Move 5: Lu

 

Wu Style Short Form: The Movement of Lu

We now progress to the move known as Lu, or "roll back." This is a fundamental technique for absorbing incoming force and redirecting it, teaching you how to neutralize an attack by blending with its energy rather than meeting it head-on.

The Breakdown of the Movement

The move begins with your weight rooted firmly in your left foot, while your right heel is placed lightly on the ground with the toe pulled up. This position keeps your right leg unweighted, allowing for easy movement. If you're working on balance, it's perfectly fine to keep a little weight in that right foot.

From this grounded stance, you begin to rotate your lower body outward, away from your centerline. As your torso turns, your hands move in a coordinated fashion: your right palm rotates away from your body, while your left fingers slide to the back of your right wrist. This circular motion creates a soft, yielding energy.

Next, you fluidly shift your weight deeper into your weighted left leg, feeling a stretch through your back. As you do this, your hands continue their circular path, moving downward in front of you until they are stacked on top of one another with both palms facing down. Throughout this entire movement, it is essential to maintain good posture and a circular shape with your arms, as if you are gently cradling a large ball.

This entire sequence teaches you how to maintain your center while moving, and how to use your body's structure to absorb force and stay connected to the ground.