Needle at Sea Bottom 海底針
Hǎi dǐ zhēn
How to do it
Sit back on the right leg with left toe touching. The right hand lifts by the ear and then plunges down and forward, fingers pointing to the floor, as the upper body inclines – like a needle reaching the sea floor.
Step by step
- Sit back on the right leg, left toe touching
- Raise the right hand by the right ear
- Plunge it down and forward, fingers toward the floor
- Incline the upper body while keeping the spine long
Breathing
Exhale as the hand plunges down.
Health focus
Hip hinge, hamstring and back mobility, done gently.
Common mistakes
- Rounding the back
- Bending too far for comfort
Martial meaning
Pulls an opponent downward after seizing the wrist.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Upper body leans with a straight spine. |
|---|---|
| Wu | Deeper incline. |
| Seated | Draw one hand up by the ear then reach it down toward the shin, hinging gently forward (only as far as comfortable). |
Where it appears
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 19: Needle at Sea Bottom
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 26: Needle at Sea Bottom
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 79: Needle at Sea Bottom
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 25: Sea Bottom Needle
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 81: Sea Bottom Needle
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.