Separate Foot (Toe Kick) 分腳
Fēn jiǎo
How to do it
Cross the wrists in front, lift the knee, then open the arms to the sides as the foot extends slowly in a toe-kick toward the corner.
Step by step
- Cross the wrists in front of the chest
- Lift the knee to waist height
- Open the arms out to the sides
- Slowly extend the foot in a toe kick toward the corner, then lower it
Breathing
Exhale as the leg extends.
Health focus
Single-leg balance and hip strength; kick only as high as is comfortable.
Common mistakes
- Kicking too high
- Leaning back to kick
- Collapsing the supporting knee
Martial meaning
Low kick to the shin or knee while the arms open the guard.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Slow, controlled kick at waist height. |
|---|---|
| Chen | 'Rub Foot' – slap the foot with the hand. |
| Wu | 'Separate Foot Kick'. |
| Sun | 'Toe kick'. |
| Seated | Open the arms and extend one leg straight forward from the chair, then lower. |
Where it appears
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 37: Right Separation Kick
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 38: Left Separation Kick
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 31: Rub Right Foot
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 32: Rub Left Foot
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 29: Rub Right Foot
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 30: Rub Left Foot
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 28: Separate Right Foot
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 29: Separate Left Foot
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 34: Right Separate Foot Kick
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 36: Left Separate Foot Kick
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 42: Right Separate Hands
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 48: Lean Back Kick with Toe
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 32: Kick Left Foot (Toe Kick)
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 33: Kick Right Foot (Toe Kick)
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 37: Kick Left Foot (Toe Kick)
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.