East Winds
2nd Black Belt
I have to agree with all three points of view expressed on this thread (mograph, Formosa Neija and Xue Sheng) but perhaps more with mograph. I have practiced Zhan Zhuang now for almost 15 years and find it benefits my Taiji practise immensly, as well as my general health. (I have also indulged in Yi Chuan with Karel Koskuba and Da Chen Chuan (the martial aspect of Zhan Zhuang) with Master Lam Kam Chuen). I agree with the point that less than 20 minutes standing is worthless and up to one hour is the norm. However starting with five minutes and working upwards is OK. I also agree that it is possible to select a posture from the taij form and use it as a Zhan Zhuang stance. I don't advocate doing the form and stopping to hold a stance though. Zhan Zhuang is an excellent introduction to developing an awareness of the energy/jin aspects of taijiquan and I would reccomend it wholeheartedly to students of taijiquan.
very besat wishes
very besat wishes