Instructions for the Empty Stance (Xu Bu) - Kung Fu & Wushu Stance

The Xu Bu stance can be translated as the "false stance" or the "empty stance". The chinese name is 虚步 and the pinyin is xū bù.

This is one of the five main stances (or steps) found in most of the chinese kung fu styles.

Illustration of the Wushu Empty Stance (Xu Bu)

For a properly performed Xu Bu stance, you need to pay attention to a few things:

1. All (or most of) your weight should be supported by the rear leg
2. The rear leg must be bent and the knee must point outwards but no more than 45°
3. The front leg, which is "empty" (no weight) must be also bent and the knee must point a little bit inward, never outward
4. The front foot touches the ground only with the tip, the heel must not touch
5. The back must be straight and can bend forward a bit but not too much. The Ming Men has to be relaxed (pointing outwards)
6. The rear foot points 45° outwards and should be flat on the ground

References

1. Wudang Kung Fu Bucuresti, http://www.wdkf.ro | https://www.facebook.com/wdkf.ro, Added - 11/05/14