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Lesson 02 / 04

Bow Stance

Gōng Bù 弓步

Find balance with one foot forward and the rear heel grounded.

Side view diagram showing a bent front knee and a grounded back foot
Front and back balance · illustrated guide

Follow the steps

  1. Step onto two tracks

    Take a modest step forward. Keep some side-to-side space between the feet. Let the rear toes angle slightly outward from the direction of the front foot.

  2. Bend the front knee

    Shift a little toward your front foot. Let its knee follow the direction of its toes. Keep the rear leg long and the rear heel on the floor.

  3. Return and switch

    Shift back to center and bring your feet together. Repeat on the other side at the same comfortable depth.

Practice on a clear, non-slip surface. Start with shallow stances, move slowly, and stop if you feel pain.

Stance names and alignment reference International Wushu Federation rules, p. 47. This drill uses a shallower stance for practice.