Biu Ma

Part of the Sil Lim Tao Phase One, Techniques grading

The basic Wing Chun footwork / stepping is called "Biu Ma" which roughly translates
to "going forwards stance".
Objective
The objective of Biu Ma is to learn the basic footwork to move forwards in the Wing
Chun stance. Biu Ma actually comes form Wing Chun's second form but is brought
forwards in the syllabus due to its usefulness.
Info about Biu Ma
Biu Ma or "thrusting stance" is used to refer to the kind of stance and footwork
developed in Chum Kiu. Wing Chun's stepping is designed to give its practitioner
maximum stability, whilst maintaining maximum security from attack. The basic
position of one's feet when using Biu Ma is as follows: Feet are approximately
shoulders width apart or slightly over, and the feet are at 45 degrees. The power
for the stepping comes from ankle strength built through the Achilles tendon, as
well as leg strength. The power for the step is thrust from the back leg. The
practitioner should power down into the ground with the back leg, and then thrust
the power out, remembering to move the front leg first. Always check the position
of the feet when in place. Do not leave feet too close together or too far apart. A
common mistake is to stand on your toes, but this prevents the generation of extra
power in the step, and also compromises the structure of the practitioner.

As previously stated, Wing Chun's stepping is designed to give its practitioner

maximum stability, whilst maintaining maximum security from attack. Feet should be
slightly over shoulders width apart as this gives maximum stability. Further apart
and the balance is too spread and the legs become very vulnerable targets. Any
closer and the legs have little balance as all your weight is balancing on a small
area. Feet should be at approximately 45 degrees and parallel. If they are both
square on in a forward direction, they are immobile, and if they are square on at
any direction [see diagram], they expose the knee joint and shin area to attack. It
will also inhibit the practitioner when changing direction to deal with an attack
from the side or behind if the feet are square on. Knees should be slightly bent
because straight legs break when struck at the knees. Also if the legs are bent,
they are like a coiled spring ready to move. Almost all of the practitioner's
weight should be on the back leg, which enables for a fast advance and retreat as
one leg is thrusting forward, back or to the side. This also means weight does not
have to be shifted to kick with the front leg as it can move without disrupting the
balance if no weight is on it. Therefore, with the weight on the back leg, front
kicks can be performed easily and swiftly. Furthermore, having weight on the back
leg prevents an attack to the front leg being as dangerous to your balance. This is
useful because the front leg is the most likely to be attacked. The feet should be
flat on the floor when stationary as opposed to being up on the toes as this gives
a more stable surface on which to fight. It is no use fighting on stilts because
your balance, rooting, and overall structure will be compromised. Standing on your
toes is like fighting on stilts. The feet should be flat and only push up onto the
toes when pushing off during stepping. Once the step is complete, the foot must
always be firmly rooted to the ground.
What is expected in the grading
The student will be expected to demonstrate Biu Ma moving across the hall and back.
The student must keep a guard up and step with balance keeping the weight back
staying in a stable stance.