ALT SANTI: Tiger Claw Mode

This Maximality extension relates to the chapter ‘Alternate Santishi’ in my bestselling new book Bare Metal Minimality. The first obvious question is: Why do we even need any alternate to Santishi (foundational training of Xingyiquan)? Actually we don’t. It’s a great internal training method when done right. But it has one gotcha that makes it slightly less than ideal for either beginners or those not specializing in Xingyiquan full system training. In beginners, and in those working without direct teacher’s supervision, it can elicit a serious violation of our Prime Directive, namely the Relaxation Imperative. Santishi can develop shoulder tension in some people if held for long periods. That’s absolute death for our IP-centric project. (If you don’t know what IP means, then you haven’t yet read the BMM book, please get it from link above).

The alternate in the book is easier to learn and practice, and will get your IP going stronger, at least in your current phase. I described it in detail, both mechanics and mental guidance, in the book. But now I’ll dish out another ‘one weird trick’ to super charge it even more. Just another rabbit from my bottomless top hat.