Move 6: Ji
Wu Style Short Form: The Movement of Ji
After the expansive energy of Lu, we transition into the focused energy of Ji, which is often translated as "press" or "squeeze." This movement teaches you how to collect and direct force with precision, using a stable, grounded posture.
The Breakdown of the Movement
The move begins from your rooted position, with your weight shifted to your left foot. The initial action is a subtle re-alignment of your center.
Turn and Hinge: Keeping your weight on your left foot, you turn your hips straight ahead. At the same time, you begin to shift your weight into your right foot, hinging slightly at the hips to bend. This hinging is not a full squat, but a controlled forward lean that allows you to maintain a straight back and a powerful, connected posture.
Hands and Wrists: As your body begins to shift and hinge, your hands move with it. You turn your bottom palm over so that both palms face each other. This motion is a subtle "squeezing" or "gathering" of energy. Your hands don't just move from the arms; they are driven by the rotation of your hips and the movement of your legs.
Tuck and Sink: The final phase involves a crucial change in your lower body. You lengthen your lower back to tuck, sinking your butt toward the ground. This action engages your core and solidifies your grounded stance. As you sink, your hands complete their motion, unfolding so that your left fingers are on your right wrist. This creates a powerful, compact position, ready to "press" forward with the next move.
