Retreat to Ride the Tiger 退步跨虎
Tuì bù kuà hǔ
How to do it
Step back and settle into an empty stance, hands separating – one rising, one lowering – a posture like White Crane.
Step by step
- Step back with the front foot
- Settle into an empty stance
- Separate the hands, one rising and one lowering
- Look forward
Breathing
Inhale as you step back; exhale as the hands separate.
Health focus
Backward stepping balance.
Common mistakes
- Leaning back
- Losing balance on the step
Martial meaning
Retreats and deflects high and low at once.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Opens arms like White Crane. |
|---|---|
| Chen | 'Step Back to Mount the Tiger'. |
| Sun | 'Backward step, riding tiger'. |
| Seated | Separate the hands, one up one down. |
Where it appears
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 96: Step Back and Ride the Tiger
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 78: Step Back to Mount the Tiger
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 70: Step Back to Ride the Tiger
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 35: Retreat to Ride the Tiger
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 98: Step Back Ride Tiger
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 68: Step Back and Ride the Tiger
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
Videos belong to the channels named and are shared for education. Figures In Space is not affiliated with them.
Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.