#zhan zhuang

[ronnansink-blog]

Taikiken and The Art of Pushing Hands to Effectively Control Your Opponent in close range combat! Taikiken is a dynamic and powerful martial art that originated from the principles of Yiquan in China. It was further developed and refined in Japan by Kenichi Sawai, resulting in a system that emphasizes natural movement, mental focus, and holistic body alignment. One of the most distinctive aspects of Taikiken is its practice of pushing hands, an exercise designed to cultivate sensitivity, balance, and the ability to respond to an opponent’s energy. When practiced correctly, Taikiken pushing hands can be a highly effective way to understand and control an opponent, making it an invaluable asset for both self-defense and personal development. Historical Roots and Principles Taikiken’s fundamental principles come from Yiquan, an internal martial art created by the renowned Wang Xiangzhai. Yiquan focuses on developing internal power through standing meditation (zhan zhuang) and relaxed, natural movements. Kenichi Sawai encountered Yiquan while in China and brought these teachings back to Japan, eventually founding Taikiken. At its core, Taikiken prioritizes the cultivation of one’s intrinsic energy, also known as “ki” (in Japanese) or “qi” (in Chinese). By learning to harness and direct this internal energy, practitioners develop robust physical strength, a heightened sense of awareness, and a deep mind-body connection. Through this combination of physical and mental training, Taikiken becomes more than just a fighting system: it is a way to refine one’s overall health, vitality, and internal resilience. The Essence of Pushing Hands Pushing hands (or “tuishou”) is a training practice found in many internal martial arts. In Taikiken, pushing hands refines the practitioner’s ability to sense, follow, and redirect an opponent’s force without relying solely on muscular strength. Instead, practitioners use relaxation, proper structure, and timing to control the flow of energy and maintain balance. Sensitivity Training Central to Taikiken pushing hands is the development of tactile sensitivity. By keeping a relaxed, alert body and focused mind, practitioners learn to detect slight shifts in their opponent’s balance and energy. This heightened awareness is what allows them to anticipate and neutralize attacks. Rooting and Alignment In Taikiken, proper body alignment is essential. A strong “root” means the practitioner can ground themselves firmly, preventing an opponent from easily uprooting or throwing them off balance. At the same time, the practitioner learns to stay relaxed and to move fluidly, avoiding the rigidity that often causes tension and weaknesses in one’s defense. Yielding to Overcome The core philosophy behind Taikiken pushing hands is to never meet force with force. Instead, practitioners learn to blend with or yield to an incoming attack. By redirecting the opponent’s energy, the practitioner can guide it away from themselves and take advantage of the opponent’s momentary imbalance. Continuous Flow Pushing hands is not a static exercise. It involves continuous motion and adaptation, mirroring the fluidity of real self-defense scenarios. Practitioners keep their energy smooth and connected, ensuring that they remain adaptable to whatever the opponent may attempt. Controlling Your Opponent When effectively practiced, Taikiken pushing hands grants a distinct advantage: precise control over an opponent. This control arises out of a unique synergy between relaxed power, sensitive listening skills, and strategic redirection: Off-Balancing By detecting an opponent’s shifts in weight distribution, you can gently nudge or guide them off-balance. This technique requires minimal strength but demands refined timing and positioning. Timing and Distance Pushing hands instills an acute sense of timing and distance. In a real self-defense situation, this means you can effectively close the gap or maintain just the right distance to neutralize strikes and grapples.

[thestandingpost]

Well produced doc with some high level practitioners

[steppingonyourshadow]

Xiao Zhan and Zhuang Dafei on their experiences training with their horses and shooting so many horse-riding scenes

[kdram-chjh]

Cmovie: The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (2025) | Dir. by Tsui Hark

喜歡你但不強迫你 华筝郭靖 Will not force you to like me | 射雕英雄傳 Condor Heroes 【20250131】 肖战 XiaoZhan

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ApO_r3omOaI

[sopieboap]

I made english subs for Xiao Zhan and Cast of Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero at 2024 Weibo Night !

