Peng (掤)

 Peng (掤)

 In traditional martial arts, Peng (掤) is one of the eight basic hand postures and a significant training stance in Xingyiquan (Shape-Intention Boxing). Peng emphasizes "elbow not leaving flank" (肘不離胯, zhǒu bù lí kuà), meaning your elbow should maintain a constant connection with your hip to ensure better power generation.

Here's a breakdown of elbow position in Peng:

• Alignment: The elbow should stay slightly behind and above your hip, with some space between them.
• Movement: When extending your palm forward, the elbow moves with it while remaining connected to the hip. Retracting the palm brings the elbow back, again maintaining that hip connection.

There are differing views on whether the axis point (wrist) should face directly down or angle slightly outward in Peng:

• Axis Downward: Some believe the axis point should face the ground for better stability and generating downward force. They argue that a slightly outward position can lead to wrist flexion and potential injury.
• Axis Slightly Outward: Others advocate for a slight outward angle of the axis point to better execute Peng's "撥" (pō - ward off) and "撩" (liáo - scoop) motions. They believe a perfectly downward axis can cause stiffness and hinder flexibility in hand techniques.

In essence, there's no single perfect position for the axis point in Peng. You can adjust it based on your body type, strength, and training goals. The key remains maintaining the "elbow not leaving flank" principle and keeping your wrist relaxed and protected.

Peng, along with Pi (劈 - chop), Chuan (闖 - pierce), Liao (撩 - scoop), Tuo (托 - carry), Cai (采 - pluck), He (合 - close), and Gua (掛 - hang), forms a complete training system in Xingyiquan. Practicing Peng strengthens the hands, arms, and waist, improving a martial artist's power generation, control, and defensive capabilities.

Here are some key points to remember when practicing Peng:

• Maintain elbow connection with hip: Ensure your elbow stays connected to your hip throughout the movement for optimal power delivery.
• Relax your wrist: Keep your wrist loose, avoiding a clenched grip.
• Mindful awareness: Focus your mind on guiding the movement, bringing awareness to your hand, arm, and waist.
• Gradual progress: Mastering Peng requires dedicated practice. Beginners should progress gradually and avoid rushing.

'在傳統武術中，掤（péng）是八種基本手型之一，也是形意拳中的重要練習姿勢。掤的手法講究“肘不離胯”，意思是肘部始終保持與胯部相連的狀態，這樣才能更好地發力。

具體來說，在掤的時候，肘部應保持在胯部的後上方，與胯部保持一定的距離。在出掌時，肘部要隨掌向前移動，但不離胯。收掌時，肘部要隨掌向後收回，仍保持在胯部的後上方。

至於軸端是否朝地或微微向外，則存在不同的觀點。

• 軸端朝地：一些武術家認為，掤時軸端應朝地，這樣可以更好地保持穩定性，並產生向下的力量。他們認為，微微向外的姿勢容易導致手腕翻折，造成受傷。
• 軸端微微向外：另一些武術家則認為，掤時軸端應微微向外，這樣可以更好地發揮掤的“撥”和“撩”的作用。他們認為，軸端朝地的姿勢容易導致掌法僵硬，缺乏靈活性。

實際上，掤時軸端的位置並沒有一個固定的標準，可以根據個人的體型、力量和練習目的進行調整。重要的是要保持肘不離胯的原則，並注意手腕的放鬆和保護。

在形意拳中，掤與劈、闖、撩、托、采、合、掛八種手型一起構成了一套完整的練習體系。掤的手法可以鍛煉手部、臂部和腰部的力量，提高武術家的發力、控制和防守能力。

以下是一些掤時的練習要點：

• 保持肘不離胯：肘部始終保持與胯部相連的狀態，這樣才能更好地發力。
• 注意手腕的放鬆：手腕應保持放鬆，不要用力握緊。
• 意識引導：在練習掤時，應注意意識引導，將意念集中在手、臂和腰上。
• 循序漸進：掤的手法需要長期的練習才能掌握，初學者應循序漸進，不要急於求成。