Zhang Zhuang

In the Zhan Zhuang practice the stance is like a pole or tree. Mostly during this exercise, you keep the hands in circular shape in front of the chest. In Taoism there are many applications what Zhan Zhuang can look like.
Zhan Zhuang is an important basic exercise in Wudang Kungfu to strengthen the body and to acquire an upright posture. Also for Taichi it is important as you learn to relax with Zhan Zhuang.
As a beginner in Zhan Zhuang one will see quickly the importance of the right breathing. Ideally, you keep the Zhan Zhuang stance up to 30 – 60 minutes long. Here the meditation aspect begins: The exercise itself should not degenerate into cruelty, but by accepting the calm and meditative focus on a periodic breathing, it is perceived as quick and pleasant.

Zhan Zhuang is the foundation of Taichi stance and the heart of the physical understanding in Wudang. It is recommended for learning Zhan Zhuang to personally visit Michael Weichhardt. Zhan Zhuang is an easy exercise to be performed with many sources of error and high learning curve.

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