撇開敵手者，曰掠，
“Swat” – sending your left hand to the right or your right hand to the left to fling aside an opponent’s hand.
「格」以左手向左，或右手向右，拂開敵手者，曰格，
“Block” – sending your left hand to the left or your right hand to the right to flick away an opponent’s hand.
「脛」小腿內側之骨，曰脛，
“Shin” – bony inner side of the lower leg.

第十九勢　上挑下扎
Posture 19: CARRYING ABOVE, SMOTHERING BELOW

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（西）足就原地隨身左轉，變騎馬襠，同時，左掌上挑過眉，右手握拳，猛向右膝外面下扎，（北）拳眼向裏，拳心向下，頭右向，目視右拳，如第十九圖，
When you hear the command, your torso turns to the left (to be facing to the west), your feet staying where they are and going along with the turning of your torso by switching to a horse-riding stance. At the same time, your left palm carries upward past your eyebrows as your right hand grasps into a fist and fiercely smothers downward to the outside of your right knee (to the north), the fist eye facing inward, the center of the fist facing downward. Your head is turned to the right, your gaze toward your right fist. See photo 19 [two views]:

用法
Function:
上架其手，下攔其腿，或扎其腹，大致與第十四勢同，
Propping away his hand upward, blocking downward to his leg or smothering to his abdomen… it is mostly the same as in Posture 14.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，變襠，上挑，下扎，皆為同時動作，
Turn your body, switch your stance, prop upward, and smother downward – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「騎馬襠」兩足左右離開，足尖裏扣，而兩膝下彎平胯者，曰騎馬襠，亦名四平襠，
“Horse-riding stance” – feet spread apart to the left and right, toes hooked inward, both knees bent so the thighs are level. It is also called “four-level stance”.

第二十勢　封門大逼
Posture 20: SLAM THE DOOR SHUT

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，兩手上托過眉，右足原地扭步，左足稍起，隨身由右後轉，（東）向前下仆，落步膝直，身偏右足，成埋襠勢，同時，兩手下拍胯下，手心向下，虎口相對頭微左向，目視左下，如第二十圖，
When you hear the command, your hands prop upward past your eyebrows, your right foot staying where it is and twisting, your left foot slightly lifting as your torso turns to the right rear (to be facing to the east), the knee going forward and flattening downward, coming down with the knee straightened, your torso leaning onto your right foot, making a crotch-covering stance. At the same time, your hands slap downward to be lower than your hips, palms facing downward, the tiger’s mouths facing each other. Your head is turned slightly to the left, your gaze downward to the left. See photo 20 [two views]:

用法
Function:
敵以右拳扎来，我以右手搭其腕，左手帶其臂，隨身翻轉下壓，
The opponent uses his right fist to do a smothering strike, so I use my right hand to connect to his wrist and my left hand to pull his arm, as I turn my body, then press down.
練法
Practice method:
兩手上托，左足起步與轉身，齊動，為一氣，右足曲膝，左足落步，與兩手下拍，齊動，為一氣，
Your hands prop up, your left foot lifts and steps, and your torso turns – all moving at the same time, making a single action. Your right knee bends, your left leg lowers, and your hands slap downward – all moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「胯下」兩股之間曰胯。（史記）不能死，出我胯下，
“Lower than your crotch” – i.e. between your thighs. (From Historical Records [chapter 92]: “If you can’t manage to kill me, just crawl away under my crotch.”)
「拍」以手撲其上曰拍。
“Slap” – use your hands to pounce on his upper body.

第二十一勢　上步加封
Posture 21: STEP FORWARD, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（北）左足就原地向開稍扭，右足立起，上步曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左手上挑，向左下繞，至面前托右臂，（下膊）右拳由後斜向前上方隨步摑出，拳心向裏，拳眼向右，與耳門相對，目視右拳，如第二十一圖，
When you hear the command, your body turns to the left (to be facing to the north), your left foot staying where it is and slightly twisting outward, and your right foot lifts up and steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left arm carries upward and arcs downward to the left until in front of your face to prop up your right forearm, while your right fist goes along with your step by going from the rear to swing diagonally forward and upward, the center of the fist facing downward, the fist eye facing to the right, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 21 [repeat of photo 17]:

