The horse stance (Chinese: ma bu) is one of the five basic wushu stances. In this lesson, you will learn how to perform the horse stance as it is practiced in modern wushu styles such as Longfist, Broadsword, Straightsword, Staff, and Spear. In some traditional wushu styles—such as Nanquan, Taiji, and Bagua—the horse stance is performed slightly differently.
Find more wushu instructions at Wushu Main.
Execution
- Stand with your feet about three shoe lengths apart (approximately two shoulder widths) and keep your feet parallel.
- Lower your body as if sitting on a horse, ensuring your thighs are horizontal to the ground.
- Your knees should neither collapse inward nor be pushed outward. (See illustration above)
- Keep your upper body upright and vertical. Avoid leaning forward.
- Look straight ahead. Your line of sight should be horizontal.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and pulled slightly back. Place your fists on your hips, with your upper arms parallel to the ground.
Advice
- Learn the Five Stances Form (Wushu Wu Bu Quan).
- Begin by holding the horse stance for 30 seconds. Gradually increase the duration until you can hold it for 3 minutes.
Some practitioners of traditional wushu can maintain the horse stance for 30 minutes or more. - Practice in front of a mirror to check your posture and alignment.
Suggestions
- Wushu Bow Stance (Gong Bu)
- Wushu Cat Stance (Xu Bu)
- Wushu Flat Stance (Pu Bu)
- Wushu Rest Stance (Xie Bu)
- Old Wushu Stances Instruction from 2006
- Karate (for comparison or cross-training)
Videos/Images
- Horse Stance – Ma Bu
- Five Stances Form – Wu Bu Quan
