A variety of dynamic standing postures are the foundation of Yiquan. Often called  “standing posts” or "pile standing", perhaps a better translation would be "standing like a tree" to reflect the very alive nature of this practice. These “posts” are specific postures that heal, realign and strengthen body and mind. Yiquan uses precise physical alignment and deep mindbody relaxation as a vehicle for training  intention, visualization, energy and feeling to develop an integrated ability. Standing properly is like putting an energy deposit in your bank of well being. Once your health and mindbody alignment is sufficient, you can begin the martial dimension of Yiquan.

     
   Some are more interested in Yiquan for health and meditation. Yiquan has been extensively used for rehabilitation in China since the 1950’s and has been shown to accelerate recovery from a wide array of ailments. It is an excellent form of stress reduction which improves overall well being and mental health.

 Yiquan is a dynamic form of standing meditation,in part, because holding a posture is a mild form of stress which increases circulation without straining the heart. You train to relax in the midst of that challenge which centers and focuses the mind while transforming the experience of your body in a  "grounded" way. The wholistic nature of this practice fortifies one against innumerable stressors in daily life.

       Originally, Yiquan was developed to rapidly build martial arts power and skill. Its creator, the martial arts legend, Wang Xiangzhai, created innovative methods of actualizing the limitless power of the mind. His ability to discern subtle nuances of the mind's effect on the body resulted in a radical new approach; finding the very essence of martial arts and discarding all superfluous elements, including forms. This realization was not just a scholarly dissertation but honed from a lifetime of challenges and exchanges with accomplished martial arts Masters in the crucible of real combat. His level of ability and character resulted in being able to defeat others without hurting them. As a result, many of his challengers became students.

       Wang Xiangzhai , like some “Renaissance men” of the west, cultivated an interdisciplinary range of knowledge and interaction. He conferred with leading artists, poets, engineers, and other outstanding thinkers of his time.  Master Wang never stopped researching Yiquan or learning from his experiences, which was reflected in the evolution of Yiquan during his life. He lived during "interesting times" and witnessed many upheavals in society. Wang Xiangzhai ultimately discovered underlying principles of the human condition and changed the way he taught Yiquan in his later years.
Yiquan has the essence of diverse elements of traditional Chinese culture within it including the philosophy of Zen Buddhism,(Emptiness), Taoism (being natural)and Confucianism (being ethical)without any "isms".
  If you are fortunate to have a wise teacher, Yiquan can take you beyond the martial arts to a life of freedom. Like “Zen”, it can help you realize your true nature and actualize  dormant potential. You can discover that the physical body is like the tip of an enormous iceberg. Learning what each layer of the iceberg is and how to make it function is part of the training process. Layers of tension melt in both your body and mind with dedicated practice. You feel entirely different, alive in a new way. Circulation increases. Everything is better. You stop blocking your natural power and abilities. Perhaps it can be seen as incarnating more of your spiritual dimension into your body and into your life, merging the insubstantial with substantial. You may notice that Awareness always is. You may understand that this means you are free right now and the potential to express that freedom is the joy of living. More of you is fully "present" and you learn to have a sense of "being" while "doing".

       Since Yiquan can unleash extraordinary power, the cultivation of ethics is required for personal balance and relational harmony. This is not just because some ancient way dictates it, but is part of the science of living. “Don’t injure yourself and don’t injure others” is one of the core guidelines in Yiquan. The ethical application of this guideline is pervasive and requires the recognition of one’s deeper motives. It is not easy to tame the "martial arts ego" especially in the heat of combative exchanges.Yiquan's philosophy is that there is no number 1, if you win you may be wrong and if you lose you are wrong, but seek to understand and learn. Be happy for the opportunity.

       Those who desperately grasp for power may be destroyed by it like someone holding on to a surfboard in the pounding surf. Yiquan says that true power is inherent and realized by those who know how to let go and open to life with awareness. It is only available to those who know how to be humble, which is one of the paradoxes of internal power. Humble does not mean weak but includes the traditional wisdom, “open your heart/open your mind”. Appreciate your life and that of others. A related traditional idea is, "you must empty your cup, but ....you must lower it!" . If you are holding an empty cup above your head, no one can fill it. It's like saying," look everyone, I have an empty cup".
  Practicing "Buddha heart" calms the mind and can allow your body to function more naturally. The reality of Emptiness- with no projection, expection or judgement- seems to grow out of this natural state.

       The art of letting go yet paying attention is another subtle element which is often overlooked. This fine line is developed in the stillness of practice. Can we discern when and where to cooperate or what degree and kind of control is appropriate? All this takes time, self-study and honest practice.

        Discovery, exploration and experimentation keeps the practice (and life) alive and rewarding. Applying the fruits of practice in drills, (shili, push hands etc.), is a reality check and feedback mechanism. This interaction can be fun and interesting on many levels. 
It leads to endless expansion. 

Dr. Jiusong (James) Kan is a highly accomplished practitioner of Yiquan, Taijiquan, Baguazhuang, and Xingyiquan as well as an excellent Acupuncturist and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine who was formally a Surgeon in China. A diligent meditator and practitioner of Buddhism, he has unusual insight into the spiritual dimensions of martial arts and life.

        After meeting and studying with many Masters for over twenty years, and now having studied with Dr. Kan for five years, I can say that he is an authentic Master and inspiring human being who “walks his talk”. He has boundless enthusiasm for martial arts and can readily demonstrate various levels of internal achievement. Dr. Kan has been passionately sharing Yiquan for several years in New York City. He patiently and clearly delineates the fine points of internal development. If you don’t have an  understanding from correct practice, he may say it, but you may not fully “get it”. You don’t get it with the logical mind only. It is a “whole body” intuitive discernment arising organically from skillful practice.
       Dr. Kan is an “indoor disciple” of Mr. Bao Yong Gang who was in turn, an indoor disciple of Grand Master Yao Zhongxun. Mr. Bao Yong Gang has a profound understanding of Yiquan along with incredible skill. He generously shared his Yiquan expertise with a fortunate few of us for three months in 2007 which was
a rare and precious gift. Grand Master Bao (he actually is too humble to accept any title) embodies the higher reaches of Yiquan, although he might say, there is no end to learning. 

 Wang Xiangzhai had many highly accomplished students who each contributed to the growth of Yiquan (which is also known as Dachengquan or “Great Achievement Boxing”). In recognition of his extraordinary ability, Yao Zhongxun was given the official lineage successor title by Wang Xiangzhai.
     
        Grand Master Yao developed a complete and systematic method of Yiquan with applications for health, sports and martial arts.
        He was pivotal in popularizing Yiquan in China. His two sons continue that work today. 

       Dr. Kan is part of this great lineage 
and has opened classes for qualified students.