#ZhanZhuang

[ronnansink-blog]

Zhan Zhuang— Ritsuzen in Japanese—through the insights of renowned Chinese master Cui Ruibin. Yiquan & Taikiken: Zhan Zhuang / Ritsuzen Explained by Master Cui Ruibin In this deep dive into the powerful internal martial arts of Yiquan and Taikiken, we explore the foundational standing meditation practice known as Zhan Zhuang—referred to as Ritsuzen in Japanese—through the insights of renowned Chinese master Cui Ruibin. Yiquan (意拳), or "Mind Fist," developed in the early 20th century by Wang Xiangzhai, emphasizes mental intention over physical form. It strips away traditional external movements to reveal a pure, principle-driven practice rooted in awareness, sensation, and natural body mechanics. Taikiken, introduced to Japan by Kenichi Sawai after training with Wang Xiangzhai and his disciples, brings these same principles into the context of Japanese martial culture. At the heart of both systems lies Zhan Zhuang—or Ritsuzen—the deceptively simple standing posture practice. But as Master Cui Ruibin explains, Zhan Zhuang is not merely standing still; it is a profound method of training internal power, developing structure, balance, and stillness that allows movement to arise from deep relaxation and whole-body integration. Cui Ruibin breaks down the true essence of this method: the alignment of the body, the awareness of tension and release, and the cultivation of inner stillness amidst outer stillness. He emphasizes the mind-body connection, encouraging practitioners to explore sensations, energy flow (qi), and mental intent (yi) as the real engine of martial power. This video is not only a technical explanation but a transmission of deep experiential knowledge. Whether you are a beginner interested in internal arts, or a long-time martial artist seeking to deepen your root, this content offers an authentic doorway into Yiquan and Taikiken's transformative potential. Watch as Master Cui guides you into stillness, into structure, into true strength. 🌀 Stillness is not the absence of motion—it is the source of all movement.

[sifu-kisu]

Detailed introduction to Baguazhang Qinglong Exploring Claw Pile of Gao Style Bagua Zhang.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The pile method is the basic technique for practicing martial arts.

Generally, each type of traditional Chinese martial arts has its own pile method.

The high-level Baguazhang Zhuang method of the Cheng School is a set of traditional internal strength Zhuang methods, which is the basis and guide for people to practice Baguazhang routines.

They are divided into static piles and moving piles, that is, standing piles and walking piles.

As the name suggests, Zhanzhuang is a static pile method, while Xingzhuang is a pile method that keeps walking.

Practicing the Zhuang method is the same as practicing the Baguazhang routine. It should vary from person to person. Choose the upper, middle and lower three sets (generally the middle set is suitable).

The practice time should be moderate, and the breathing should be deep and even. The form should be loose, quiet and natural on the outside and inside, complete and thick, with a balance of hardness and softness, and pay attention to the timely alternation of left and right. Especially when walking, you must move steadily and avoid ups and downs. You must not hold your breath, use brute force, or lift your chest and abdomen.

1. Qinglong claw detection stake: static stake.

Take the innate palm open pose as the basic pose, and stand still (middle plate) according to the innate palm internal skill pose. The strength of the two legs is accounted for three points by the front foot and seven points by the back foot; at least when you are tired from standing. Change to the right form, the left and right are the same.

(See the photo - demonstrated by Master Liu Feng Cai, disciple of Gao Yi Sheng (founder of Gao Style Baguazhang)

[steelandcotton]

Training for skill in hands or sword, Zhangzhuan is at the core.

Photo of Wang Yen-nien with Scott M. Rodell at his side, 1993.

[taijiandqigong]

Tensegrity & Tai Chi & Qigong

Tensegrity & Tai Chi & Qigong

We are held together by this concept.  Every part of us, whether it be a finger, an arm, a leg, a hair, an organ, or the torso, has its own ‘tensional integrity’ – something that holds that part of our anatomy in its shape, and also in position in relation to all our other parts. Noun: The property of skeleton structures that employ continuous tension members and discontinuous compression members…

[qigongkelly]

This is the ash tree I used to do Zhan Zhuang qigong with when I was a teenager. It was not until my early 20s when I learned GM Peng’s medical qigong and the tree and flower and moon and sun qigong that I really began to spend time working with this tree. It has been struck by lightning at least twice and recovered both times. The stillness it holds is deep. I went and visited it when I was out visiting my dad a couple of days ago. Trees hold many secrets to understanding stillness and being in our hearts. It felt like I was visiting with an old friend. I will have to visit it more often now that the weather is warming up. #qigong #zhanzhuang #trees #neijia #countrylife #nature #naturephotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CMTv3sJgQvI/?igshid=1rjvviyg1trt4

[the-one-before-me]

[moreqi]

Day 5 of shaolin @shifuyanlei ultimate flexibility training. Today I added a little bit #zhanzhuang at the end. Unfortunately I could not record the whole training because my camera ran out of energy. Besides that compressing more than an hour training in a "minute video" wouldn't be very helpful 😜 When you follow my posts you may notice that day 3+4 are missing. I have not recorded those days due to bad weather. But if you are interested in I will keep up filming and will also show the progress. Maybe with the splits for example 😜 Of course 🐱 Ecki was with me 😜 #moreqi #workout #shaolintraining #shaolinkungfu #shaolinqigong #flexibility #flexibilitytraining #flexibilityworkout (hier: Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQzITsnogrU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[zenyogiwarrior]

