This is the first move in the third section. it moves you from the single whip posture into a guard position via a strong twist to the left.

There is an ancient Taoist symbol for peace and balance which has one hand with the fingers pointing up and the other hand beneath it. The lower hand signifies yin or the earth. The upper hand signifies yang or a plant growing out of the earth. There are many variations of this. This is the basic posture below.

Fist under elbow is a variation of this but as the lower hand is held in a fist it is a more aggressive, martial variant. It still signifies peace but shows you are prepared for combat.

How to do it

• Start in single whip position
• Twist your waist to the left drawing your left arm behind you and your right arm in front of you. Turn your right foot so it is also facing West.
• Bring your weight back onto your right leg. As you do so lower your left arm down and circle it back up in ftont of you. Drop your elbow slightly so your fingers are pointing diagonally upwards.
• As you do this drop your right elbow down and close your hand into a loose fist so it ends up under your left elbow.

From this position you just need to lower your right hand to your hip to be in a position to start the next move repulse monkey.