Cross Hands 十字手
Shí zì shǒu
How to do it
Separate hands in a wide circle down and around, then cross the wrists in front of the chest (right outside), feet parallel at shoulder width – a balanced, closed posture.
Step by step
- Turn the toes in and shift weight
- Open both arms in large circles down and around
- Bring the feet parallel at shoulder width
- Cross the wrists in front of the chest, right outside
Breathing
Inhale as the arms open; exhale as they cross.
Health focus
Calming, centering, upper-back mobility.
Common mistakes
- Arms too tight to the chest
- Hunching the back
Martial meaning
Crossed arms form a protective frame and can intercept a strike.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Ends each section of the long form. |
|---|---|
| Chen | Cross Hands (Shi Zi Shou) begins section two. |
| Seated | Circle arms out and down, cross wrists at chest height. |
Where it appears
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 23: Cross Hands
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 16: Cross Hands
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 54: Cross Hands
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 101: Cross Hands
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 14: Cross Hands
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 17: Cross Hands
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 14: Cross Hands
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 54: Cross Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 60: Cross Hands and Slap Kick (Cross Lotus)
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
Videos belong to the channels named and are shared for education. Figures In Space is not affiliated with them.
Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.