Preparation / Wuji Stance 預備式 / 無極式
Yùbèi shì / Wújí shì
How to do it
Stand with feet together or shoulder-width, arms relaxed at the sides, crown lifted, knees soft, tailbone dropped. Breathe into the lower dantian and let the mind settle – the stillness before movement.
Step by step
- Stand with feet together, arms hanging naturally
- Soften the knees, let the tailbone drop and lengthen the back of the neck
- Rest the tongue lightly on the roof of the mouth behind the teeth
- Shift weight to the right, lift and step the left foot out to shoulder width
- Settle the weight evenly and breathe into the lower belly for several breaths
Breathing
Slow nasal breathing; let each exhale sink the body slightly.
Health focus
Posture awareness, calming the nervous system, grounding before practice.
Common mistakes
- Locking the knees
- Puffing the chest or arching the low back
- Holding the breath or shoulders
Martial meaning
Wuji is the 'ready' state: relaxed, rooted and alert, able to move in any direction.
How it varies between styles
| Chen | Feet shoulder-width, slight knee bend, energy 'gathered' before the first spiral. |
|---|---|
| Yang | Feet together, then step left to shoulder width. |
| Wu | Feet parallel, natural upright posture. |
| Sun | Heels together, toes out at 45°, very upright. |
| Seated | Sit tall near the front of the chair, feet flat, hands resting on thighs. |
Where it appears
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 1: Preparation Form
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 1: Preparing Form
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 1: Preparation
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.