To Tim Cartmell (or any others),

Other than San Ti, I know that (some branches of ) Xing Yi also use other postures for Zhan Zhuang such as the 'embracing' posture (arms rounded at shoulder level). Have you come across one called 'Tiger Stance'?

Thanks in advance,
J.M.Walker

There's one I learned in Yi Chuan I think was called "holding the tiger"

sort of like a deep bow stance (little more weight in rear leg) but palms pushing down as if holding a tigers head and haunches firmly to the ground to keep it from jumping up and working you over. It's really difficult to do.

He's probably referring to the tiger stance in the article on Guo Weihan style Xing Yi Quan on Jarek's site. It 'appears' to be a forward weighted (loaded), three in a direct vertical line (rather than plane) posture with the hands in fists with palm 'hearts' facing out left and right. That seems to put alot more intention in the upper back bow, and the front leg bow and the front foot. Given Wang Xiang Zhai's Xin/g Yi background you'd think the two postures would be related.

Shane and Chris,

The idea/intention of Yi Chuan's 'holding the tiger' makes much sense. Coming from a Xing Yi background though (meaning me), I would have thought the arms would be in the same position as the ending of the Xing Yi tiger movements (arms arced and slightly horizontal w/palms facing out/forward).

Though I had seen the Guo Weihan article, I don't recall seeing tiger stance in it. I'll have to recheck it.

I thank you for your replies.

JMW

In Li Tianji's book on xingyi (translated by Andrea Falk) chapter 5 (Stance Training for Health) has four "animal standing" postures (dragon, tiger, bear, ape).

The tiger version uses what Li refers to as a "bow stance" (gong bu). Earlier in the book he defines bow stance as being front leg bent, knee in line with toes, rear leg extended back "naturally" (which I presume he means, don't lock it back karate style).

take care,
Brian

Brian Kennedy,

Thanks for the info.

Intersting. I also know of one called Hawk stance. Essentially, it is the posture of Hawk Binds its body/wings found in the Za Shi Chui/Mixed form, though there are some internal things done in this posture.

Are there descriptions of the arms posture for the Tiger stance?

in my xin i, we do the tiger stance, its a deep bow, with the back strainght down to the rear heel, the hands are extended forward withthumbs interlocked and hands in tiger form. its very difficult, also we use turtle stance, and one legged chicken stance, and a bunch of bagua stances, along with yin and yang san ti

Hi,
I was wondering a couple of things about the way that people practice san ti. It seems that san ti is held in some schools with the rear hand in a closed fist and some hold it palm open and down. I also noticed in sun lu tangs pictures that sometimes he held the lead hand fingertips forward instead of up. Maybe none of it matters to practice, but I was wondering if any of these methods develop power in a different way from any of the others or develops a different kind of power?

As far as I have understood the fingers pointing forward is more fighting oriented.

Pointing upwards is for health. Saving Qi etc.

The difference would be that if you point your fingers forward you project your energy forward.

Anyone have any other reasons to point the fingers forward???

Hi,

Thanks for the answer! It's funny, I forgot I even asked that question and I forgot to ask anyone else that I know that does Hsing I about it.

Honestly, I still have no idea.

Regards,
Josh