Stances are, without a doubt an important part of Hung Gar training. Hung Gar training includes number of different stances which are common to most gung fu styles. The following is a brief description of the stances found in Hung Gar style, important points to bare in mind and most common mistakes one can make. Please note that this is only an introduction. There is much more to these stances than the descriptions given below.
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 Sei Ping Ma / Four Level Horse Stance |
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 Sei Ping Ma also known as Ma Bo (Horse Stance-step) is so called because it resembles a person riding a horse. This is one of the most faundamental and important stances in Hung Gar and can be found in almost every style of Chinese martial arts. This is a strong, stable stance, which provides a strong foundation. Sei ping Ma like all the other stances must be practiced regularly to improve your balance, strength, speed as well as many other important factors including the mental and internal aspects of the art. When practicing horse stance there are important points to follow. |
Important Points
• Body weight even on both legs 50/50
• Sink down not forward
• Toes pointing forward
• Knees turned out
• Back straight, buttocks tucked in
• Body relaxed and weight sunk down |
Common Mistakes
• Toes pointing out
• Knees too inward or too outward
• Feet too near or too far apart from each other
• Back not straight, buttocks sticking out
• Body too tensed
• Body leaning forward or backward |
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| Ji-Ng Ma / |
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 This stance commonly known as bow and arrow stance is another common stance which can be found in many other martial arts. Ji-Ng Ma is a strong, firm stance where the weight is usually distributed 60/40. With this stance knee of the front leg is bent and the back leg should be straight.
The waist is fully turned facing forward, the knee and the feet of the leg forward is turned in. Ideally thigh of the front leg should be parallel to the floor. |
Important Points
• Waist turned, body square
• Back leg straight- feet flat on the floor
• Knee of the front leg turned inward
• Feet(toes) turned inward
• Back straight and shoulders relaxed |
Common Mistakes
• Front Feet pointing forward
• Back leg not straight
• Stance too far apart or too close
• Back heel off the floor
• Front Knee not bend enough |
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 This is a flexible stance where most of the body weight is placed on the rear leg. The rear leg is bent at the knee and the weight is sunk straight down, the front leg is also bent at the knee and only toes of the front feet touching the floor. Ideally thighs should be parallel to the floor. Initially begin with a higher stance and and through gradual progression lower the stance. Ensure the backside is tucked in making sure the spine is straight. |
Important Points
• Back straight, body facing forward
• Weight sunk down
• Most of the weight is place on rear leg
• Front leg bent, toes touching the floor |
Common Mistakes
• Weight placed on front leg
• Front Toes not pointing down
• Rear leg is not bent enough
• Front leg straight and locked |
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| Gam Gai Duk Laap Ma - The golden chicken stands in one leg |
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 Gam gai duk laap ma (
The golden chicken stands in one leg
) is most commonly referred as crane stance. This common one-legged stance is done by having one foot solidly planted on to the ground while the other leg is lifted of the floor by bending the leg at the knee and raising the knee higher than the waist. The foot of this leg should be turned inward.
This stance requires a strong foundation and balance. Make sure the straight leg is not locked. |
Important Points
• Knee is raised high
• Back straight
• Weight sunk down the leg into the floor |
Common Mistakes
• Knee not raised enough
• Supporting leg locked
• Body leaning backwards |
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 This stance is formed by taking a step forward and crossing one leg infront of the other by creating a 90 degree angel while turning the waist and squatting down.
When in this stance the front foot is flat on the floor while the heel of the back foot is raised of the floor leaving the ball of this foot touching the ground. |
Important Points
• Back straight
• Waist turned, both knees bent
• Sink the weight, squat down |
Common Mistakes
• Leaning forward or backward
• Knees not bent enough
• Heal of the rear foot touching floor |
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 This stance is exactly the same as Kei-Lun Bo(Quai Ma), the only difference is this stance is performed on the spot by turning/twisting the waist instead of taking a step.This stance requires a lot of waist action and is a very flexible and mobile stance. It can be used both for offense or defense. |
Important Points
• Back straight
• Waist turned, both knees bent
• Sink the weight, squat down |
Common Mistakes
• Leaning forward or backward
• Knees not bent enough
• Heal of the rear foot touching floor |
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| Tau Ma- Stealing Horse |
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 Ta ma is similar to Nau Ma and Quai Ma in the sense of appearance, however the usage is slightly different. Tau ma is generally known as retreating step where the front foot is placed behind the rear leg |
Important Points
• Back straight
• Waist turned, both knees bent
• Sink the weight, squat down |
Common Mistakes
• Leaning forward or backward
• Knees not bent enough
• Heal of the rear foot touching floor |
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Lok Quei Ma / Kneeling Horse |
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 This stance is is a strong and stable stance, where one can rise and drop quickly to attack or defend the lower parts of the body etc.Lok Quei Ma is formed by keeping one foot flat on the floor while bending the same leg at the knee and squatting down, while the other leg is bent at the knee which is lowered down near to the ground and brought close to the heel of the foot which is flat on the floor. |
Important Points
• Back straight
• Waist turned, both knees bent
• Sink the weight, squat down |
Common Mistakes
• Leaning forward or backward
• Knees not bent enough
• Heal of the rear foot touching floor |
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| This stance is the reserve of Ji-ng-ma. The stance is formed in the same way where the legs, feet , knees are positioned the same and back straight as always. With this stance body is slightly more lower to the ground. |
Important Points
• Back straight
• Waist turned, both knees bent
• Sink the weight, squat down |
Common Mistakes
• Leaning forward or backward
• Knees not bent enough
• Heal of the rear foot touching floor |
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 Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma is a strong, stable stance. It is formed by having the feet about shoulder with apart, tucking the pelvis in, turning the toes and knees inwards in a shape of triangle and sinking the weight down. Due to its shape, some people reffer to this stance as triangle stance. |
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