The Nine Principles
of Shun Wu Tang
順武堂
Original text
1. Advance/drive hastily, strike forcefully
2. Evade the attack (and nullify its force), counter-strike from the side
3. Couple force (hardness, attack) with flexibility (soft, defence, evade)
4. Amplification of force with torque (twisting/shaking the body from feet to hip to hand)
5. Swallow (hold down) the shoulders, release the shoulder blades
6. Alignment of the 4 golden points (hand, eye, hip, knee)
7. Feet rooted in the ground (deep, steadfast stances)
8. Amplification of force with bi-directional/counter-directional movements (e.g. pulling the opponent towards you while forcing a strike)
9. Virtual simulation (visualise the outcome)
Explanations
1. Advance swiftly, strike forcefully
Move decisively and commit fully to each technique. Speed and intention are crucial for effective offense.
2. Evade the attack, counter from the side
Rather than meeting force with force, redirect and flank. Use positioning and timing to gain the advantage.
3. Combine force with flexibility
Blend hardness and softness. Defense and offense should work in harmony—evade, absorb, and then strike.
4. Use torque to amplify power
Generate explosive power by twisting from the feet through the waist to the hands. This spiral energy increases impact.
5. Swallow the shoulders, release the blades
Keep the shoulders relaxed and settled. This opens the back and allows for freedom of movement and power delivery.
6. Align the four golden points (hand, eye, hip, knee)
Proper alignment of the hand, eye, hip and knee. Also harmony between intention (eye), technique (hand), structure (hip), and direction (knee) ensures efficient movement and unified power.
7. Root your feet deeply into the ground
A strong, stable stance connects you to the earth, providing balance and power for both attack and defense.
8. Use opposing forces to generate energy
Create internal tension by pulling in one direction while pushing in the other. This bi-directional force sharpens strikes and controls.
9. Visualize the outcome (virtual simulation)
Before acting, mentally rehearse the move. Clear intention guides action and prepares the mind for real application.