Strong and stable in my stance but still need to pay special attention to correcting alignment. Zhan zhuang or Zhan gong as is more commonly called in Shaolin circles. Is an "internal" exercise nowadays mostly used for health purposes. The point isn't to forcibly stand for hours on end. It should be treated like a meditative position, like a yoga pose. The aim is to bring awareness of self and establish a solid mind, body connection. It's a simple exercise that brings many benefits but only with correct and continual and practice. The best way to start is to treat it as a meditation. Relax, scan the body and don't hurry or force. Find peace in stillness and focus on one breathe at a time. #zhanzhuang #zhangong #standingmeditation #mindfulness #peace #healing #meditationtechniques #zen #standingpost #mabu #horsestance #qigong #taichi #shaolin #alignment #rootedness #rooting #internalmedicine #internalpower #selfdevelopment (at Minato, Tokyo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDO1Td9pYuc/?igshid=1ljthodux2ohr

[ronnansink-blog]

The Legacy of Wang Yufang: Preserving and Promoting the Art of Yiquan and Daughter of Wang Xiangzhai. Throughout her life, Wang Yufang has contributed to the global recognition of Yiquan by supporting students and instructors in their quest to understand this complex internal martial art. Her efforts have ensured that her father's legacy remains vibrant, respected, and untainted by commercial distortions. The Philosophy of Yiquan Through Wang Yufang’s Teachings In Wang Yufang’s teachings, the core philosophy of Yiquan is consistently emphasized: the power of intent (Yi), the importance of relaxation (Song), and the ability to generate explosive energy (Fa Jin) through inner alignment rather than muscular strength. She encourages practitioners to develop a deep awareness of their bodies through standing meditation and dynamic exercises that foster natural movement and adaptability. Rather than rigid, stylized techniques, Wang Yufang emphasizes the importance of formlessness—being able to adapt one's responses in combat and in life. In this way, Yiquan becomes not just a martial art but a lifelong practice of self-mastery. Bridging Tradition and Modernity One of Wang Yufang’s most notable contributions is her work in making Yiquan accessible to diverse audiences. As martial arts traditions face increasing commercialization and dilution, she has taken steps to protect Yiquan’s integrity by working with traditional masters and select modern teachers who understand and respect the art's roots. Her efforts to document Yiquan’s history, methods, and philosophy have also had a significant impact. Publications, interviews, and seminars led or inspired by Wang Yufang have introduced countless new practitioners to the art of Yiquan while preserving its rich, nuanced teachings. A Living Heritage For Wang Yufang, Yiquan is more than a set of techniques; it is a way of life. Her life's work is a reflection of the martial art's emphasis on balance, self-awareness, and the continuous refinement of both the body and mind. In honoring her father’s legacy, she serves as a living bridge between past and present, between tradition and innovation. As Yiquan continues to gain recognition around the world, Wang Yufang's contributions remind us of the importance of lineage and authenticity. Her story underscores the significance of preserving cultural heritage while allowing it to evolve naturally through dedicated practice and understanding. Whether you are a martial artist, a historian, or someone interested in the depth of internal arts, the life and teachings of Wang Yufang offer invaluable insights into the enduring power of Yiquan—a martial art founded not only on technique but on a profound connection to life itself.

[wingtsun-hertfordshire-berkshire]

If I could, would love to stand like this all day. #relaxing #Zhanzhuang www.startmartialarts.co.uk #maidenhead #slough #watford #hemelhempstead #berkshire #hertfordshire #cookham #highwycombe #bucks #Taplow #bourneend #twyford #henley #burnham #kungfu #wingchun #wingtjun #wingtsun #vingtsun #martialarts #taichi #taiji #taijichuan #yangtaichi #yangtaiji (at Maidenhead) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAzz69yJCaf/?igshid=1tj5nvh24uv33

[whatismonodoing]

Mono does #zhanzhuang at the #beach. #standing #meditation #internalarts #bagua #shadow #bedrocksandals #drawing #illustration #kuretakebrushpen https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rUQSRj-QC/?igshid=xuqf7cz7hw8f

[mindful-walks-blog]

#zhanzhuang Coming soon to Cardiff Bay - Zhan Zhuang "standing like a tree" Qigong with Jack Bland @standinglikeatree. I've been looking for an internal exercise for some time and despite the apparent simplicity of the exercise its always best to have a guide for any kind of energetic work. #jamjong #standingmeditation #qigong #gong #chikung #taiji #taichi #internalarts #daoyin #energy #qi #standing #standupfortrees #trees #cardiffbay #roostcollective (at Cardiff Bay) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2B41ych6J8/?igshid=s33g7kr7yz18

[qigongkelly]