用法
Function:
左手挑開敵臂，右拳摑其左耳，
My left hand carries away the opponent’s arm and my right fist swings to his left ear.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，右足立起，左手挑，左足扭步，齊動，右足上步，右拳摑出，與左手托臂，齊動，右臂似直，而肘稍帶含，過直易折，亦國術家之㪽忌也，
Your body turns, your right foot lifts, your left hand carries, and your left foot twists – all moving at the same time. Your right foot steps forward, your right fist swings out, and your left hand props up your [right] arm – all moving at the same time. Your right arm seems straight, but the elbow has a slight bend to it. If you make your arm too straight, it is easily broken, and so it is something that martial artists avoid doing.
附註
Terminology:
「摑耳」凡以拳斜擊敵耳者，曰摑耳，
“Swing to the ear” – use a fist to strike diagonally to the opponent’s ear.
「加封」以我之臂，封住敵臂，不使活動者，曰加封，
“Paste up an announcement” – I use my arm to seal off his arm and keep him from moving.

第二十二勢　原地搶掌
Posture 22: STAYING IN PLACE, SNATCHING PALM

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，足就原地不動，右拳變掌，收護左肋，左掌就近向前托出，（北）掌心向上，高與下頦相對，目視左掌，如第二十二圖，
When you hear the command, your feet staying where they are, unmoving, your right fist changes to a palm and withdraws to guard your left ribs as your left palm moves in close, propping out forward (to the north), palm facing upward, at chin level. Your gaze is toward your left palm. See photo 22 [two views]:

用法
Function:
敵格我右拳，我左掌就近向其下頦一托，右手護肋，上防斷肘，下防踢腿，
The opponent blocks my right fist, so I send in my left palm, which is already close to him, to prop up his chin, my right hand guarding my [left] ribs to defend against an elbow break above or a kick from below.
練法
Practice method:
兩手一發一收，同時動作，
Your hands move at the same time, one shooting out and one withdrawing.
附註
Terminology:
「搶」爭取曰搶，
By “snatching” is meant forcefully seizing.
「搶掌」凡以掌斜托敵頦者，曰搶掌，
“Snatching palm” – use a palm to diagonally prop up to an opponent’s chin.

第二十三勢　轉身撲肘
Posture 23: TURN AROUND, POUNCING ELBOW

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，身由左後轉，（南）兩足就原地隨身扭轉，成左弓右箭襠，同時，左掌拍護右臂，（下膊）右肘隨身後轉，向面前一撲，肘尖向前，高與肩平，目視右肘，如第二十三圖，
When you hear the command, your body turns around to the left rear (to be facing to the south), your feet staying where they are but twisting along with the turning of your body, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your left palm slaps and guards your right forearm as your right elbow goes along with your body’s rearward turn by pouncing out in front of your face, the tip of the elbow pointing forward at shoulder level. Your gaze is toward your right elbow. See photo 23 [no photo].
用法
Function:
敵以右手托我左臂，我以左手帶其肘，右肘撲其胸，向左橫壓，又敵若以右手挑我左臂，我即牽其臂，向左後方一帶，乘其前磕時，即以右肘向其項下一壓，如其手在上，則撲其左肋，左掌拍右手小臂，亦含有拿法在內，
Thus opponent uses his right hand to prop up my left arm, so I use my left hand to pull his elbow and use my right elbow to pounce to his chest, pressing across to the left. Or if he uses his right hand to carry my left arm, I can draw his arm in and pull it across to the left rear, then take advantage of him knocking forward into me by using my right elbow to press down on his neck, and if he covers it with his hand, then I will instead pounce his left ribs. In this posture, your left palm slaps your right forearm, thus the posture also contains a palm technique.
練法
Practice method:
扭步，轉身，齊動，護臂，撲肘，齊動，
Twist your feet and turn your body – moving at the same time. Guard your arm and pounce with your elbow – moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「撲」與扑同，擊也，
To “pounce” is simply to strike.
「撲肘」以左掌拍住右臂，右肘由右向左橫擊，或以右掌拍住左臂，左肘由左向右橫擊者，皆為撲肘，
A “pouncing elbow” is when you use your left palm to slap your right forearm as your right elbow strikes across from right to left, or when you use your right palm to slap your left forearm as your left elbow strikes across from left to right.

