The Thirteen Tactics
Eight Forces (Ba Jin)
PENG
An upward-directed and usually circular force
LU
A diversion to the side. If the opponent punches and you intercept with the arm and divert the attack slightly off course and into emptiness, this is Lu. In employing Lu to divert, our hand will generally intercept the opponent's arm at the wrist and/or elbow joints.
JI
A forward directed palm strike or push, after the opponent's attack has been avoided or redirected.
AN
A downward-directed force, such as pressing down on and at an angle to the opponent.
CAI
Usually translated as uprooting. In response to an attack we sink at the same time using leverage to disrupt an opponent's balance.
LIE
The use of spiralling force, for example where we initially divert the opponent's attack using Lu, then spiral the attacking arm back in toward our opponent.
ZHOU
The use of the forearm or elbow either to divert an attack or to strike the face or ribs as we move forwards in response to a pull.
KAO
The use of the shoulder or body to strike the opponent
Five Steps (Wu Bu)
Bu means 'steps' or 'footwork' or 'stance'. This term encompasses stances that we use, evasion, moving in and out of range and shifting from one stance to another. The stances are trained in the forms, Nei Kung, and pushing hand drills.
Advance
Retreat
Left Glance
Right Gaze
Centrally Fixed
Eight Forces (Ba Jin)
PENG
An upward-directed and usually circular force
LU
A diversion to the side. If the opponent punches and you intercept with the arm and divert the attack slightly off course and into emptiness, this is Lu. In employing Lu to divert, our hand will generally intercept the opponent's arm at the wrist and/or elbow joints.
JI
A forward directed palm strike or push, after the opponent's attack has been avoided or redirected.
AN
A downward-directed force, such as pressing down on and at an angle to the opponent.
CAI
Usually translated as uprooting. In response to an attack we sink at the same time using leverage to disrupt an opponent's balance.
LIE
The use of spiralling force, for example where we initially divert the opponent's attack using Lu, then spiral the attacking arm back in toward our opponent.
ZHOU
The use of the forearm or elbow either to divert an attack or to strike the face or ribs as we move forwards in response to a pull.
KAO
The use of the shoulder or body to strike the opponent
Five Steps (Wu Bu)
Bu means 'steps' or 'footwork' or 'stance'. This term encompasses stances that we use, evasion, moving in and out of range and shifting from one stance to another. The stances are trained in the forms, Nei Kung, and pushing hand drills.
Advance
Retreat
Left Glance
Right Gaze
Centrally Fixed
