okay, from the 10 minutes of reading that i have done here i have learned a alot of interesting facts which clarify my perspective on what exactly it is that i am doing.

im an avid martial arts book reader and this is how i acquire most of my learning. From books i have learned a zhan zhuang routine which takes me about an hour and a half to complete, i also learned the mud sliding step of bagua (circle walking) from a book along with the single palm change, these training methods have greatly increased my prowess in my current martial studies of judo and my own little style of striking, unfortunately this method of learning martial arts is rather difficult since i dont really know exactly what it is im learning,lol, though after some hard training i have a half of an idea of what i am learning.(which ill tell you takes a while without a qualified teacher) ok now that i have finished babbling...
i have a question that i know you guys can help me with,

i am very interested in the methods of zhan zhuang and xing zhuang, since i know the great benefits that these methods have on my martial applications, as well as the improvement of my self and my many character flaws. i have also acquired a deep respect and interest in the chinese culture and the internal martial arts, i feel that they are an enlightened form of self defense

do you guys know of any methods of xing zhuang training? well, any training method that you will depart relative to the nature of xing zhuang or zhan zhuang i will be more than happy with, currently im just trying to gather all the knowledge i can in order to advance myself in the martial arts, i enjoy trying new methods of training, theres nothing like the feeling you get after a session of training that kicks your butt. yeah i know that this sort of knowledge isnt free, but theres no harm in asking right?

another question, while circle walking, how many times should i complete the circle before i palm change and switch directions? is it something like 25? i dont know... also, should i use a smaller circle, about 3 feet in diameter? or should i stick to the 6 foot one?

thanks guys, looking forward to your replies.

Hi Robert,

I think curiousity, work and experimentation will get you results. They may not be the same results you'd have with a teacher - but if you move towards something that works for you how much does it matter for now.

You can do xing zhuang training with your yiquan postures - turn a little into the centre of the circle if you like. The smaller the circle the mre you will have to turn, and the more you turn the easier it is to get tense or distort your structure/posture.

If you want to practise walking then do fewer palm changes and more circles - if you want to practise changing less walkig and more changes. You could even walk doing continuous palm changes.

In a little more detail how has the training you are doing now improved your judo?

happy training

Edward

well stabilty of course, i feel very strong in my legs, i also feel like when someone is trying to lift me i can stick to the ground or keep my feet attached by sinking my weight and pushing on the ground, circle walking helps alot with the speed and simplicity of my throws, also the footwork involved has become more flowing and somewhat graceful. sensing my opponents weight distribution to guage openings for attack defense and counters has improved, throws are becoming more effortless and flowing, probabaly due to the hieghtened awareness of myself through standing pole tr. it helps me visualize and center my self and energy, it helps me calm myself, relieve tension from my mind and body,
its just been a fun and enlightening experience in many ways, it has become a part of my life.
alone, these exercises are great for health and strength, but if you can apply them to your style, the possibilities for application are limitless. i look forward to furthering my training someday.