Still training/ Standing training

**Don Roley** · 07-19-2004, 05:41

Hi,
I am reading a book in Japanese on Chinese martial arts and there is a section devoted to the reasons and methods of standing in a stance for long periods of time. These are not the same reasons that I am used to from harder styles. I am fascinated and wish to learn more.

Does anyone know anything in English, either on line or off, or threads, etc, that would allow me to get a better understanding of the subject in a language that I (nominally) speak as my native tounge?

**Mandeigh Wells** · 07-19-2004, 06:45

You can find stuff you are looking for under the heading Zhang Zuang (Jam Jong for pronuniation) also known as standing pole.

here is an article click here this guy also talks about Yiquan...mind boxing which adopts similar postitions...

Mandeigh

**Don Roley** · 07-19-2004, 07:25

Thank you! That is exactly the type of thing I was looking for! The Japanese do not pronounce things the same as Chinese, or the English version of Chinese. So I could not do even a simple web search.

Thanks again!

**Mandeigh Wells** · 07-19-2004, 07:26

no probs....hope you find it useful

**RickMatz** · 11-24-2004, 12:33

Here is an introductory article for the general public:

EasternWisdom.net/yiquan

There are also very good articles by Gregory Fong at his site: i-chuan.net

Best Regards,

Rick Matz

**East Winds** · 11-25-2004, 08:18

Hi Don,

Zhan Zhuang is the method of standing for health purposes. I-Chuan or Da Cheng Chuan is the martial aspect of the art. It is a wonderful discipline and absolutely essential for the study of any of the internal arts. There are two methods of studying it. The Water Method or the Fire Method.

The water method means you stand only for as long as you can maintain concentration. (In the beginning this can be as short as 30 seconds). As soon as you find your mind has wandered, you stop! The fire method means you select a time period (sometimes 30 minutes in the beginning) and stand for that time, no matter what is going on in your body (or your legs!!!!!). Both methods have their supporters. I learned with Master Lam Kam Chuen who believes in the Fire Method. Although I also studied with Karel Koskuba (I-Chuan) who believes in the water method. Either way, try it. Its wonderful training.

Very best wishes

Alistair Sutherland