Tim, Do you bring the retreating hand in smashing fist, palm up (say grabbing, pulling type motion) or palm down (say hooking type motion)? I'd always practised palm up, but since becoming aware of the palm down version have found it useful as well. Simply ignorance on my part, or are both versions widespread.?

Chris,
I twist the returning hand palm up and use it to "pull" myself forward into the next punch. Most styles I have seen twist the hand palm up.

Thanks, i found it to be an interesting variation, if the opportunity presents itself, to 'hook-pull' your opponent forward (say after a 'slap' outside-in block) before the half step follow up punch, particularly if you are angling in slightly. I'm always trying to 'take away' the opponent's base for counters, before issuing, whilst trying to minimise his oppurtunity for the same. I feel hooking rather than grabbing achieves that.

We do a variation of the Horse Form that is close to the technique you describe. It involves attacking with a hooking palm strike to the head, when the opponent blocks, the striking hand hooks and pulls the opponent's blocking hand down and forward in a small circle, and the same hand springs back in to punch the ribs.

Been on a 'back to basics' drive over last year or so focusing on san ti 'elements' and other basic power routines almost exclusively, to better 'understand' (and apply) the jings. Working within these 'limitations' has actually helped open up more possibilites to this ... simple fighting art.

On a recent EF thread Meynard wrote about concentrating on smoothness, alignment and rhythm; like kneading dough. I'd have to say i've come to similiar conclusions... bit of a worry really.

Tim, Couple questions on Beng stepping and xing yi stepping in general.

Been some discussion as to the vulnerability of the the half step to low kicks. Somewhat puzzled myself, as i have found xing yi stepping advantageous for both delivering and avoiding such kicks. Interested if you have any thoughts or advice.

From Hebei perspective, I think the problem may be in committing 'weight' onto lead foot too early (not 'empty' stepping). Empty stepping means you can withdraw and wrap if you have to, and you are committed forward only in process of chicken stepping where the rear leg can jam or deflect as it is brought forward.

However may explain the 'shuffling' (alternating hands but not sides) Beng Quan forms, where lead foot is not turned out, making it more resilient to low kicks, but not much of a platform for delivering either.

Hey Chris,
In my experience, the Xing Yi footwork is very useful for avoiding kicks (the follow step keeps the feet from remaining too far apart, which limits mobility). Xing Yi footwork allows for great mobility in every direction.

Perhaps some people are confusing the training footwork in the basic forms to the footwork used in fighting.