How to Do the Front Stance in Basic Southern Shaolin Kung Fu

Claiming to have originated in the Southern Shaolin temple in China, Shaolin kung fu is a martial arts style with influences in yoga and Indian fighting styles as well as the forces of nature. The front stance is one of the most basic and most important techniques in all of Southern Shaolin kung fu and is used to begin and transition between many kung fu movements.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Enter into the front stance by first drawing your fists into your waist with your elbows in tight towards your body. Swing your left foot out in front of you, as if you are drawing a counter-clockwise circle in the sand with your toe, and step forward, spreading your feet shoulder width apart.

2. Bend slightly at the knees and turn your left hip so that your back foot is directly begin your front foot. As you turn your hip, leave your front foot planted so that it ends up slightly turned in. While the Southern Shaolin front stance is similar to other kung fu and martial arts styles, it is slightly different in that you turn your foot in slightly in order to protect your knee if kicked. While a kick to the knee will still drop you to the ground, it will not damage the joint if your knee is turned in.

3. Look at your front knee, and make sure it is aligned with the top your foot. That is, as you bend at the knee, it too should turn in slightly. Keep your back leg straight and strong with your foot firmly planted on the ground.

4. Use the Southern Shaolin front stance when beginning a kung fu move or as your defense position. You can also use the front stance to push your opponent, as in this stance your body is prepared to push from the legs with force.

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