第二十四勢　囬身搗肘
Posture 24: TURN BACK, POUNDING ELBOW

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，身由右後轉，（北）足就原地扭轉，畧向前移，成右弓左箭襠，同時，左掌抵住右拳，右肘隨身後轉，向面前搗出，肘尖向前，高與胸部相對，目視右肘，如第二十四圖，
When you hear the command, your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the north), your feet staying where they are but twisting around and shifting slightly forward, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your left palm presses on your right palm as your right elbow goes along with your body’s turn to the rear by pounding out forward, the tip of the elbow pointing forward at chest level. Your gaze is toward your right elbow. See photo 24:

用法
Function:
敵被我上勢一肘，勢必反響，欲向轉縮，我乘其動時，即囬身一肘，搗其胸肋，
Faced with my previous elbow technique, the opponent will of course react by wanting to dodge around me, so I ride along with his movement by turning my body back and pounding my elbow to his chest or ribs.
練法
Practice method:
轉身，扭步，及兩手，皆為同時動作，
Turn around, twist your feet, and move your hands – all at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「搗」直前攻擊曰搗，岳飛曰，直搗黃龍府與諸君痛飲耳，
To “pound” is to attack directly forward. (Yue Fei said [History of the Song Dynasty – bios, part 124]: “Let us pound straight through to the enemy’s capital, and then we can all get drunk!”)
「搗肘」以肘尖直前擊人者，曰搗肘，
A “pounding elbow” is when you use the tip of the elbow to strike directly forward to the opponent.

第三段
SECTION THREE

第二十五勢　披挂埋伏
Posture 25: DRAPING & HANGING, AMBUSH POSTURE

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，兩手上格過眉，右足原地扭步，左足提起，隨身右轉，落步曲膝，成騎馬襠，（東）落步時，兩手由上撲下，虎口相對，高與胯平，目視兩手，如第二十五圖，
When you hear the command, your hands block upward past your eyebrows, your right foot staying where it is and twisting, your left foot lifting as your torso turns to the right, and upon stepping down, the knee bends to make a horse-riding posture (facing to the east). As your step comes down, your hands pounce downward from above, the tiger’s mouths facing each other at hip level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See photo 25 [two views]:

用法
Function:
上格敵人之雙鳳貫耳，下按敵人之腹部，如係腿来，亦可用以按其腿，
I block upward to deal with the opponent’s technique of TWIN PHOENIXES THROUGH THE EARS, then I push downward to his abdomen. Or if he kicks, I can also use this technique to push his leg away.
練法
Practice method:
兩手上格，與左足提起，齊動，轉身，落步，與兩手下撲，齊動，
Your hands block upward and your left foot lifts – moving at the same time. Your body turns, your step comes down, and your hands pounce downward – moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「撲」以掌下按曰撲，
“Pouncing” – using the palms to strike downward.
「雙鳳貫耳」拇指扣住食指，以中節由旁橫向裏擊，單手者，為鳳拳，雙手者，為雙鳳貫耳，「拇指」手足之大指，皆名拇指，「食指」手之第二指，名食指，
TWIN PHOENIXES PIERCE THE EARS – With the thumb pressing out the forefinger, use the mid-knuckle of the forefinger to strike inward from the side. When done with one hand, it is called PHOENIX PUNCH. When done with both hands, it is called TWIN PHOENIXES PIERCE THE EARS. (The thumb is also called the “mother finger”. The forefinger is also called the “eating finger”.)

第二十六勢　翻身雙推
Posture 26: TURN OVER, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，兩掌提囬貼肋，掌心向上，右足提起，隨身由右後轉，落步曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（西北）同時，兩掌隨步向前推出，掌心相對，掌根向前，中隔兩拳，高與腰齊，目視兩手，如第二十六圖，
When you hear the command, your palms lift and withdraw tight to your ribs, palms facing upward, as your right foot lifts, the foot then going along with your body turning to come down to the right rear, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing toward the northwest). At the same time, your palms go along with your step by pushing out to the forward right, palms facing each other, the heels of the palms going forward, a space of two fists between them, at waist level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See photo 26:

用法
Function:
提足讓腿，轉身追敵，雙推按其腰胯，
I lift my foot to evade the opponent’s kick, then turn around to chase him and do a double-hand push to his waist or hips.
練法
Practice method:
兩手收囬貼肋，右足提起，齊動，扭步，翻身，齊動，右足落步，兩手發出，齊動，
Your hands withdraw tight to your ribs and your right foot lifts – moving at the same time. Your foot twists and your body turns around – moving at the same time. Your right foot comes down and your hands shoot out – moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「落步」凡提起之足，落步踏實，或點步，虛步之足，落地踏實者，皆為落步，
By “comes down” means that a lifted foot steps down fully, or in the case of the toes touching down in an empty stance, the foot lowers fully to the ground.

