Bend the Bow to Shoot the Tiger 彎弓射虎
Wān gōng shè hǔ
How to do it
Step to the corner in a bow stance; both hands form fists – the right fist draws back at the temple, the left fist punches forward – the body forms a drawn bow.
Step by step
- Step to the corner into bow stance
- Form loose fists
- Draw the right fist back by the temple
- Punch the left fist forward, body shaped like a drawn bow
Breathing
Exhale as the fists extend.
Health focus
Spine rotation, stance strength.
Common mistakes
- Twisting the knee
- Arms stiff
Martial meaning
Simultaneous block and double strike.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Fists at temple and chest height. |
|---|---|
| Wu | Same idea, straight-line lean. |
| Sun | 'Draw bow to shoot tiger'. |
| Seated | Turn the waist and extend one fist forward while the other draws back by the temple. |
Where it appears
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 98: Bend the Bow and Shoot the Tiger
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 37: Bend the Bow to Shoot the Tiger (then Deflect, Parry, Punch, Apparent Close, Cross Hands, Closing)
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 101: Bend Bow Shoot Tiger
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 70: Bend the Bow, Shoot the Tiger
Animated 2D guide (front view). The highlighted leg carries the weight, the faint trails show the path of the hands, and the cue at the top suggests the breath.
Video demonstrations 影片
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Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.