Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg 金雞獨立
Jīn jī dú lì
How to do it
Rise up onto one leg as the other knee lifts, the same-side hand rising with the knee, fingertips up, while the other hand presses down by the hip. Then switch.
Step by step
- Shift the weight fully onto one leg
- Lift the other knee to hip height or as high as is comfortable
- The same-side hand rises, fingers up, elbow above the knee
- The other hand presses down by the hip
- switch sides
Breathing
Breathe naturally while balancing.
Health focus
Single-leg balance, which is strongly linked to fall prevention. Keep a chair close.
Common mistakes
- Locking the standing knee
- Leaning sideways
Martial meaning
Knee strike with upward palm strike.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Left and right after Snake Creeps Down. |
|---|---|
| Chen | Golden Rooster with stamping on both sides. |
| Sun | High and brief. |
| Seated | Lift one knee a few inches while raising the same-side hand; hold the chair if needed. Standing version: keep a chair beside you. |
Where it appears
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 16: Snake Creeps Down & Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 17: Snake Creeps Down & Golden Rooster Stands on Right Leg
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 70: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Left
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 71: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Right
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 58: Left Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 59: Right Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 54: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg (left & right)
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 26: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Right
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 27: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Left
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 74: Left Golden Rooster on One Leg
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 75: Right Golden Rooster on One Leg
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 56: Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
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.