Wang Xi’an: Pie Shen Chui – Flinging Body Punch

This is a photo essay of Grandmaster Wang Xi’an demonstrating the Chen style tai chi posture called Pie Shen Chui, or Flinging Body Punch.  This is the 24th posture from the form Laojia Yilu, or Old Frame First Routine.  This posture is also called Flash of Lightning Through Back.

In this posture the punches are hidden and “flung” from behind the back, hence the name.

1. From final position of Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar, shift your center of gravity to the right side.  The left foot steps slightly to the left to open step (about 60 cm width).  Change your right fist to an open palm.  Hands open out to both sides.  Extend your wrists out to sides and palms face up.

2. Shift your center to the left, palms becomes fists.   As you rotate your waist to the left, right fist swings up and to the left at shoulder/neck level, in front of chest, right wrist slightly extended.  Left fist punches down and to the rear.

3. Shift your center to the right.  As you rotate your waist to the right, left fist swings up and to the right at shoulder/neck level, in front of chest, left wrist slightly extended.  Right fist punches down and to the rear.

4. Move your left fist towards you (as if almost punching your own nose), then punch down and to the rear, until your left fist is outside and behind the left leg, fist pointing to the rear.  As you rotate your waist to the left, right fist swings up and to the left at shoulder/neck level, in front of chest, right wrist slightly extended.  At the same time, lift your right knee high and step to the right side into bow and arrow step, feet flat on ground.  Weight remains on left leg.

5. Bend your right knee and shift your center of gravity to the right, leaning right.   Right elbow and fist stretch down and around your right knee, then punch down and to the rear.  Left fist swings up and to the right at shoulder/neck level, in front of chest, left wrist slightly extended.

6. Bend your left knee and shift your center to the left.  As you rotate your waist to the left, your right fist swings up and to the left at shoulder/neck level, in front of chest, right wrist slightly extended.  Slide your left elbow/forearm to left side across your abdomen until the knuckles of your left fist rest on the side of your body between your left lower ribs and hip.

7.  Bend your right knee and shift your center of gravity to the right.  Knuckles of your left fist stay attached to the side of your waist between the lower ribs and top of hip.  Left elbow folds forward.  Right elbow drops slightly then lifts/circles up and to the right coordinated with the turning of the waist to the right.  Eyes look at the big toe of your left foot (final posture).