TaiChiGringo

I see your point about foundational work, but in my experience, energy work and fascia remodeling are inseparable. Without engaging the body in this way, energy work alone doesn’t seem to lead to real refinement or skill, at least, that’s been my pesonal experience. For somebody with very neutral architecture and very low Biomechancial Debt, pehaps they can work more directly with energy and it will be easy to "warm the clay", but unfortunately most modern people who start practice as adults would benefit from significant corrective fasical remodeling to move towards an integrated bodymind; their clay is very stiff and resistant to warming.

I have a blog on Chen Taijiquan, my attempt to map the territory in a pragmatic and non-mystical way: https://www.taijiquan.quest

I largely agree with his point that fascia needs to soften and adapt, but I don’t think that means beginners shouldn’t stand. Standing was actually a foundational pillar of my practice for the first several years. It helped reduce sensory “noise” and refined interoception, building awareness and sensitivity in the body. However, later I did stop standing for 8 years for exactly the reasons that he is outlining in the video. I realised that the fascia in my shoulders and upper back was stopping the possibility of full release of the shoulders, and that standing wasn't sufficient to remodel that fascia. So I stepped away from standing to focus all my training time on silk reeling and form work, that was capable of doing the corrective remodelling of the fascia that I needed. Even so, I continue to feel that early standing practice is highly valuable for laying the groundwork for deeper, long-term development. I actually wrote an article on exactly this topic, if anyone is interested: https://www.taijiquan.quest/post/the-changing-role-of-stillness-when-zhan-zhuang-insufficient

Hi everyone, I’m glad to be here. I’ve been training and reflecting on Chen style Taijiquan for many years, both as a martial art and as Taoist internal practice. It's a path that has gradually and deeply reorganised my body-mind into a more neutral and flowing way of being. I’m hoping to participate in the conversations here, learn from others, and occasionally share some of the writing I’ve been doing on these themes. Looking forward to connecting with people who are exploring similar territory.