Bai Mei Quan Basic Horse Stance 4: Qilin Stance / Kirin Stance

English Translation:

"Next we'll drill the Qilin Stance (Kirin Stance) - a mythical beast's gait blending agility with rock-solid stability. This footwork enables rapid positional shifts while maintaining rooted power, crucial for lightning-fast counterattacks. Demonstration breakdown:

From ready position: Slide left foot diagonally forward

Right foot withdraws with toes rooting downward (demonstrating claw grip)

Elevate right heel to 60° while keeping forefoot grounded

Rotate lead foot 45° externally (critical angle for torque generation )

Biomechanical lock :Knees press inward against thigh engagement

Front foot presses firmly to create ground rebound

Spine extends vertically through straightened waist

Transition drill :

"From Siu Sei Ma (Four-Corner Stance):

Withdraw right leg - Heel lift - Knee/tigh fusion -

Waist alignment - Form the Kirin!"

Cultural Context

In Southern Chinese styles like Hung Gar, this stance evolves into "麒麟吐玉书" (Qilin Holding Scripture) posture. The mythical qilin's hoofprints were believed to contain cosmic patterns - mirroring how this stance 'writes' combat geometry on the ground. When teaching Western students, relate it to fencing's lunge with Asian biomechanics.