Zhan Zhuang:
Standing Like a Tree
Zhan Zhuang means "standing like a tree" and is pronounced "Jan
Juang", or, in southern China, "Jam Jong". For most people, training in
Zhan Zhuang is a complete surprise in the beginning. There are no recognisable external
movements, although it is a highly energetic exercise system. In contrast to many other
methods, Zhan Zhuang develops our internal energy in a very efficient way, instead of
consuming it.
Zhan Zhuang Chi Gong is practised in well-balanced standing positions which increase
the flow of energy and build up internal strength. The Zhan Zhuang system is based on a
unique fusion of exertion and relaxation which stimulates, cleanses and internally
massages the whole organism.
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong"), may be China's best kept secret. Suppressed
during the Cultural Revolution, awareness of this method of exercise has exploded
throughout China, where currently 200 million Chinese practice some form of qigong
regularly. Hospitals throughout China overflow with reports of cures of myriad conditions
using any of hundreds of forms of this art. Qigong means "an exercise to develop chi,
(also spelled qi) "the energy of life." This particular form of qigong, Zhan
Zhuang, is about four thousand years old, and is used from everything from building
strength for martial arts to self-healing, lowering blood pressure, increasing respiration
and alertness, reducing stress and pain, and improving health and energy overall. Zhan
Zhuang means "standing like a tree," aptly called, because all the Zhan Zhuang
postures are performed standing, in utter motionlessness.
This form of Zhan Zhuang was the method used by Wang Xiang Zhai, the grandmaster and
founder of the newest "soft" Chinese martial art, dazhengquan. Perhaps
"standing like a tree" does not sound powerful, but Wang made it the foundation
of his training.
