Comments on: How to Learn Zhan Zhuang From a Book

By: Mick Malkemus

Mick Malkemus — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:50:42 +0000

Aodaliya_Ren, glad that helped. Bones take literally months to increase in density/structure. Take it slow. We are dealing with the primal forces of the universe with this practice, and they must be respected.

By: Aodaliya_Ren

Aodaliya_Ren — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:15:55 +0000

Thanks a lot for the answer, Mick Malkemus. You are right, it is over practice, must be too much push-hands… Good excuse to get lazy

By: Mick Malkemus

Mick Malkemus — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:30:59 +0000

Aodaliya_Ren, have you seen a foot doctor? There are some things that must be seen by a doctor, even when it comes to the feet. The onset of diabetes is one possibility, there are many. Other than that, have you tried to ‘cup’ your feet prior to practice? It’s not unacceptable to move your foot a bit to get some circulation flowing, and then go back into your stance. My advice, when experiencing any pain, is to stop: it’s a sign of over practice or some medical issue. Good luck with it.

By: Aodaliya_Ren

Aodaliya_Ren — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:25:21 +0000

I’ve got a bit of a problem with my Zhan Zhuang that no book so far had the answer for — I’d be extremely grateful if someone could suggest something. The thing is, I can hold the position comfortably for quite some time, checking my alignments and sinking my qi, lower my centre of gravity and all that … but … approximately 10 minutes into the stance I start to have some pain in my feet, especially in the right one, and the pain defies the whole purpose of the drill because I subconsciously start to lift my weight off my feet. It is very frustrating because I’m capable of standing MUCH longer…

When you guys stand in Zhan Zhuang, do you let your weight sink down to the ground? When I do, my feet naturally press against the floor more amd that’s what causes my problem. That’s the evil cycle. How do I get out?!

I haven’t got any previous injuries, broken bones or something. Every book says “be prepared to some discomfort in your shoulders” (which I don’t have at all) but none of the books I’ve read suggested a thing about the foot pain. “Burning in the soles” is the closest I’ve come, but it is different, if it was only burning I’d let it burn till cows come home. My case is different.

Any suggestions? Please…

By: Rick (Wujifa)

Rick (Wujifa) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:51:46 +0000

At one level I believe it could take more than a life time to understand two words “Simply Stand” as people tend to complicate… Although I want to also say there are many reasons to practice stance. So the first question one might want to explore is purpose “What is one’s purpose” in choosing to practice. Many a parent has told their child to stand in a corner and take a “time out” and then their are some people practice standing as a meditation… And even others as a martial art. So understanding your and “the” purpose for a training is important. Also there is a saying in Wujifa that may be helpful to remember ICW this topic and that is “You are where you are and that’s where one starts” being really honest about where you are and what you’re doing. Also as most of the people said above find a good instructor is key as well if stance as a serious gongfu is one’s aim.

By: wujimon

wujimon — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:27:45 +0000

For people interested in more material, I would HIGHLY recommend checking out: Zhan Zhuang Alignment | Wujifa. Great article discussing structure and alignment!

By: Mick C. Malkemus

Mick C. Malkemus — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:19:26 +0000

Master J.P.Dong has an excellent book called “Still as a Mountain, Powerful as Thunder”. It is out of print, but you can find a used copy on on the Internet.

Magical things can happen if you apply the simple instructions with regularity.

Once a guy hit me unexpectedly when I was sitting down. I got up very fast, energy moved from my feet through my chin into his fist, and he flew back about ten feet and fell down. My hands never touched him. Nothing I consciously willed to do, it just happened. Like magic.

The problem is this: when you are doing this practice, your mind will mess with you in untold ways. It is really difficult to keep up, as your mind will conceive of every possible reason not to do it. Persevere, and the prize is yours.

Also, don’t over-train.

Over-training in this powerful art can literally blow out some nerves. I know from experience. Proceed slowly, carefully building your internal energy over time.

By: Ryan Dineen

Ryan Dineen — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:57:54 +0000

Yes i would like to visit London sometime next year, could you give me advice about training , i like to practice qigong and tai chi and i work in painting , is it better to keep zhan zhuang training separate and what time of day is best to train

By: RobM

RobM — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:15:37 +0000

I followed the exercised in Master Lam’s book. I definately experienced some benefit, however, taking a few private lessons with Master Lam in London was extremely helpful. He corrected my posture and other mistakes I was making.

By: Ryan Dineen

Ryan Dineen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:55:05 +0000

i begun training in zhan zhuang a few months ago and i truly believe in it as a martial art and a health system.
i live in Ireland and it is very rare that somebody specialises in it so i will continue to practice from master Lam Kam Cheun s book and it is great to see that there are like minded people who know where they stand.