Part the Wild Horse's Mane 野馬分鬃
Yě mǎ fēn zōng
How to do it
Hold a ball at one hip, then step into a bow stance as the forward hand sweeps diagonally up to eye level and the rear hand presses down beside the hip – parting the horse's mane. Repeat left and right.
Step by step
- Hold a ball at one hip
- Step forward with the heel
- Shift into bow stance as the front hand sweeps up and out to eye height
- The rear hand presses down beside the hip
- repeat on the other side
Breathing
Inhale as you gather; exhale as the hands separate.
Health focus
Walking balance, coordination, the opening move of the 24 form.
Common mistakes
- Narrow stance
- Arms separating before the weight shifts
- Leaning
Martial meaning
Shoulder and arm push under the opponent's arm to uproot them.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Three repetitions in the long form; opens the 24 form. |
|---|---|
| Chen | Done on both sides with large silk-reeling arcs. |
| Wu | Interleaved with Play the Lute. |
| Sun | 'Parting wild horses mane' with follow-step. |
| Seated | Hold the ball, then sweep one hand up-out and the other down, alternating. |
Where it appears
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 2: Part the Wild Horse's Mane (left & right, 3 times)
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 57: Parting Wild Horse's Mane, Right
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 58: Parting Wild Horse's Mane, Left
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 59: Parting Wild Horse's Mane, Right
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 47: Part the Wild Horse's Mane on Both Sides
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 45: Part the Wild Horse's Mane
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 60: Wild Horse Separate Mane
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 62: Wild Horse Separate Mane 3 Times
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 64: Wild Horse Separate Mane
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 67: Wild Horse Separate Mane
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 49: Parting the Wild Horse's Mane
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.