[onenakedfarmer]

Watching

LEGENDS OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS Tsui Hark China, 2025

[dominousworld]

ZHAN ZHUANG: ESERCIZIO DEL QI GONG DELL'ALBERO

di Felipe Guerra Il Maestro Wang Xiang Zhai ha detto: per me gli uomini sono una sola famiglia, insegnerò a chiunque me lo chieda, senza ritenermi un maestro e senza considerare discepoli quelli che imparano da me.” “Tutti gli ambiti del sapere profondo sono semplici nella forma, ma complicati nel significato, e quelli complicati nella forma di rado hanno un’essenza significativa.” “I princìpi…

[gianggiaygiua]

So cute hahaha ❤️

xiao zhan - legend of the condor heroes weibo update

Who hasn't received the exclusive "Qigong" yet? Move your lucky little fingers quickly, accept the blessing, good luck and vitality, and everything will go smoothly in the new year~

[rainbowsky]

There are many heroes, each showing their magical powers, and every move shows the charm of martial arts, painting a picture of the passionate rivers and lakes.

Cast (in order of appearance):

Xiao Zhan - Guo Jing

Zhuang Dafai - Huang Rong

Tony Lueng - Ouyang Feng

Zhang Wenxin - Hua Zheng

Bayaertu - Genghis Khan

Alan Aruna - Tolui

[xiaozhan-appreciation]

A small review of “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants”

— no spoilers —

Coming out of the cinema yesterday evening, I was thoroughly impressed by many things in this movie, but neither then nor now do I have much time to write down my thoughts. So this will be shorter than I'd like it to be.

A short context for my experience with the movie: I saw it in 2D, in its original language with subs in my native language. I have never read the books before nor seen any of the other adaptations featuring Guo Jing.

So, let's start!

Story & Structure

The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallant is based on the the chapters 34 to 40 of the novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes by Jin Yong.

The movie therefore tells only a small part of Guo Jing's life and covers both martial arts fights as well as a love story. It's in a way quite archetypical and does not aim to re-ivent the wheel, but it is solid and entertaining, and keeps you wishing to know how the story ends. I have weak spot for dilemmas such as Guo Jing finds himself in, so I had a really good time with the movie.

In terms of structure, I will say that the movie's greatest difficulty is that it aims to tell only a part of a larger story while makeing everyone understand the context. And while I think the story certainly was understandable, I also think it was very fast paced and could have benefited from going a bit slower every now and then, or from streamlining a couple of story elements that are probably more important for the whole story but didn't have enough room to breathe in this movie. But that's the opinion of someone who hasn't read the novel, and book fans might have a different opinion on the matter.

Aside from that I think the story flows smoothly, never gets boring and reaches a satisfying conclusion.

Tone & Theme

Based on my limited experiences, the movie hits the well established tone of Hong Kong wuxia movies. It was unexpectedly funny at times, sometimes through subtle characterisations or mannerisms, sometimes through good editing, and I don't remember any point where the movie seemed to go for a joke that didn't land for me. In general the movie is more on the serious side though, with a couple of really great and epic moments that were awesome to watch on the big screen. Only in a few cases there a bit too moments involving the main antagonist that felt too cheesy but that's not the first time I've seen that kind of cheesyness in a wuxia movie.

The movie includes a couple of themes, but they are difficult to discuss without giving spoilers. Keeping it vague, I think my favourite aspect was exploring the idea of loyalty to one's own heart, to one's family – both your biological and adopted, and to the protection of the people. While the movie includes othere themes as well, this is the core of the movie in my opinion.

Cast & Characters

The movie benefits from a strong cast that make it really easy to like the characters.

Xiao Zhan as Guo Jing was obviously why I watched the movie in the first place, and he has fully met my expectations for this performance. The real dedication for this role is mostly noticeable in how well Xiao Zhan vanishes in the figure of Guo Jing. Guo Jing is a believable character through and through: a simple, innocent and kind young man who easily connect with people.

I was impressed particularly by the Guo Jing's fight scenes, which are prominent in several scenes and were simply flawless, and also by Xiao Zhan's dedication to learning the Mongolian speech. I didn't expect the dialogue to be what must have been at least 1/3 in Mongolian, so that must have been especially difficult as it's always the case when you film a movie in a language not your own. I have no idea how good his Mongolian actually is, but I can certainly hear that he speaks it with conviction. And I have learned the Mongolian word for "idiot", isn't it nice...? 😆 So, well done Xiao Zhan, and thank you for introducing me to Guo Jing!

