Inside 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.

I have been studying and practicing Qi Gong and yoga for 45 years, mostly without a teacher, and this is absolutely the most useful Qi Gong book I have found. Clearly written, good photographs, with exactly the kind of information that is all too often lacking in classes (maybe something to do with the difference between western and eastern styles of learning). I have gotten a muscular system chart as an accompaniment. Also most useful. I highly recommend this book.

A very good book, and a challenge to any author.I have been practicing Qigong and Internal boxing for awhile, and this book really does cover a lot of useful information and instruction for the practice of zhan zhuang. The postures and directions regarding them are clearly laid out. Various sequences/routines are offered for consideration. The book goes beyond only discussing one particular set of 8 or 10 or six postures.The therapeutic benefits of postures are discussed, and the use of post standing by the major internal martial systemsI was hoping this book would go much further into the fundamentals of why and how this stuff works, and how engaging certain muscle sets of the body stimulates the body and its functions, but, realistically, a truly "complete" book on zhan zhuang would take at least three or four volumes the length of this one.Regarding complaints about the writing/organisation, this book is fairly well written and organized, far better than many such efforts I have reviewed of late. But the information is here, so I am quite satisfied. Speaking for myself, knowing what I do about traditional Chinese medicine, Qi theory, and the 10,000 or so ways to approach Qigong practice for health, fighting, or spirituality, I would rather try to do an authoritative book on dream interpretation for cats.Well done, Mr. Cohen.

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.

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".

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?

This book truly has advanced material in it. You may find yourself pulling out an anatomy texbook to follow some of the discussions. Yet, it is completely accessible to beginners. This "relaxed" practice has perhaps the most intense and meaningful results I've ever had from Zhan Zhuang work. I find myself going back and rereading sections as I develop a better understanding of specifics. Amazing accomplishment!

Good job. A lot of details and examples. Of u Wanda Deeply understand zhan zhuang this book Is for you

Habe schon einige Bücher über Zhan Zhuang gelesen.Dieses ist das beste Buch das es überhaupt auf dem Markt gibt.Jedem Übenden nur zu empfehlen

Exceptional book for, as the author says, both debutants and experts. Well worth the money

This is fine book

There are too many anatomical terms (both English and Chinese) and references to acupuncture points without descriptions/illustrations. You need a medical dictionary and an acupuncture chart to understand the book. And the pictures showing stances and positions are thumbnail sized and can't even be zoomed up. Completely useless! I wish I could get a refund. I have about 20 books on Qigong / Zhan Zhuang and this is next to the worst one.