Zhan zhuang

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Zhan zhuang (站椿) or "standing like a post" is a method of training in many Chinese martial arts in which static postures are used for meditation and to develop patience, leg strength and stamina on the one hand; or to develop whole body strength on the other; specifically among the internal styles.

Perhaps the most well-known variety of zhan zhuang training is the "horse stance" or ma bu 馬步.

Many styles, especially the internal styles, combine post standing with breathing training to develop whole body coordination for martial purposes. There are also said to be health benefits from such practice.

Yiquan is known for having discarded adherence to form as found in its parent art, Xingyiquan, in favour of what are claimed to be formless methods, including zhan zhuang.