Baguazhang

Bāguàzhǎng is one of the major "" Chinese martial arts. ''Bāguà zhǎng'' literally means "eight trigram palm," referring to the trigrams of the I Ching , one of the canons of Taoism.

History

The creation of Baguazhang, as a formalised martial art, is attributed to Dong Haichuan in the early 19th century, who apparently learned from Taoist, and possibly Buddhist, masters in the mountains of rural China. There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practised in the region in which he lived, combined with Taoist circle walking. Dong Haichuan taught for many years in Beijing, eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.

Famous disciples of Dong to become teachers were Yin Fu , Cheng Tinghua , Song Changrong , Liu Fengchun , Ma Weiqi , Liang Zhenpu and Liu Dekuan . Although they were all students of the same teacher, their methods of training and expressions of palm techniques differed. The Cheng and Liu styles are said to specialize in "Pushing" the palms, Yin style is known for "Threading" the palms, Song's followers practice "Plum Flower" palm technique and Ma style palms are known as "Hammers." Some of Dong Haichuan's students, including Cheng Tinghua, participated in the Boxer Rebellion. In general, most Bagua practitioners practice either the Yin , Cheng , or Liang styles of Baguazhang, although Fan , Shi , Liu , Fu , and other styles also exist.

Modern Styles

*: Yin Fu 尹福
*: Cheng Ting Hua 程廷華
*: Jiang Rong Qiao 姜容樵
*: Liang Zhen Pu 梁振蒲
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*Yin Yang Style
*: Sun Lu-t'ang
*: Liu Bao Zhen 刘宝珍

Common Aspects

The practice of circle walking, or 'Turning the Circle', as it is sometimes called, is baguazhang's characteristic method of stance and movement training. Practitioners walk around the edge of a circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms. Students first learn flexibility and proper body alignment through such exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics. The internal aspects of baguazhang are very similar to those of xingyi and tai chi.

Many distinctive styles of weapons are contained within baguazhang, some use concealment like the "scholar's pen" or a pair of knives . Baguazhang is also known for practicing with extremely large weapons, such as the Bāguàdāo , or 'Bagua Broadsword'. Other more conventional weapons are also used like the staff, straight sword, and spear. Baguazhang practitioners are also known for being able to use anything as a weapon using the principles of their art.

Baguazhang contains an extremely wide variety of techniques, including various strikes , low kicks, joint locking techniques, throws, and distinctively evasive circular footwork.

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