Inside Zhan Zhuang: First Edition Paperback – February 27, 2013

I have an extensive background in Qigong as well as the Alexander Technique, and Standing (zhan zhuang) is my preferred practice. It is a subtle practice, involving as it does just standing there; hence it is not easy to grasp or to write about. However it is, as is often claimed, the 64 million dollar secret behind martial and healing accomplishment. Mark Cohen clearly gets it, very much knows what he is talking about, and does a very good job of conveying it. This involves explaining very specific aspects of alignment and mental attitude. There are few books that do this practice justice; Diepersloot's two volumes are the only ones comparable.That said, I would have liked a lot more illustrations (there are a number of photos of the author, as well as a student of his, demonstrating the postures), especially diagrams of the anatomy referred to. The author refers the reader to anatomy texts; a better solution would have been to include the diagrams, appropriately annotated. That would have moved the book up a notch towards the almost impossible goal of teaching zhan zhuang in a book.I could also have done with smaller print, which would have allowed the author to elaborate on some of the more advanced instructions where he just suggests the practitioner work through the different layers of muscles without giving more detail.I would also have liked a bit more material on placing the mind in the body, moving the Qi. This is not hard, but easily mystified, and a little more explanation would help the beginner.But these are nitpicks. It is an excellent book. For anyone serious about learning qigong or internal martial arts, you can learn the essential basic practice of zhan zhuang from this book; but get Diepersloot's too, as well as Frantzis' "Opening the energy gates".

This book covers important descriptions and postures for standing stance. I am uncertain how helpful this book is for the beginner, especially with the wealth of information that often goes to higher levels of the internal arts. Nevertheless, I wish I had this book in hand 40 yrs ago, since if presents the fundamental practice of Zhan Zhuang.I have discovered that digesting this book in small doses and allowing time to identify results (i.e., practice, practice, practice) have given me a deeper understanding of internal arts, especial taijiquan.The Table of Content reads more like an Index and could be condensed IMHO; however, that said, you gain a fairly comprehensive picture of Mr. Cohen's presentation. Also, the price is steep, but you won't be disappointed.I would recommend this book to any instructor of taijiquan and to serious students of inner school martial arts.I wish to thank Mr. Cohen for sharing his experience and knowledge in a field of study that is rarely made public.

If you are a newbie and just started practicing Zhan Zhuang (or want to learn it), you don't need to read this book. Instead, read the book The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise (by Lam Kam Chuen) and watch the 10 short Youtube videos StandStillBeFit - this is all you need to begin your Zhan Zhuang journey.After you're skillful with the 5 postures, normally it takes 6-12 months, then you can read this book to widen and deepen your knowledge. The author has a deep knowledge in Zhan Zhuang and Chi Kung and he presented them deeply and widely in the book. You will easily get lost. The book does not guide you how to practice Zhan Zhuang, it just provides knowledge - so it is a good reference book (but only after you become somewhat skillful at Zhan Zhuang).

The Encyclopedia of Zhan Zhuang would be a good title. This book is the most comprehensive, detailed book on this form of qi gong that I've seen. It's a highly recommended addition to your library if you practice zz or are considering it. Hand positions, feet positions, weight distributions, it's all covered, with very good explanations and good photos. Is it perfect? What is? It's also the first edition. There are a few things that could be clarified, e.g., do the hands touch the body or are they slightly separated from it when practicing the zz positions for the various organs? My copy came without page numbers--a small quibble, it was easy to put them in. I'm already looking forward to the second edition. Along with Diepersloot, Lam Kam Chuen, Cai Song Fang, and Fong Ha's monograph, this is already a classic and, perhaps, the best of the bunch.

Lot of text, strange pictures, not so clear. It is not a book that attracks. But I think it is the only book on the subject, so what can you do?

I was looking for a resource for in-depth information on Zhan Zhuang. This book is phenomenal. Highly recommend it.

Exceptional on the detail and written in a way that is accessible to the everyday person. This has more useful information on all aspects of Zhan Zhuang than anything I have encountered since I began using Zhan Zhuang in 1996. There is a lifetime of knowledge in this DVD, much more than just posture instruction. I have read the work of Jan Diepersloot, Master Lam Kam Chuen and even Yu Yongnian. This book and the DVD by the same title are both heads above in depth and instruction. If you want to learn how to practice Zhan Zhuang, this book and the DVD are what you need.

As a newcomer to Tai Chi Chuan at 70 years old, I was pretty sure I had it figured out. But I kept hearing the word "internal." My western mind was bluffing me through my practice. Another student mentioned Zhan Zhuang in class one day and my ears went up. I was having balance problems with my side kicks and one-legged forms. I promptly searched this book out and downloaded it. What a great book. Filled with the information you need to learn about this new-to-me form of training and discipline.