第二十七勢　轉身撩掌
Posture 27: TURN AROUND, RAISING PALM

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，身向左轉，（南）足就原地扭轉，左足曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，同時，左手搭住右臂，（下膊）右掌由下向前撩出，掌心向前，指尖向下，與氣海相對，目視右掌，如第二十七圖
When you hear the command, your body turns around to the left (to be facing to the south), your feet staying where they are but twisting around, your left knee bending to make a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your left hand connects with your right forearm as your right hand goes from below to raise out forward, palm facing upward, fingers pointing downward, level with your sea of energy. Your gaze is toward your right palm. See photo 27:

用法
Function:
敵竄至我左側，我即轉身向其下部一撩，左手搭臂，防其斬脈，
The opponent scurries around to my left, so I turn around and do a raising action to his groin, my left hand connecting with my forearm to prevent his hand from slashing at my pulse area.
練法
Practice method:
翻身，變襠，左手搭，右手撩，皆為同時動作，
Your body turns around, your stance switches, your left hand connects, and your right hand raises – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「撩掌」由下發出，而指尖向下，掌心向前者，曰撩掌，
“Raising palm” – to shoot out from below, fingers pointing downward, palm facing forward.

第二十八勢　收步赶肘
Posture 28: WITHDRAWING STEP, CHASING THE ELBOW

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，左足收囬半步，足跟稍提夾膝，成虛步左剪襠，（南）同時，右掌握拳收囬抱肘，左拳向前下方赶出，拳心向下，與左膝相對，目視左拳，如第二十八圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot withdraws a half step, heel slightly lifted, knees squeezing toward each other, your left foot emptying, making a left scissors stance (pointing to the south). At the same time, your right palm grasps into a fist, and withdraws with a wrapping elbow, as your left fist chases out forward and downward, the center of the fist facing downward level with your left knee. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See photo 28:

用法
Function:
上勢之撩掌用到，則此勢右手取其下部，向囬一抽，左拳向其小腹一抵，若未用到，而被敵人接腕則此勢即為右手帶其腕，向囬一縮，左拳擊其上膊，以斷其肘，
Having applied the previous posture of RAISING PALM TO THE GROIN, in this posture my right hand then grabs his genitals and pulls back while my left fist presses into his sea of energy. If I do not succeed with this technique due to the opponent connecting with his wrist, I then use this posture by withdrawing my right hand, pulling his wrist, and using my left fist to strike his upper arm in order to break his elbow.
練法
Practice method:
兩手握拳，一發一收，右拳抱肘，與右足曲膝，左拳發出，與左足虛步，
Both hands grasp into fists and one shoots out as the other withdraws, your right fist withdrawing with a wrapping elbow as your right knee bends, your left fist shooting out as your left foot makes an empty stance.
附註
Terminology:
「剪襠」兩足相距一小步，前虛後屈，而兩膝相夾者，曰剪襠，（身之重量多在後足）
“Scissors stance” – your feet are only a small step apart, front leg empty, rear leg bent, your knees pinching toward each other (all the weight going onto your rear foot).
「收步」凡在前之足，收囬半步者，為收步，
A “withdrawing step” is when the front foot withdraws a half step.

