GrahamB's Ma Bu Challenge - can you handle it?

In response to a post on Rum Soaked Fist asking if it was possible to sit in a Ma Bui (Horse stance) with the thighs parallel to the ground, knees not going over the toes and the back vertical I posted this:

(In case you're wondering, that's Wife in the background giving a special message of support. Thank you darling :) )

Edit: Here's an updated pic. Various people thought my thighs were too low in the original pic, so here's one with the thighs higher, and my little helper as well.

Plus, here's a funny video.

I don't practice Horse Stance this low usually, I just wanted to see if I could do it. So, my conclusion is that yes, it is possible.

I get the feeling that there are a lot of people who would like to be able to do that too, but can't. I have short legs, maybe that helps?

Anyway, if you're interested in how I got into this low Horse Stance without breaking the requirements I did the following

1) Feet at least 1.5 shoulder widths apart (the lower you want to go, the wider your stance should be)

2) Next, bend your knees so that your feet are parallel to the floor. It's ok to lean forward at this point. I think that most people who have some basic martial arts training or yoga training should be able to get this low, especially if you can lean forward. Check your knees to make sure they are where they need to be - i.e. not going over the toes.

3) Now the hard bit - you need to hold that position and straighten up. This is the tough bit. You need to keep your knees exactly where they are and use your core muscles to straighten your torso up until it is vertical. You'll notice I've put my arms forward to act as a counterbalance for the weight - that makes it easier. With a bit more practice I could probably lower the arms and maintain the position.

4) Smile for the camera (I forgot this bit).

Why a horse stance?

Horse stance is common amongst all Chinese Martial styles. Even XingYi, which is noted for its more upright, less wide stances, has a Horse Stance burried away somewhere in most linking sequences. Most Tai Chi forms have something similar, even if it's not exactly 50/50 weight in each leg.

Training a horse stance is seen as basic conditioning in many kung fu styles, although neither of my current teachers have ever stressed it. My experience with Ma Bu has been that it's a damn good way to strengthen your legs, and a damn silly position to adopt in a fight. The way I was originally taught to do it in Feng Shou Kung Fu was that the feet point forward (not out, as some people do it), and your feet are 1.5-2 shoulder widths apart. You don't incline the body forward, but keep it upright. Your thighs need to be at least 45 degrees. Weight 50/50. Then sit there and enjoy the burn. That's a good way to start.If you get bored then make pretty Tai Chi patterns with your arms and match them to your breathing - it really does take the mind off the pain and help you go for longer.

Interestingly, this position has become known as "horse stance", yet you never see a horse adopting anything remotely like it! The idea is that it's the position of a rider on a horse, so a more accurate name for it would be "Horse riding stance". I guess "horse stance" has become the accepted shortened term for it.

The Challenge *

I'm interested to know how many other people can do a horse stance like this. Am I rare, or can everybody do this? Please post a pic in the comments section below if you can do it and let me know!

Again, the requirements are

1) Vertical back

2) Knees don't go over toes

3) Thighs parallel to the ground

I don't mind if your feet aren't perfectly parallel with each other - mine aren't - or what position your left ear lobe is in, so long as you hit the 3 requirements above you count. Are you up to the challenge?

* Please note - you do this at your own risk - please consult a medical professional if you are in doubt.