Tim or other knowledgable individual,

Is it true that the 10 forms should not be used as techniques themselves? I understand they are teaching principles but in Xingyi the five fists can be used just like they are practiced. Also, is there a mud wadding step in this style? What standing practice is done? Are the ten forms held in a static manner? Would you consider Sun style to be closer to what was taught in the beginning because it has so few forms? Thanks Kevin

No forms are "techniques," forms are only used to develop and internalize specific methods of generating force.

Practically every style of Baguazhang calls whatever step they do on the circle "Mud Walking Step." The heel to toe step done in the Sun sytle is its version of Mud Walking Step.

There is no separate standing practice. Sun Jianyun recommended standing in Xingyiquan's version of San Ti Shi however.

None of the forms are held in a static manner. There are five different positions the arms are held during the walking.

No one actually knows exactly what the founder practiced.

Tim,
What were the five different positions that the hands were held?
Were there different levels of walking the circle, high,middle, and low basin?
Thanks, Kevin

The hands are held in the standard guard position, one hand extended with the other above the head, both arms extended out to the sides, as if holding a ball vertically, and with the heels of the palms together.

There is no separation into basins.

Tim,

Did Sun Jianyun say to stand in exactly the Xingyi version of San Ti Shi with the back hand at the belly button or with it more near the elbow of the front arm as in if you were walking the circle?

And did she say how long?

The San Ti Shi was the standard Xingyiquan version.

I never heard her say a set length of time. She did say when she was young her father would have her stand in San Ti every night so long she'd have trouble walking up the steps into the house.

Eek!

I some times joke with my girlfriend that if we have kids together, I'm gonna make them train like that. It makes her mad, very adorable to watch her angry lol.

Wait until she finds out you are not kidding.

LOL!