Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain

Zhan Zhuang - Pole Stance - Part 3
Longfei News Letters - Volume 5, Issue 3

Jin (martial arts power, kinetic energy, integrated strength) in Taijiquan is contrasted with brute force (Li). Jin Lu is the pathway of kinetic energy and Jin Dian refers to the points of concentration required to visualise the body alignment for the direction of kinetic drive.

In Taijiquan forms, the final posture in each and every form should include the visualisation of Jin. This should not be confused with Fajin. Fajin is the issuing of power through the pathways of kinetic energy. I dealt with the function of Jin for martial application in Zhan Zhuang in Article 2. The static postures of Zhan Zhuang are a useful method of practice to enhance the understanding of Jin, Jin Lu and Jin Dian.

The final two postures apply to the training for leg strength and balance.

The Figure 7 posture is to some extent a variation on Figure 1. The exception is in the position adopted for the legs. Ideally the weight distribution should be 90% on the rear leg and 10% on the front leg. This leg position is identical to that adopted in the Yang style "Play the Lute".

The base of the spine should be directly over the heel, the back remains straight and we should avoid leaning forward or backward. A useful method of practising this leg position is to begin the practice against a wall until one becomes familiar with the feeling. Please note that both legs remain bent while the rear leg bend is deeper than the front. When the weight-bearing leg tires change the legs and gradually build on the duration you can endure the posture. It's preferable to develop both legs equally.

An alternative for the foot position is to place the ball of the forward foot on the ground as in the form "White Crane Opens Wings". Both postures were shown on the front cover of Issue 3 Volume 4.

It's very important to relax, especially the area of the Kua (lower abdomen, hips and inguinal crease). If the arms tire you can vary the arm positions utilising all the arm gestures that have been illustrated over three issues. Alternatively you can adopt "Play the Lute".

Please refer to the previous issues with regard to correct practice for relaxation, the three treasures, breathing and all relevant information to progress your training. Remember there is no substitute for a good instructor.

Figure 8. The practice of this posture will effectively improve balance for obvious reasons. It will be difficult to hold the posture for long periods in the early stages. An ideal goal would be half a minute each leg, twice a day for several weeks.

After a month, a few seconds can be added to suit the prac-titioner. Before embarking on the training it would be advisable to become accomplished in posture 7.

The raised leg will gradually lower of its own accord as it tires. This can be the yardstick for changing legs. Both legs derive benefit from this exercise. The lifted leg will develop strength for kicking and the standing leg will gain in strength for balance.

My thanks to Peter Cox for the excellent drawings.

Richard Watson

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