Wushu Cat Stance

Wushu Cat Stance

The cat or empty stance (xu bu) is one of the 5 basic wushu stances. In this lesson you will learn how to do the cat stance in modern wushu: Longfist, Bradsword, Straightsword, Staff and Spear. In some traditional wushu styles such as Nanquan, Taiji, Bagua etc., this stance is performed slightly different. Find more wushu instructions at wushu main.

Execution

  • This is an instruction for the right wushu cat stance.
  • Stand on your right leg and bend it a bit more than 90 degrees, so that the thigh is horizontal and the knee is slightly in front of the foot. Because the heel of the right leg should not be elevated, this stance requires some calf flexibility.
  • The left leg is bent a little bit and the big toe touches the floor. Please don't forget that the front leg doesn't carry any of the weight. The foot touches the floor without pressure at all.
  • Knees closed slightly.
  • Keep your spine straight and lean slightly forward, but not too far. (the weight is not supposed to rest on the front leg)

Advice

  • Learn the 5 stances form (wushu wu bu quan).
  • Try to hold the cat stance for 30 seconds. Keep practicing until you can stay in a cat stance for 3 minutes. Some practicioners of traditional wushu styles can hold the cat stance for 15 minutes and more.
  • Practice the cat stance in front of a mirror.
  • Do one legged cat stance squats to strengthen your quadriceps.