第二十九勢　反擒迎風（右）
Posture 29: REVERSE GRAB, GOING AGAINST THE WIND (right side)

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，左足向右拗步，左手由右而上至左，繞一圓圈，下托右臂，（下膊）右足上步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，右拳由右上方斜向前扎出，拳眼向右，高與耳部相對，目視右拳，如第二十九圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot goes to the right with a curving step, your left hand going from the right, carrying upward to the left arcing a circle to prop up under your right forearm, and your right foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, my right fist goes from the upper right to smother diagonally forward, the fist eye facing to the right, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 29 [repeat of photo 11.1]:

用法
Function:
左手上挑敵臂，拗步防腿，上步進敵，右拳斜擊其左耳，左手封住敵之右臂也，
As my left hand carries the opponent’s arm upward, I do a curving step to defend my legs, then step forward to crowd him as my right fist diagonally strikes to his left ear, my left hand sealing off his right arm.
練法
Practice method:
左手與左足先動，右手與右足齊動，
Movement starts with your left hand and your left foot. Then your right hand and right foot move together.
附註
Terminology:
「上步」前進一步為上步，
“Stepping forward” means advancing a full step.
「拗步」見第十七勢附註，
“Curving step” was explained in Posture 17 [in the magazine version].

第三十勢　反擒迎風（左）
Posture 30: REVERSE GRAB, GOING AGAINST THE WIND (left side)

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，右足向左拗步，右手由左而上至右，繞一圓圈，下托左臂，左足上步曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，（南）同時，左拳由左上方斜向前扎出，拳眼向左，高與耳齊，目視左拳，如第三十圖，
When you hear the command, your right foot goes to the left with a curving step, your right hand going upward from left to the right arcing a circle to prop up under your left forearm, your left foot steps forward, the knee bending to make a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your left fist goes from the upper left to smother diagonally forward, the fist eye facing to the left, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See photo 30:

用法
Function:
右手上挑敵臂，拗步防腿，上步追敵，左拳扎其右耳，右手托臂，不獨護肘，且可封住敵人之臂，
As my right hand carries the opponent’s arm upward, I do a curving step to defend my legs, then step forward to crowd him as my left fist smothers to his right ear. My right hand propping up my arm is not merely for guarding my elbow, but can also be used to seal off his arm.
練法
Practice method:
右手上挑，右足拗步，先動，為一氣，左拳扎出，與左足上步，齊動，為一氣，
Your right hand carries upward and your right foot does a curving step – moving at the same time, making a single action. Your left fist smothers to the opponent’s ear your left foot steps forward – moving at the same time, making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「護」保也，
To “guard” means to defend.
「護肘」即保護自己之肘，不使敵人攻擊也，
To “guard the elbow” means to defend your own elbow to keep the opponent from attacking it.

第三十一勢　封門勾絆
Posture 31: SHUT THE DOOR, HOOK & TRIP

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，右手翻至左腕上面，兩手變勾，向左右一分，臂直，勾尖向下，同時，左足原地微扭，曲膝，右足就地由右向左一絆，足尖斜向左前，夾膝，成高勢右剪襠，（南）目前視，如第三十一圖，
When you hear the command, your right hand turns over above your left wrist as your hands become hooks and they spread apart to the sides, arms straight, the tips of the hooks pointing downward. At the same time, your left foot stays where it is and slightly twists, the knee bending, as your right foot keeps in contact with the ground and does a trip from right to left, toes slanted toward the forward left, your knees squeezing toward each other to make a tall right scissors stance. Your gaze is forward. See photo 31:

用法
Function:
敵左足在前，以右臂格我上勢之拳，我右手搭其右腕，向右一帶，右足向其左足外面一絆，敵自站不住矣，如其右足在前，則我之右足，即可踹其右脛，右勾即可擊其左耳，
With his left foot forward, the opponent uses his right arm to block my fist from the previous posture, so I use my right hand to connect to his right wrist and pull it to the right as my right foot does a trip to the outside of his left foot, which will naturally destabilize his stance. If his right foot is forward, my right foot could kick to his right shin and my right hooking hand could strike to his left ear.
練法
Practice method:
右手翻至左腕上面，先動，兩手變勾分開，與右足掃出，齊動，
The movement starts with your right hand turning over above your left wrist. Then your hands become hooks and spread apart, and your right foot sweeps out – moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「勾」與鈎通，用於此處，乃以我手，鈎開敵手之意，
To “hook” is to catch, in this case using my hand to hook aside the opponent’s hand.
「絆」繫足曰絆，用於此處，乃以我足絆倒敵足之謂，
To “trip” is to tangle up the opponent’s foot, in this case using my foot to trip his.
「脛」小腿內側之骨，曰脛，
“Shin” – bony inner side of the lower leg.

