Wushu Greeting
Chinese martial Art Greeting

Notes:

Wushu (translation: "martial arts") Greeting
A universal and traditional greeting in the Tai Chi world showing mutual respect. Done before the start and at the end of each class.

Right thumb outside fist = strength
4 fingers left hand extended together = friendship
Left thumb slightly bent on side of hand = humility
Right fist on left palm
Step together & nod, or bow

Instructors write:

"Turn the placement of thw fingers to whatever upward or angular location is within their comfort zone. That being said, in my years involved in Kung Fu and Shaolin Kempo, the greeting was about the same by many and the fingers were always more upward, but not necessarily straight."

"For the greeting...This is my interpretation and why. Fingers should be aligned with the rest of the palm. This means that the left forearm and hand (and fingers) are aligned about 45 degrees. Although you may be tempted to pull the fingers up...straigher, there is no reason as in this situation, I would prefer a more natural, relaxed alignment. It allows the palm to be relaxed but in connected. The Right Forearm is also about 45 degrees. This leads to the knuckles being the high point and the fingers and back of the hand creating an (approximately) 90 degree angle... so the left palm can rest comfortably on the resulting 45 degree slope on the fingers."

Wushu power - In China, wushu refers most commonly to what westerners call kung fu. Wushu is a fast martial art that utilizes circular motion and attacking movements that flow easily from one to another. Its circular, flowing movement can make wushu appear showy, even flowery. However, if wushu is like a flower, it is most like a rose, for along with its beauty, its thorns are sharp indeed.