TURNING STANCE – JUEN MA

Overview
Juen Ma is the turning stance of Wing Chun, used to redirect incoming force while keeping the body aligned and ready to counter. Rather than stepping away, the practitioner pivots the stance around the centre, allowing the body to absorb and transform pressure without giving up position. It is efficient, quick, and essential for maintaining control at close range.

Purpose of the Stance
The purpose of Juen Ma is to change angles without losing the centreline. By turning the stance instead of shifting the feet, you conserve energy, maintain rooting, and keep both hands active in defence and attack. Juen Ma teaches timing, structure, and the ability to face pressure safely.

Structure & Positioning
A correct Juen Ma keeps the knees softly clamped, the hips relaxed, and the spine upright. The pivot occurs through the waist and hips, not the shoulders. The feet grip the floor as the body rotates smoothly around its vertical axis. This ensures the practitioner stays centred and stable throughout the movement.

Using Juen Ma Under Pressure
When force arrives from the side or diagonally, Juen Ma redirects it without resisting. The stance shifts your angle just enough to deflect the pressure while keeping your hands free to strike. Juen Ma can be used with any Wing Chun movement, including Tan Sau, Bong Sau, Pak Sau, or counter-punching depending on the opening.

How It Connects to the System
Juen Ma appears throughout Siu Nim Tao, is developed further in Chum Kiu, and becomes vital in Chi Sau and application. Every turning movement in the system, from redirection to counter-attacking, relies on the principles of Juen Ma: structure, rotation, and efficiency.

Common Lessons in Juen Ma

• Rotate from the hips, not the shoulders

• Stay upright and centred while turning

• Keep the knees connected and relaxed

• Use minimal movement for maximum effect

• Redirect force rather than block it

• Maintain forward intent even while turning