Steve James wrote:Well, people should do what makes them feel good. However, I would never recommend that a 3 year old stand post unless he or she wanted to do it. In a country with a billion people, a tradition of martial arts that also offers a chance for success, I think there'll be quite a few children who want to practice or who are encouraged by their parents. I would prefer if my kids just had fun. They can stand when they're older, or elderly when standing is a "real" exercise. In fact, I would recommend standing to everyone in a rest home, and hope it makes them strong enough to walk. I think it will benefit a 70 year-old more than a 7 year-old. Jmo.
I think it's easier to stretch when you are young and easier to clear out the blockages, and so on. Chen Ziqiang seems to be doing well for himself as a taiji instructor. Here's a video of Pengfei competing at age 12 in 2000.
Wow. I think his Mom is pretty good too. She showed me some pictures of herself doing taiji - very low postures! And he seems to be smart as a whip. IIRC he got his MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Now he's a successful businessman in Beijing. Anyway, they both started young and they seem to be well adjusted and doing well for themselves.