Wu Ji Stance

Wu Ji Stance无极步 is the beginning stance for all forms. It means “no extreme stance”. The name comes from the understanding of before there was the yin/yang.  It is a time to collect one’s thoughts, focus on the breathing, and “raising” one’s mental strength to have a powerful practice.  It is so important, it is believed to be the most important exercise to practice.  Some masters have their students practice this stance for months before teaching any more.  It is for feeling the body, knowing what each muscle, joint tendon etc.  Because there are no movements, it is easy to physically practice, so it can be boring for many.  However, it is the base to all practices.

One can practice this with the feet together or shoulder width, at the Wei Tuo Academy we teach it with the feet shoulder width.  The weight is evenly distributed onto both feet.  The knees are slightly bent, unlocked and one does not bend the knees further than slightly bent.  The feet should make a suction cup to the ground, lifting the arches of the feet.  Keep the proper alignment of the body, and the weight disturbed on the toes, side of the foot, balls of the feet, and the toes.