第三十二勢　退步加封（右）
Posture 32: RETREAT, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT (right side)

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，左足原地曲膝，右足後退膝直，成左弓右箭襠，（南）同時，左鈎由右上繞至左變掌，向面前托住右臂，（下膊）右鈎下落變拳，向右後繞，由右上斜向面前扎出，拳眼向右，高與耳部相對，目視右拳，如第三十二圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot stays where it is, the knee bending, as your right foot retreats, the knee straightening, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your left hooking hand goes from the right, changing to a palm, and arcs upward to the left until in front of your face to prop up your right forearm, as your right hooking hand lowers, changing to a fist, and arcs to the right rear, going from the upper right to smother diagonally forward, the fist eye facing to the right, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your right fist. See photo 32:

用法
Function:
敵逃出我上勢之勾絆，左足跨進我右側，以左拳扎我頭部，我退步以左手挑開敵之右臂，乘虛以右拳扎其後腦，或擊其左肋，
The opponent evades my previous posture of hooking and tripping, then advances his left foot to my right side     and uses his left fist to do a smothering strike to my head, so I retreat, using my left hand to carry aside his right arm, and take advantage of the opportunity to use my right fist to smother to the back of his head or to his left ribs.
練法
Practice method:
左手挑，右手變拳後繞，與右足動步，一氣，左手托臂，右拳扎出，與右足撐直，左膝前弓，一氣，
Your left hand carries, your right hand changes to a fist and arcs to the rear, and your right foot steps – making a single action. Your left hand props up your arm, your right fist goes out with a smothering strike, your right leg presses straight, and your left knee bends forward – making a single action.
附註
Terminology:
「退步」凡在前之足，撤囬後方者，曰退步，
By “retreat” is meant that your front foot withdraws to the rear.

第三十三勢　退步加封（左）
Posture 33: RETREAT, PASTE UP AN ANNOUNCEMENT (left side)

口令數（一）
Command: “One!”
學者聞令，右足原地曲膝，左足退步膝直，成右弓左箭襠，（南）同時，右拳由左變掌，上繞至右前，向面前托護左臂，（下膊）左手由下向後，繞至左上方，斜向面前扎出，拳眼向左，高與耳齊，目視左拳，如第三十三圖，
When you hear the command, your right foot stays where it is, the knee bending, and your left foot retreats, the knee straightening, making a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow (pointing to the south). At the same time, your right fist goes from the left, changing to a palm, and arcs upward to the forward right until in front of your face, propping up your left forearm, as your left hand goes from below, arcs to the rear, to the upper left, and smothers diagonally forward, the fist eye facing to the left, at ear level. Your gaze is toward your left fist. See photo 33:

用法
Function:
敵逃出我上勢之右拳，又上右步，以右拳扎我，我退步以右手挑開，並擒其右臂，乘虛以左拳扎其後腦，或擊其右肋，因其右臂已被我右手擒住，故右邊全部空虛，任我宰割，
The opponent evades my previous posture of striking with my right fist, and he steps forward again, now with his right foot, using his right fist to do a smothering strike at me, so I retreat, using my right hand to carry aside and grab his right arm and take advantage of the opportunity to use my left fist to smother to the back of his head or to his right ribs. Because his right arm has been grabbed by my right hand, his right side is now completely open, allowing me to destroy him.
練法
Practice method:
右手挑，左手繞，左足動步，齊動，右手托，左拳扎出，與右足曲膝，左足後撐，齊動，
Your right hand carries, your left hand arcs, and your left foot steps – all moving at the same time. Your right hand props up, your left fist goes out with a smothering strike, your right knee bends, and your left leg straightens behind – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「退步」凡在前之足，退囬後方者，曰退步，
By “retreat” is meant that your front foot withdraws to the rear.
「撐」俗通作撐，斜柱也，
By “straighten” is meant that your leg supports like a slanted pillar.
「擒」急持也，捉也，
By “grab” is meant that you urgently take hold of or capture.

