I have heard that Ba Gua uses mud-stepping (Tang Ni Bu), but I also have heard that Xing Yi uses it. Does Xing Yi use this (where the foot is sliding forward while in contact with the floor) and if so, what is the purpose? I guess I am curious about the purpose even if Xing Yi doesn't use it.

You use in case you're stuck in the mud. Mud fighting is very difficult.

Is mud wrestling your thing then Bruce, or is it really Betty.

Peter,
The orignal idea of Tang Ni Bu was to train the practitioner to keep his center of gravity stable as he shifted his weight while stepping. There are several variations of the step:

-sliding the feet along the ground without lifting the soles.

-picking the feet up then sliding the toes onto the ground first.

-raising the foot then placing the sole down flat.

-low, "normal" heel to toe stepping.

-raising the foot to knee height, then sliding the foot forward toes first.

All variations were designed to improve stability in motion, strengthen the legs and center and create the ability to change directions quickly without loss of balance.

In actual application (when fighting), the normal heel to toe step is most often used.

Tim,

Thanks for your reply. I have a follow-up question: You say that in application the heel-toe step is used most often. Is that because it is simply more natural or is there another reason? Thanks so much for your response.

Peter

TO add to that question, How is the toe to heel steping done? I assume it's the toe brushing againgst the heel and sliding through to the next step.

It means the toe contacting the ground before the heel.

If you try to brush your toe against the heel of the other foot during stepping you'll trip over your own foot frequently.

Now that I no longer have feet all I have to worry about is the occassional thumb-tack.