The Needle in Cotton Form (Min Lui Jum) 棉裏針 is a Soft Hand technique of the White Crane style. The form has approximately 100 named moves performed on 14 Stumps (Pins) arranged in a plum blossom pattern (4 connected flowers). Needle in Cotton encompasses close range combat techniques but now mainly practiced for balance, strength, mobility, conditioning, mind control, and general health benefits. There is single-leg stand, squat, and turn, rocking between pins, body twist, rotations of shoulders, bending of elbows and wrists. These demand synchronization of different parts of the body. The internal attention in a meditative mode seeks calmness and settlement while in constant motion. There is rejuvenation of the tendons and organs and was referred to as a “marrow washing” technique.
Stability
The exercise set challenges stability of the core and the lower body particularly during motion.
Balance
A lot of high and low stances on single leg with upper body and limbs extended and twisted.
Breathing
Chi to be enhanced with breathing coordinating movements.
Strength
Squatting, rising, and turning on a single leg.
Coordination
Synchronize action of wrists, elbows, fingers, arms, legs, and body with dynamic rhythm.
Positioning
A great training of the proprioceptors throughout the body. Requires awareness of body alignment, orientation, and specific location on the pins. of a plum blossom pattern.