Zhuang Dafei as Huang Rong and Zhang Wenxin as Hua Zheng were also really good. I was afraid that the rivalry between these two characters might get annoying somehow, but it was unexpectedly great to watch them together on screen. They had good chemistry with each other and also with Xiao Zhan's Guo Jing. Huang Rong is certainly the smartest of the the characters in the show but sucks at pretending or being dishonest, and Hua Zheng is quite emotional, strong willed, and also very dedicated. I love them both.

Baya'ertu as Genghis Khan is also worth mentioning. He portrayed both the loving father and the powerful leader of the Mongols very well, and his character was also well used within the story.

Similarly, I had no complaints for almost any of the cast or characters – they all did well and the characters worked within their story and setting. The only exception to this is the main antagonist, who for my taste was a bit too much of a mustache twirling evil power-hungry maniac. Villains don't have to be complex characters with expansive back stories, but if they need to offer something – and for me that wasn't realy there. Luckily the story doesn't need him for the emotional parts of the story, and the thematic conflict works perfectly without him as well.

Cinematography & Score

Last but not least: the cinematography is amazing and simply beautiful. I love all the wide shots, I love the fight choreography, the costumes and set designs, and I love the lightning and the sometimes unexpected tracking shots. I love how flawless the combination of actually filmed scenes and visual effects is, which is so smooth that I can't really tell where one stops and the other starts. I have maybe two or three short moments that don't work for me because they are senselessly dramatic or weird choreographed elements (looking at you, random horses and random bee nest 👀), and I don't think the side by side blending is a good idea, but outside of that I have no complaints and lots of praise instead.

As for the soundtrack – I'm lacking the time and the knowledge to do a proper review of it, so I'll just say that the music was also great, and especially the main theme was fittingly epic. I think the little bit of Mongolian rock or metal (?) was also a nice touch, and fits the atmosphere of the setting. It was a surprising choice, but a good one.

Conclusion

Tl;dr: I've enjoyed the movie a lot, and not just the moments involving Xiao Zhan. It's an entertaining movie, you can see the efforts that went into the production and it has a lot to offer, especially visually. It's not without flaws, but accomplishes most of what it (presumably) set out to do. For people who don't like wuxia films: this won't convince you to like them. For people who are open to this genre: I think you'll find a lot to like or even love about this story of Guo Jing.

[ronnansink-blog]

Sun Li’s teachings illuminate how Iken captures the essence of mind-body harmony, a powerful method. The martial art world is vast and deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and philosophical elements. Among the many internal martial arts that have grown in popularity, Yiquan (also known as I Chuan or Dachengquan) stands out for its singular emphasis on intuitive movement, mental training, and profound internal development. Sun Li’s introduction to Iken Yiquan—the Japanese or alternate romanization often seen—serves as an insightful gateway for modern practitioners eager to explore the depth and practicality of this dynamic art. Through dedicated practice, Sun Li’s teachings illuminate how Iken Yiquan captures the essence of mind-body harmony, using simple yet powerful training methods to cultivate internal strength and clarity. 1. Historical Roots and Evolution of Yiquan Yiquan’s origins trace back to Wang Xiangzhai (1885–1963), a revered Chinese martial artist who sought the core principles that underlie effective combat and personal development. Dissatisfied with the overemphasis on form-based training within traditional martial styles, Wang Xiangzhai embarked on a lifelong quest, meeting and training with numerous masters to distill the essential features of martial efficacy. The name “Yiquan,” which translates to “Intention Fist,” captures this style's internal focus. Instead of memorizing and perfecting endless forms, Yiquan champions the training of the mind and its ability to direct the body most naturally and efficiently possible. Over time, this direct approach spread worldwide under various banners—Dachengquan in China, Iken in Japan—and through diverse teachers, including Sun Li, who have preserved, refined, and shared Wang Xiangzhai’s legacy with new generations. 2. Core Principles of Sun Li’s Iken Yiquan Sun Li’s instruction in Iken Yiquan underscores a few pivotal pillars: Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation): The heart of Yiquan is the practice of standing postures—called Zhan Zhuang—often appearing simple but inherently rich in subtlety. Standing still while maintaining relaxed yet structured alignments fosters heightened proprioception and cultivates internal power, known in Chinese as “nei jin.” Sun Li places considerable emphasis on proper spine alignment, relaxed breathing, and mental concentration, ensuring each practitioner can tap into their intrinsic strength without relying on brute force. Mind-Body Connection: Yiquan is known for placing the mind at the forefront of physical training. Sun Li advocates a calm yet laser-focused mental state. This allows practitioners to discover how slight shifts in thought or emotion affect balance, power generation, and reaction time. By understanding this interplay, students learn to adapt swiftly to changing scenarios—an invaluable asset in both combat and daily life. Progressive Sensitivity Training: Beyond the standing practices, Sun Li’s approach to Iken Yiquan involves partner exercises, push-hands variants (sometimes called Tui Shou), and various sensitivity drills. These techniques are designed to cultivate responsiveness rather than memorized techniques, granting practitioners the capacity to sense and neutralize incoming force fluidly. Natural Movement Over Fixed Forms: Unlike many martial traditions that stress kata-like routines or fixed sequences, Sun Li’s instruction emphasizes adaptability born from deep listening—both internally (to one’s body) and externally (to one’s partner or opponent). By focusing on continuous refinement and natural, unforced movement, practitioners develop internal stability and external spontaneity.

