The David Brent Wolfe Dictionary of

Chinese Martial Art Terms

When possible, terms are given in Mandarin (Hanyu) pinyin spelling. The older spelling of the Wade Giles method is used when it is the more commonly known version. For some terms the most common version is given in Cantonese.

- A -

• Ai means near to or next to something.
• An means to push or press down, then forward, and finally upward. The technique is to get the opponent's body to compress against the ground and then rebound upward permitting the pushing away of the opponent's body. It is one of the thirteen basic postures of Taiji quan.
• An chang, Mandarin, meaning press palm or pushing palm.
• Anjin means hidden power. It is a term describing the combination of hard and soft force in Xing yi quan. It is considered a middle level skill in the use of force.
• Ao bu means reverse stance. The opposite foot and hand are forward, i.e., left foot and right hand are in front of the right foot and left hand.
• Ao bu means twisted stance.