Key points for practicing San Ti Stance (三体式)

San Ti stance is the most importance stance and training in Xing Yi (形意拳) system. It is the foundation for all the forms. Here are the Eight “Must”, with each has three elements, total of 24 points:

1. Press (顶): Head press up, Hand (The front one) pushes out and Tongue press the jaw.
2. Withhold or suppress (扣): Shoulder, Knee and Kua, Palms and feet.
3. Round (圆): Back, Chest and “Tiger Mouth” (虎口) (the area between thumb and forefinger).
4. Hold (抱): Dantien (丹田) holds Qi, Courage holds your body (means fearless), Elbows hold (surround) your rib cage.
5. Sink (垂): Qi sinks to Dantien (丹田), Shoulder and elbow.
6. Bent (曲): Arms, legs and wrists bent like bow.
7. Lift (挺): Neck, Waist and Knee
8. Sharp (毒): Mind, Eye and Hands (fast)

Some of the points are straight forward with your body, some are mind related. Those points need to be further discussed with your teacher to ensure you have the proper understanding.