[jiannguo]

Currently trending "The film The Legend of the Condor Heroes, is scheduled to be released at the end of this year or next year."

Recently, China Film Group published an article in Guangming Daily, revealing that "The film The Legend of the Condor Heroes, adapted from Jin Yong's classic martial arts work, has been highly anticipated by the audience since filming began, and is scheduled to be released at the end of this year or next year."

The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Greatest Hero is a costume martial arts film directed and written by Tsui Hark, starring Xiao Zhan and Zhuang Dafei. The film tells the story of the great heroes represented by Guo Jing, who, for the sake of the country and the people, gathered the strength of the Central Plains martial arts to fight against the Mongolian army and defend Xiangyang.

[steppingonyourshadow]

Tsui Hark has bone dry jokes about his old friend being naked that catch all the kids off guard.

[moononmyfloor]

Hi Producer (正好遇见你) Infodump

Disclaimer: I have no idea about the accuracy of the information shared in the drama, I'm merely transcribing for future reference purposes. Proceed with caution!

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Ep 30-31: Ancient Makeup

In "Strategies of Zhao" from "Zhan Guo Ce", women from Zheng wore makeup on their cheeks and brows. Cheek and brow makeup already existed in that era and were part of women's daily life. Men also used makeup.

Xuande Emperor Zhu Zhanji wears a sun hat, pearl earrings, a military outfit with arrow sleeves, and a suit of yellow armor. How fashionable.

On this screen of 18 scholars [Qi Xiu Lei Gao], we can see a man wearing a wangjin, which was promoted by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. One day, Zhu Yuanzhang was on an anonymous trip to Shenle Temple. He saw a Taoist priest tie a wangjin under the lamp. Curious, he asked, "What might this be?"

Answered the Taoist priest, "It's a wangjin. Wrapped your hair with it and the hair shall remain tidy."

Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted. He thought the item bore the meaning of "unifying the land". He then decreed it be worn. According to "The History of Ming: Carriages and Clothing", all men of the Ming Dynasty, regardless of status, all wore a wangjin.

Shen Congwen made an inference after observing the colors of the outfits shown in "The Night Revels of Han Xizai", that it was produced between the fall of Southern Tang and the Chunhua era. Who can accomplish that now?

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Recreating those makeup styles, the cultural meaning it carries, the social background behind the changes of outfit designs and makeup styles etc need to be paid attention to.

Wu Zetian's Peach Blossom Powder

Classic Makeup Restoration

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"Hands as delicate as tender shoots, skin smooth and fair with shine. Neck slender like that of a swan, teeth white and lined-up perfectly.

A plump forehead and long thin curvy brows, a smile so enchanting, her eyes so alluring.")

In "Odes of Wei, the Classic of Poetry", the sung Princess Zhuang Jiang who was so graceful and gorgeous was the embodiment of the classical beauty of Chinese women. Over centuries, generations of women have pursued beauty tirelessly, leaving behind countless wonderful dreams created with poetry.

"Her waist is tied with a white silk stripe. Her ears are adorned with lustrous earrings. Her fingers are slim like the tips of a green onion. Her lips are red as if covered in vermilion."

That is the beauty of a woman's solemn makeup.

"Eyes filled with shyness. A faint smile with her red lips."

Such is the beauty of bashfulness.

"Mountains on the screens glitter with the morning sunshine, her fair hair on her fair skin is like a cloud over a snowy field. She lazily rises to paint her brows, and finally grooms after a long delay."