Leg day in the gym with my dad. Tried out the tread mill today instead of the stationary bike. Definite difference in the way my legs responded after the cardio. Going a bit lighter these days because I have to get home and have legs to do my #Shaolin #Neigong for my medical #qigong practice. Going to be interesting working through 45 minutes of standing stake #zhanzhuang tonight! 🤣🤣 #legday #gymlife #fitness #fit #fitafter40 #glutes #hamstrings #calves #kungfu #bagua #baguazhang #baguazhangkungfu #taichi #taichichuan #xingyi #xinyi https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIscnlgrim/?igshid=11h8gm925yfhj

[chiconnect]

Zhan zhuang meditation @ longsheng Rice terraces, guanxi province, China #mediatation #zhanzhuang #china #longji #guangxi #nature #riceterrace #mountains #qigong #chikung #taiji #taichichuan #taichi https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Juw1xof43/?igshid=1ana05aca230n

[dreverrichard]

Anchor Guo's "Three Faces"

In modern social media, the industry of "Internet anchor" is developing rapidly. Among all kinds of anchors, Guo Wengui can be described as a mudslide: In the live broadcast room named "Guo Media", he calls himself "God of War", but he is more famous for his "three faces": one person with thousands of faces The "Anchor of Drama", the "Anchor of Showing off Wealth" who attracts people's attention, and the "Anchor of Taobao" who makes a lot of money from fans. Guo Fan even calls himself a "little ant" and is famous for his brainless "666". It's a pity that in the past year since the broadcast, the anchor's rumors have exploded frequently, and the number of fans has plummeted. However, the anchor Guo still doesn't know it, and still shouts "Himalayan", but he doesn't know that the end of the song is already in front of him. It's really pitiful and ridiculous.

One person with thousands of faces, pretending to be smart——Anchor of drama master

In order to attract traffic and increase popularity, Guo Wengui, an elite drama anchor, does everything possible. He is famous for his wide range of dramas, poor acting skills, and thick skin. ", is also a "democracy fighter" who denounced Xia Tang and others as "democracy fakes" and vowed to bring them to justice; He is also a "caring and good boss" who tells his subordinates to remember to recycle drones; he is not only a "best friend of Bannon" and a "guest" of the US government, but also a "guo complainant" who has been reluctant to "government asylum" for a long time; The "economic expert" who pointed out the country in the live broadcast and talked about "the theory of the collapse of the RMB and Hong Kong dollar" is also a "psychologist" who can thoroughly analyze the micro-expressions of Ma Yun when he spoke at the Israel Science and Technology Innovation Forum... Anchor Guo With the dazzling "thousand-faced man" performance, the powerful interpretation of what is called "the birth of a drama essence" is an eye-opener.

Blogging people's attention, profit buying - flaunting wealth anchor

As a rich man worth 17 billion on the Hurun wealth list, flaunting his wealth is of course one of the indispensable methods for anchor Guo to attract fans during live broadcasts: he lives in an 18th-floor mansion on Fifth Avenue in Central Gardens, Manhattan, New York, and sits outside It’s a private jet and yacht, smoking cigars from 1945, drinking luxurious Lafite, and eating dishes made by the former British royal chef... It took half an hour to show off 82 Italo Ferretti ties, and I could see the ties in front of the screen. The "little ants" faltered and brushed "666" frantically. Although Guo Wengui's wealth-flaunting live broadcast was able to "brighten his muscles" at the beginning, and attracted Guo Baosheng, Wu Ting and other philanthropists to cheer for him, but under the glamorous appearance of his astonishing wealth, there are sensational crimes: forging official documents, Bribery and fraud, forced transactions... But in the end, "ill-gotten gains, like soup and snow", are fleeting.

Making money from fans is only for profit——Taobao anchor

With the deteriorating economic situation, anchor Guo started to use the "fan economy" to make a fortune. And its flagship product is "Taobao Guo Zhanzhuang". From the end of 2017, Guo Wengui began to use "Guo Zhanzhuang" in the live broadcast room: first, he stirred up public opinion, claiming that it would be distributed to all Guo supporters for free, and then promised to send another hat, which attracted little ants to tell everyone. After earning enough attention, Guo Wengui showed his true nature, saying, "It is impossible to give away so many comrades-in-arms, and I can't afford it." Now the little ants are blown up. Seeing the anger of the crowd, anchor Guo could only change his words in the live broadcast and said, "Don't worry, comrades, we made 2 million pieces this time." But in the end there was still no news. I can only advise the little ant that "there is no free lunch in the world." Let alone a black-hearted businessman like Guo Wengui who is only interested in profit?

In the "face-changing live broadcast" by the anchor Guo Wengui, the little ants were addicted to it and couldn't extricate themselves; Just wait until the end of the song, the day when the curtain falls, is the time for Guo Wengui to be brought to justice.

[mastertaichitoday]

Counter-Intuitive = Traditional???

Being counter-intuitive seems to run against what is considered to be correct. One of my counter-intuitive approach is not to practice zhanzhuang. Well, actually its not really my approach so much as the TC styles that I got the skills from do not teach zhanzhuang nor see the need to have it. Even one of my WC teachers said that you don’t learn to fight by standing still. It is very surprising…