Foundations of Baguazhang Kung Fu 1

Course details

This course covers the most basic foundations ofJiang Style Baguazhang

In this course Iwill share some of the methods Ihave used to develop real skill with Baguazhang Circle Walking, the foundation of all baguazhang skill and one of the most potent healing qigong disciplines anyone can learn.

Translated, Bagua means "Eight Trigram," referring to the eight basic principles described in the ancient metaphysical treatise the I-Ching, or "Book of Changes." Bagua is meant to be the physical manifestation of these eight principles. "Zhang" means "palm" emphasizing the use of the open hand over the closed fist.

Jiang Rong Qiao(anglicized as Chiang Jung Chiao)lived from1890-1974was a student of both Zhang Zhaodong and Cheng Tinghua,both of whom were formal students of Baguazhang founder Dong Haichaun.

No other martial art has flawlessly combinedthe whole rangeoffighting techniques in one package as effectively as Baguazhang.Baguazhang is characterized by its use of spiral movements and evasive footwork, relying almost entirely on open hand techniques, or 'palm' methodsand full body movement. Baguazhang contains a wide variety of techniques, including various strikes, low kicks, joint locking techniques, and throws.

Bagua Circle Walking is the core foundation of all skill with Baguazhang. It is considered a master class in movement because of how much the muscle, skeletal-fasciaand nervous systems all have to work together in order to do the movements correctly. A person willliterally walkin a circleholding various static postures with the upper body or performing'palm changes'which arepatterns of movement or 'forms'in order totrain and conditionbody mechanics and methods of generating power that make upthe foundationof the styles' fighting techniques.

The basic solo training of Circle Walking in Baguazhang teachesthe practitionerto control theirmomentum and timing in order to generate power with the entire body all at the same time. One whole integrated physical structure.

Through consistent practice a person can develop the mind's internal spaces to be calm, still and clear of irrelevant thoughts. A person can also develop a body that is free of disease, always relaxed and grounded. The potential to develop a profound immovable internal calm no matter what the outside world is doing cannot be overstated.