Front Trick and Back Trick 前招 · 後招
Qián zhāo · Hòu zhāo
How to do it
Chen movements that 'set up' the opponent: the hands lead forward then circle back as the weight shifts, creating feints that hide the real intention – followed by Part the Wild Horse's Mane.
Step by step
- Hands lead forward as the weight shifts forward
- Circle back as the weight shifts back
- Keep the movement continuous
- Flow into Part the Wild Horse's Mane
Breathing
Breathe with the forward and back waves.
Health focus
Weight shifting and rhythm.
Common mistakes
- Moving only the arms
Martial meaning
Feints that draw the opponent's reaction.
How it varies between styles
| Chen | Laojia & Practical Method section four. |
|---|---|
| Seated | Shift weight forward and back between the sit bones while the hands circle. |
Where it appears
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 45: Forward Trick
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 46: Backward Trick
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 43: Front Trick
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 44: Back Trick
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.
Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.