The rest stance (xie bu) is one of the five basic wushu stances. This guide explains how to perform the rest stance in modern wushu styles such as Longfist, Broadsword, Straightsword, Staff, and Spear. In more traditional wushu styles—like Nanquan, Taiji, and Bagua—the rest stance is performed slightly differently.
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Execution
- Sit down with one knee placed under the other.
The heel of the leg whose knee is underneath should be lifted off the ground. That knee may lightly touch the floor but should not be rested on fully. - Keep your upper body upright and your back fully extended.
Avoid crouching or hunching forward. - Keep your head up and look horizontally over your shoulder:
- If your left knee is under your right, look over your left shoulder.
- If your right knee is under your left, look over your right shoulder.
- Place your fists on your hips, with your upper arms parallel to the floor.
Keep your shoulders low and slightly pulled back.
Advice
- Learn the Five Stances Form (Wushu Wu Bu Quan).
- Use the rest stance as a stretch for your glutes and to improve balance and posture.
Suggestions
- Wushu Bow Stance (Gong Bu)
- Wushu Horse Stance (Ma Bu)
- Wushu Cat Stance (Xu Bu)
- Wushu Flat Stance (Pu Bu)
- Old Wushu Stances Instruction from 2006
- Karate (for cross-training or comparison)
Videos/Images
- Rest Stance – Xie Bu
- Five Stances Form – Wu Bu Quan
