Snake Creeps Down (Single Whip Squat) 蛇身下勢
Shé shēn xià shì
How to do it
From Single Whip, sink back into the right leg, lowering the body along the extended left leg while the left hand threads down along it. Go only as low as is comfortable – the intention matters more than depth.
Step by step
- From Single Whip, turn the right toes out
- Sink back into the right leg, bending the knee
- Lower the body along the extended left leg as the left hand threads down
- Rise forward, turning the left toes out, into Golden Rooster
Breathing
Inhale as you rise; exhale as you sink.
Health focus
Leg strength and hip mobility; use a high version or a chair for support.
Common mistakes
- Going lower than the knees allow
- Rounding the back
- Lifting the heel of the bent leg
Martial meaning
Ducking under an attack and entering low.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Deep crouch; many practitioners use a higher version. |
|---|---|
| Chen | 'Fall and Split' (Die Cha) is the extreme Chen version – a full split to the floor. |
| Wu | 'Downward Posture'. |
| Sun | 'Lowering movement' – high and gentle. |
| Seated | Slide one hand down the extended leg while keeping the spine long. |
Where it appears
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 69: Snake Creeps Down
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 94: Snake Creeps Down
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 57: Fall and Split
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 53: Shake Foot and Drop Down (Fall and Split)
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 25: Snake Creeps Down (Single Whip Squat)
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 73: Downward Posture
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 96: Downward Posture
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 55: Cloud Hands, Lowering (Snake Creeps Down)
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 66: Single Whip and Lowering Down (Snake Creeps Down)
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.