Stretching the body is good when the purpose is exercise.
When lifting a heavy object or when engaged in combat, stretching in not a good idea.

The problem with stretching at the wrong time is that it puts stress on the body, reduces stability and prevents freedom of movement.
A stretched joint cannot rotate and turn comfortably.
It is not relaxed.
It is prone to injury.

The internal arts never advocate stretching in everyday life or combat.
The joints remain free and loose, heavy and dropped.

The internal arts teach the student to move the entire body towards the opponent, rather than stretch out the limbs.
Stretching is regarded as foolish:

1. It exposes the ribcage, armpit and torso
2. It makes the joints less resilient
3. It makes it easier for your balance to be taken
4. An opponent can avoid a strike more easily
5. The further out from the centre you reach, the less power you have

Rather than stretch, you step.

If you cannot employ optimal power at your current range, do something else.

Long, narrow stances are not combat stances. They were designed for performance.

The deep, horse stance is not for combat either. It is intended to build strength in the legs.

A realistic combat stance enables you to be pushed firmly from all sides without any loss of root.
It allows freedom of movement.
It keeps the joints and spine mobile and loose.

Find the stance that allows you to use your body in a smooth, natural, spontaneous fashion.
A stance that easily facilitates walking.

Partner work, form and other drills can teach students about reach and range.
Three useful solo training methods are easy to practice at home:

1. 3 tier wallbag
2. Striking post
3. Pushing peng (against a wall)

The wallbag ensures that your strikes are powerful and have no adverse feedback into your body.

Use a tree, column or doorframe as a striking post and practice stepping and striking.
With practice, you learn how much power you possess at what range, and begin to find the different ranges instinctively.

Pushing peng is about finding optimal alignment, relaxing and cultivating groundpath.
Virtually any posture from the form can be trained this way.

Ask your training partner to:

1. tug sharply on your wrist
2. kick your thighs and calves vigorously
3. push your torso from all sides
4. be awkward against your applications

Did you lose balance?
Did you need to tense-up or perform an action in order to compensate?

If your stability is lost or you lacked power, explore your stance, reach and range.