Dmitri wrote:I was taught that (almost) every step in the form could potentially be a kick. This one could be a stomp to the top of the foot
Complete agreement, but if you look at the empty stances, the cat stances like white crane spreads wings are better places strategically for toe kicks, while the 7 star stances are good places strategically for heel kicks. The top of the foot is just one place to put that heel kick and call it a "stomp".
johnwang wrote:The 7-star stance (toes up heel down) is used to control your opponent's leading leg (such as shin bite). If you put your 100% weight on your back leg, your leg control intention is gone. Also, your front leg 7-star stance can be easily scooped or swept. In Chang Taiji form, all those 7-star stance are done with flat leading foot instead.
I don't really see leg control indicated in any of the places that a 7 star is explicitly spelled out, but could be missing it. I see that sort of thing more in, I dunno, maybe fair ladies? Would have to play with it.
Every forward step is supposed to put the heel down first, so any forward step followed by shifting forward could be a place for "leg control intention".