Ward Off (Peng) 掤
Péng
How to do it
An expanding, buoyant energy: the arm rounds in front of the chest like holding a large ball, supported by the whole body rather than arm strength.
Step by step
- Hold an imaginary ball, front arm on the bottom
- Step forward and shift into bow stance
- The front forearm rises in a rounded arc to chest height, palm facing you
- The rear hand presses down beside the hip
Breathing
Exhale as the arm expands forward.
Health focus
Shoulder and upper-back strength with relaxation; whole-body connection.
Common mistakes
- Collapsing the arm against the chest
- Tensing the shoulder to hold the arm up
Martial meaning
Peng is a springy, expansive structure that absorbs and returns incoming force.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Left ward-off opens Grasp Bird's Tail. |
|---|---|
| Chen | Peng is present in every movement – the 'mother energy'. |
| Seated | Round the arms in front while lengthening the spine. |
Where it appears
- Cheng Man-ch'ing 37-Posture Short Form – step 3: Ward Off Left
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.