Shoulder Stroke (Kao) 靠
Kào
How to do it
One of the eight energies: striking or bumping with the shoulder or back at close range.
Step by step
- Step in close with the front foot
- Lower the body slightly
- Turn the shoulder toward the target
- Issue force from the legs through the shoulder
Breathing
Exhale as the shoulder moves forward.
Health focus
Leg-to-trunk connection.
Common mistakes
- Leaning in with the head
- Using the arm instead of the body
Martial meaning
Close-range bump to unbalance an opponent.
How it varies between styles
| Chen | 'Lean with Back' (Bei Zhe Kao). |
|---|---|
| Yang | 'Shoulder Stroke' in the old long form. |
| Seated | Turn the shoulder slightly forward while rotating the waist. |
Where it appears
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 16: Lean with Back
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 10: Shoulder Stroke
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
Mark Rasmus · 3:31 · YouTube ↗
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.