左斜飛 (Zuǒ Xié Fēi), or "Left Diagonal Flying

 左斜飛 (Zuǒ Xié Fēi), or "Left Diagonal Flying

左斜飛 (Zuǒ Xié Fēi), or "Left Diagonal Flying," is a movement commonly found in Tai Chi. It involves a diagonal strike that typically follows a retreating or advancing motion, depending on the situation. Here's how you can practice 左斜飛 with both retreat and advance:

1. Understanding the Movement

• The 斜飛 (xié fēi) refers to a diagonal, sweeping motion. When done with the left hand (左), it involves using the left arm to execute a diagonal movement that can serve as both an offensive strike or a defensive deflection.
• This movement requires you to step in a diagonal direction, and its purpose is to either advance or retreat while maintaining fluidity and balance.

2. Step-by-Step Practice for Advance (进)

Starting Position: Start in a neutral position, like 中正 (zhōng zhèng), or a stance such as 马步 (mǎ bù).

• Step 1: Prepare the Hands

  • Start by placing your left hand in a palm (掌) shape, slightly to the side of your body. The right hand should be in a relaxed fist or palm position, possibly near your waist, ready to move into a defensive position.

• Step 2: Retreat to Advance: Retreat with the Left Foot first, then Advance your Right Foot and then Advance the Left foot

  • Begin by stepping backward with the left foot, shifting your weight onto the left leg, then to the right leg and then to the left leg. At the last step, prepare your left hand for the 斜飛 motion.

• Step 3: Perform the Diagonal Flying Motion

  • As your left foot steps forward, raise the left hand diagonally upward and forward in an arc, as though you are guiding or striking an opponent in front and slightly to the side.
  • The motion should feel fluid and sweeping, ensuring that you don’t lock the elbow but maintain a relaxed structure with the arm extended. The hand will follow a diagonal trajectory, with the palm facing outward as it moves.

• Step 4: Final Position

  • Finish the movement by bringing your left hand into the final striking or blocking position, diagonally across your body or facing slightly upwards, depending on the style and application.
  • The right hand should remain in a defensive position, either at your side or guarding your torso.

• Step 5: Reset the Position

  • Once the motion is complete, reset your body back into a neutral stance or ready position. This prepares you for the next advance or movement.

3. Step-by-Step Practice for Retreat (退)

Starting Position: Begin in a stance such as 中正 (zhōng zhèng).

• Step 1: Prepare the Hands

  • The hands should be in a neutral position, with the left hand in a palm (掌) shape, and the right hand in a fist or guard position.

• Step 2: Retreat with the Left Foot

  • Begin by stepping backward with the left foot, shifting your weight onto the right leg, and your body following the retreating motion.

• Step 3: Perform the Diagonal Flying Motion

  • As you step back, use your left hand to perform the diagonal sweeping motion in the opposite direction from the advancing version.
  • The hand will move diagonally backward and across your body, with the palm facing slightly downward, creating a movement that serves to deflect an incoming attack while retreating.

• Step 4: Final Position

  • The left hand should complete the sweeping motion and come into a defensive position, either near the chest or just in front of the body, ready to defend or strike.

• Step 5: Reset the Position

  • After completing the retreat, return to a neutral stance or prepare for the next movement.

4. Key Points to Focus On:

• Smooth Transitions: Whether advancing or retreating, the transitions between movements should feel fluid and natural. Ensure that you are always maintaining balance and relaxation throughout the practice.
• Footwork Coordination: The footwork must match the direction of your hands. As you advance, step forward with the left foot, and as you retreat, step back with the left foot. Proper weight transfer is essential for maintaining balance and executing the movement effectively.
• Breathing: Inhale as you prepare and perform the sweeping motion, and exhale as you complete the action, releasing energy with the movement.
• Arm Relaxation: Don’t tense up your arms. Keep your elbows slightly bent, and ensure that your movements are relaxed, as this will enable the flow of energy from your feet to your hands.

5. Practicing Advancing and Retreating Together

• Practice the advance and retreat movements in a flowing pattern, moving back and forth with the left hand performing the 斜飛 (xié fēi) in both directions.
• As you become more comfortable with the motion, increase the speed while maintaining control and relaxation.

By practicing 左斜飛 with both retreat and advance, you develop not only your Tai Chi technique but also your ability to react effectively in different situations, whether you are approaching or moving away from an opponent.