That is a woman's beauty at leisure.

"Her clothes flowy like clouds and her face gorgeous like blooming flowers. The morning dew blown by the spring breeze enriches the color of the blossom."

This is a woman's alluring beauty.

"Raindrops fall on her rosy cheeks, mingling with tears and her rouge."

This is the beauty of a woman's tearful countenance.

The beauty of Chinese women is reflected in the harmony and coordination of hairstyles, makeup, attire, footwear, and accessories. It forms a complete and systematic women's boudoir culture, leaving behind beautiful and captivating legends.

(Check out this gorgeous traditional style cosmetics chest btw😍)

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Documentary segment:

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More Hi Producer posts

[yibocheeks]

Ramblings on 如梦之梦

Patient No. 5 is a role that I love dearly for Xiao Zhan and I’m so proud of him for having this role as his theatrical debut. I finally have some time to read the script for “如梦之梦” (Stan Lai’s 8-hour play “A Dream Like A Dream”) and might dump thoughts on it as I go, as it’s kept me up late at night filled with thoughts. 

One of my favourite lines so far is from the intro, when we are introduced to a man called Zhuang Heng, whose nickname was Zhuang Rumeng ("like a dream"). He lived in the Warring States era, and the story tells of how he eventually dies in captivity, yet is said to have cultivated the skill of creating a separate dreamworld to which he escaped to. All he left behind was a fragment of a song: 

浮生若梦。若梦非梦， 浮生何如？ 如梦之梦。 Life floats by as if it were a dream. If a dream is not a dream, Then what of this fleeting life? It is a dream like a dream. 

The phrase “浮生若梦” references a Li Bai poem, “春夜宴从弟桃花园序”, where he writes about an evening banquet with fellow clansmen. The opening lines are: 

夫天地者，万物之逆旅也；光阴者，百代之过客也。而浮生若梦，为欢几何？ Heaven and Earth are the host for all that exist in this world; Time is a passing guest of many eras. Life floats by as if it were a dream, how much of it brings joy?

It really sets the tone of the entire play and I have nothing intelligent to say on this, I just love the vibe that it evokes.

[silviakundera]

Empresses in the Palace ep 15

Oh I knew she was gonna get SCREWED. just didn't know how they'd do her.

Some insightful remarks on the YouTube channel (i know! but 4 real) but my fav was the analysis that what the emperor is truly disappointed with here is that he expected Mei Zhuang to be able to play the game. He had invested time and attention in her to be a force in the harem. It doesn't matter that she was framed -- that's beside the point. Either she did something that dumb or she was so easily framed up and taken down. He throws her away not just cause of the baby but because he doesn't see her as useful anymore to take over management of the harem and counterbalance Hua Fei. If she was truly useful, she wouldn't be disposible.

After consideration, I have to say I agree with this take. When he rages that she deceived him and the empress, I think it's also her failure to live up to the plan he had for her.

Note that he gets pissed and cuts off the mention of someone trying to throw his bb Huan Huan in there. It's cause he's not truly worried about a fake pregnancy conspiracy so he's not gonna lose sleep about his babygirl's theoretical involvement.

But the faction he was counting on hasn't materialized so he's irked with ZH too and punishes her a while. Bad dog! No biscuit!

Almost perfect execution by my girl Hua Fei but needs better minions. Being all dramatic with that knife, how hard is it for 3 guys to just come out of the dark and stab Liu Ben in the kidneys? smh

I can't entirely blame Ling Rong for looking out for herself. Zhen Huan and Mei Zihuang loved each other first and LR was never an equal in their hearts, they like her but as close coworkers. Yet she's so short-sighted. She only reacts to what's in front of her.

The head palace eunuch seems to really have some sympathy for good girl Zhen Huan. Though it remains to be seen if he'll still care when she's inevitably out of favor.

Poison! (gasp) it's getting real at the Summer Palace

Zhan Huan is really finding her niche in the soft, mild, and obediently trusting young girlfriend to Hua Fei's firey, passionate & boundary pushing mistress and mature & proper Empress wife. It's clearly a role that works for him. Oh, this sweet flower who only has me to depend on! 😌 Well played.

I love how quick the turnaround is, where Hua Fei's minions are slighting team ZH without consequence and then the next day, boom! Huang Guiquan demoted. (the fact that Hua Fei even HAS relatives in the palace staff is a display of her power & connections)