Hidden Hand Punch (Fist of Covering Hand) 掩手肱捶
Yǎn shǒu gōng chuí
How to do it
Chen hallmark: the left hand 'hides' the right fist, the body coils, then the waist snaps and the right fist issues explosively (fajin) while the left elbow pulls back.
Step by step
- Sink and turn, the left palm in front hiding the right fist
- Coil the waist and gather the energy into the legs
- Turn the waist sharply to the left
- The right fist shoots forward as the left elbow pulls back
Breathing
Exhale sharply on the issue of force (or slowly when done softly).
Health focus
Core rotation and coordination; do it slowly if joints are sensitive.
Common mistakes
- Throwing the arm without the waist
- Locking the elbow on the punch
Martial meaning
Short, explosive punch powered by the whole body.
How it varies between styles
| Chen | Explosive fajin; appears several times in Yilu and Erlu. |
|---|---|
| Seated | Coil the waist and extend a soft fist slowly – no explosive release needed. |
Where it appears
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 12: The Fist of Covering Hand
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 17: Fist Cover Hand Downwards
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 25: Step Forward to Punch Cover Hand
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 40: The Fist of Covering the Hand
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 66: Step Forward to Punch Covering the Hand
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 14: Hidden Hand Punch (Fist of Covering Hand)
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 24: Hidden Hand Punch (Fist of Covering Hand)
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 38: Hidden Hand Punch (Fist of Covering Hand)
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 59: Hidden Hand Punch (Fist of Covering Hand)
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.