Move 7: An

 

The Wu Style Short Form: An (Press/Push)

The move An in the Wu Style Short Form is a beautiful demonstration of dynamic body rotation and energy control, transitioning fluidly from a deceptive hold into a powerful press. It's often translated as "Press" or "Push."

The Transition and Initial Rotation

Begin with your weight settled into the right foot. The movement starts with the idea that an opponent has grabbed your extended right hand. To counter, you first empty the right side, shifting your entire weight and torso back to the left foot. This deceptive retreat allows you to break your opponent's root.

The "Pizza Serve" and Center Sweep

From this rooted position in the left foot, the action changes:

1. Rotate away from your center (to your right), bringing the right arm with you in a wide, circular arc—as if you are smoothly serving a large pizza. This rotation generates the initial outward energy.

2. Maintain the flow and rotate towards the other side (to your left), bringing the right arm across your body to make it vertical. The hand sweeps down and through the center line, preparing for the final chop.

The Power of the Final Press

The final stage is the powerful shift and press:

1. Shift your weight firmly back to the right foot. As you do, the right hand chops forward and down, while the left fingers rest lightly on the right wrist to provide support and direct the power.

2. Finish by actively stretching up through the right leg. The weight is fully in the right foot as you rotate your torso away from the weighted leg. The right hand angles towards the ground in a final, rooted press, with the left fingers supporting the back of the wrist to stabilize the energy.

This move teaches the principle of using the whole body's rotation (the yao) to generate power, rather than relying on muscular strength alone.