第三十四勢　翻身雙推
Posture 34: TURN OVER, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH

口令數（二）
Command: “Two!”
學者聞令，左足原地扭步，右足提起，兩掌貼肋，掌心向上，身由右後轉，（北）右足向前落步，曲膝，成右弓左箭襠，同時，兩掌向前推出，掌心相對，虎口向上，中距兩拳，高與腰齊，目視兩手，如第三十四圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot stays where it is and twists as your right foot lifts, your palms withdrawing tight to your ribs, palm facing upward, and your body turns around to the right rear (to be facing to the north), your right foot then coming down forward, the knee bending to make a stance of right leg a bow, left leg an arrow. At the same time, your palms push out forward, palms facing each other, tiger’s mouths facing upward, a space of two fists between them, at waist level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See photo 34:

用法
Function:
敵一面逃出我上勢左拳，一面以右足踹我右足，且竄至我後方，我提足破其踹腿，轉身雙推，按其腰胯，
The opponent evades my previous technique of attacking with my left fist then uses his right foot to kick my right leg and scurries around behind me, so I lift my right foot to ruin his kick and turn around to do a double-hand push to his hips.
練法
Practice method:
右足提起，與兩掌貼肋，先動，轉身，左足扭步，齊動，右足落步，與兩掌發出，齊動，
Movement begins with your right foot lifting and your palms withdrawing tight to your ribs. Your body turns around and your left foot twists – moving at the same time. Your right foot comes down and your palms shoot out – moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「翻身」在前之足，隨身提轉後方者，曰翻身，
To “turn over” means your front foot lifts and goes along with your body turning around to the rear.

第三十五勢　轉身雙推
Posture 35: TURN AROUND, DOUBLE-HAND PUSH

口令數（三）
Command: “Three!”
學者聞令，兩掌收囬貼肋，身由左後轉，（南）右足拈步撐直，左足拈步曲膝，成左弓右箭襠，同時，兩掌向前推出，掌心相對，虎口向上，中距兩拳，高與腰齊，目視兩掌，如第三十五圖，
When you hear the command, your palms withdraw tight to your ribs as your body turns around to the left rear (to be facing to the south), your right foot twisting, the leg straightening, your left foot twisting, the knee bending, making a stance of left leg a bow, right leg an arrow. At the same time, your palms push out forward, the palms facing toward each other, tiger’s mouths facing upward, a space of two fists between them, at waist level. Your gaze is toward your hands. See photo 35:

用法
Function:
敵由我左側竄至我後方，我轉身以兩掌按其腰胯，
The opponent scurries around to my left until behind me, so I turn around and do a double-hand push to his hips.
練法
Practice method:
兩掌貼肋，左足拈步，與轉身，齊動，右足拈步，左足曲膝，與兩掌發出，齊動，
Your hands withdraw tight to your ribs, your left foot twists, and your body turns – all moving at the same time. Your right foot twists, your left knee bends, and your palms shoot out – all moving at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「轉身」兩足就原地隨身拈轉後方者，曰轉身，
To “turn around” [as opposed to “turn over”] means both feet stay where they are and twist as the body turns to the rear.

第三十六勢　太極歸真
Posture 36: RETURNING TO TAIJI

口令數（四）
Command: “Four!”
學者聞令，左足扭步，右足併步，（南）同時，左掌收囬貼胸，掌心向下，臂與肩平，右掌收囬貼腹，掌心向上，兩掌相對，中隔兩拳，目前視，如第三十六圖，
When you hear the command, your left foot twists and your right foot steps up to stand next to it (pointing to the south), while your left palm withdraws close to your chest, palm facing downward, arm at shoulder level, and your right palm withdraws close to your abdomen, palm facing upward, palms facing each other, a space of two fists between them. Your gaze is forward. See photo 36 [repeat of photo 1]:

用法
Function:
此乃收束勢也，
This is a posture of gathering in.
練法
Practice method:
手足一齊動作，
Your hands and feet move at the same time.
附註
Terminology:
「併步」凡在後之足，與在前之足，相併，或在前之足，與在後之足，相併，皆曰，併步，
The feet “standing next to each other” means that the rear foot moves to stand next to the front foot or the front foot moves to stand next to the rear foot.
「歸真」還其本来面目也，（國策）歸真反璞，則終身不辱，
By “return” is meant reverting to your original state. (From Strategies of the Warring States [book 1 of Qi, chapter 4]: “He returned to his original simplicity, and thus for the rest of his life he was without disgrace.”)

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