The 6 Stance Exercises of Fut Gar Kung Fu (Stance Dice)

Stance training is a fundamental part of Kung Fu training. Fut Gar Kuen has a series of 6 stance training exercises that follow the 6 faces of a die. The stance exercises are combined with hand techniques to make the training more complete.

1. The number 1 on a die is a single dot. Our stance training is done by holding a Hok Bo.
2. The number 2 is a Ma Bo exercise combined with the double punch techniques used in Fut Gar to build your pulling power and waist turn.
   
3. The number 3 is a Diu Bo shifting exercise. Start in a Diu Bo, slide forward and turn to face the reverse direction. Your trailing foot should now be where your lead foot began. In the end, the student will only be making contact with 3 points on the floor as he/she shifts back and forth. Hand techniques used are punches on a 45 degree angle from the body.
4. The number 4 is simulated by stepping in a square using a Ma Bo as in exercise 2. The double punch technique is used again in this exercise at each side of the square. This exercise is called the punching square in my school.
   
5. The 5th technique is done by planting your left foot and rotating around that foot by stepping your right foot in 90 degree turns. The hand technique used is Gow Sau, first over your right leg then over your left leg before each 90 degree turn.
   
6. The sixth is similar to number 3 except with a sideways shift to move to the next 3 spots. Starting in a Diu Bo the student shifts sideways to another Diu Bo followed by a shift forward and turn. At this point, the student will start the sequence again by shifting sideways. Hand techniques used are a push block from the elbow outward.

Although it is difficult to describe, it becomes clear to the students after they have done the exercises a few times. I thought I would write this as a general reminder to the students that are practicing this at home.