Glossary

One World, One Family

biu1 bou6

Darting step
Biu Bo
English Definition:

Biu Bo (Darting Step) — one of the strategic footwork elements in Wing Chun, appearing in the third section of the Chum Kiu (Seeking the Bridge) form. The name means “darting step,” reflecting its explosive speed.
The power generation follows a five-step process:
1. Settle the stance — Establish a proper Ching Sun Ma (frontal stance) with full weight on the rear leg, front leg empty. Align the spine so that the centre of gravity line aligns perpendicularly from the shoulder well acupoint (Jianjing GB-21) down to the bubbling spring acupoint (Yongquan KD-1) on the rear foot. Relax and sink the breath, allowing energy to descend to the bubbling spring.
2. Ground reaction — Applying Newton’s Third Law, the compressed energy rebounds upward, propelling the entire body forward.
3. Front step — The empty front foot steps forward, landing on the heel.
4. Toe grip — The toes grip the ground firmly to stabilize the front footing.
5. Rear follow — The rear foot glides up to re-establish the stance structure. Biu Bo exemplifies whole-body unity and lightning-fast forward drive. It serves as the pivot between offense and defense, and is a key tool for closing distance and controlling the opponent’s position.

Traditional Writing:
標步
Chinese Definition:

標步(標馬)——構成詠春拳核心戰略步法的元素之一,見於「尋橋」套路第三節。此步法以後腳發勁,驅動整體身軀向前移動,其勢迅疾,故名「標步」。 發勁過程細分為五個環節:
1. 蓄勢歸中——先坐穩正身馬,重心落於後腳(前虛後實),脊椎領直,使重心線由肩井穴垂直貫通至湧泉穴,繼而鬆氣下沉,氣貫湧泉。
2. 借地發力——依作用力與反作用力之理,氣由下往上灌注,催動身體向前彈出。
3. 虛步探進——前足(虛腳)順勢向前邁出,腳跟先著地。
4. 抓地生根——腳趾隨即收緊扣地,穩定前足支撐。
5. 後隨合位——後腳跟進,恢復正身馬結構。 此步法強調整勁一體、快如箭標,既是攻防轉換之樞紐,亦為追形逼步之利器。

Cantonese:
[biu1 bou6]