Contents. Origin of Ba Gua Nei Gong The primary internal exercise in Ba Gua Zhang (Eight Diagram Palm) is to walk in a circle holding fixed postures. This practice is known as Ding Shi Ba Gua Zhang. It is believed that Dong Hai Chuan, the founder of Ba Gua Zhang, synthesized the best of various martial styles in order to create Ba Gua.
However the key element of this new style was the practice of walking in a circle while holding various postures that energize and strengthen the body while calming the mind and refining and purifying the spirit. It is believed that Dong studied with the Dragon Gate school of Daoism which practiced a form of Daoist circle walking meditation whose purpose was to open and harmonize the meridians of the body in order to promote health and focus and quiet the mind. Daoist practitioners used this practice, called “Rotating in the Worship of Heaven,” not for martial purposes, but to refine qi and spirit through external movement in order to realize internal stillness or emptiness (ie: the Dao). Purportedly Dong saw that this circle walking had value not only as a meditation and health exercise, but also as the foundation of an effective method of martial arts As a result the following statement is attributed to Dong Hai Chuan: Training in martial arts ceaselessly is inferior to walking the circle; In Ba Gua Zhang circle walking practice is the font of all training. Walking as Exercise Modern research has only recently confirmed something that the Chinese clearly knew over a thousand years ago – that regular moderate exercise enhances resistance to disease, improves emotional well-being and reduces the incidence and risk of high blood pressure, strokes and diseases like diabetes.
Studies have shown that a moderate exercise like walking may actually produce greater results than more intensive cardio-vascular exercise. As proof some doctors point to the work of Hiroshi Nose: Hiroshi Nose, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of sports medical sciences at Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan, who has enrolled thousands of older Japanese citizens in an innovative, five-month-long program of brisk, interval-style walking (three minutes of fast walking, followed by three minutes of slower walking, repeated 10 times). The results have been striking. “Physical fitness — maximal aerobic power and thigh muscle strength — increased by about 20 percent,” Dr. Nose wrote in an e-mail, “which is sure to make you feel about 10 years younger than before training.” The walkers’ “symptoms of lifestyle-related diseases (hypertension, hyperglycemia and obesity) decreased by about 20 percent,” he added, while their depression scores dropped by half.
Walking has also been shown by other researchers to aid materially in weight control. A 15-year study found that middle-aged women who walked for at least an hour a day maintained their weight over the decades. Those who didn’t gained weight. In addition, a recent seminal study found that when older people started a regular program of brisk walking, the volume of their hippocampus, a portion of the brain involved in memory, increased significantly. Walking is also superior to many other forms of exercise, as it balances the musculature of the legs and utilizes the entire body through the natural oppositional movements of the arms and legs and their concomitant production of spiral movements through the torso, which in turn relaxes the diaphragm and engages the inter-costal and stomach muscles.
This in turn stimulates the organs of digestion and improves circulation throughout the entire body. Qi Gong and Nei Gong: The Benefit of Internal Exercise Internal Exercises like Qi Gong and Nei Gong and martial arts like Tai Ji Quan, which feature slow deliberate movements performed in conjunction with deep breathing and focused mind-intention have been shown to produce a multitude of improvements in physiological functioning and resistance to disease:. One study showed that Qi Gong exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, creating improvements in symptoms such as memory, dizziness, and insomnia. A study of people with high blood pressure showed that after 12 weeks of Qi Gong, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were lower.
A study in Korea indicated that regular practice of Qi Gong reduced blood pressure, as well as reduced cortisol levels. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland andis often referred to as the “stress hormone” as it is involved in response to stress. In the treatment of asthma, self-applied Qi Gong led to significant cost decreases, such as reduction in sick days, hospitalization days, emergency consultations, respiratory tract infections, and the number of drugs and drug costs. Unfavorable changes of sex hormone levels due to aging were retarded by regular practice of Qi Gong exercises.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an anti-aging enzyme that is produced naturally by the body, declines with age. SOD is believed to destroy free radicals that may cause aging.
In one study the SOD levels of retired workers who did Qi Gong exercises showed that the mean level of SOD was increased by Qi Gong exercise. A study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine compared the effects of Qi Gong and Tai Chi, on adults 60 and older, measuring their immunity to the Varicella Zoster Virus that causes shingles.
After 12 weeks, the participants had raised their immunity to the virus. Regular practice of Qi Gong can improve sleep and reduce daytime fatigue and drowsiness. Qi gong and Tai Chi have been shown to reduce stress and psychological distress. The practice of Qi Gong has been shown to reduce arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints. Regular practice of qi gong helped patients reduce their pain medication. A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of Tai Ji Quan, patients with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai Ji Quan patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later.
Meditation and Breathing The practice of Qi Gong and Nei Gong also involve control of the breath and a calm, relaxed and mind that puts aside distracting thoughts for the duration of the practice session. This has been labeled “the relaxation response” by researchers like Herbert Benson. Benson found that this mind-body state, common to various methods of meditation and exercises like Qi gong and Nei Gong, could counteract the harmful effects of stress and the flight or fight response.
Many of the following conditions can be significantly improved or cured when people regularly engage in a practice that produces the “relaxation response”:. Constipation. Cardiac Arrhythmia. Herpes Simplex.
Bronchial Asthma. Diabetes.
Duodenal ulcers. Hypertension.
Insomnia. Pain More recently The researchers report that those who meditated for about 30 minutes a day for eight weeks had measurable changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. Brain scans taken before and after the participants’ meditation regimen found increased gray matter in the hippocampus, an area important for learning and memory. The images also showed a reduction of gray matter in the amygdala, a region connected to anxiety and stress. The slow rhythmic deep abdominal breathing common to Qi Gong and Nei Gong exercises is also an important element in their efficacy in promoting health and resistance to disease. Breathing “is” life. While we can go without food and water for days, we cannot go without breathing for even a few minutes.
This most basic life rhythm has profound effects on the whole human organism. The movements of the diaphragm and ribs in inhalation and exhalation help the vena cava to return blood to the heart. Additionally, as the organs of digestion have direct and indirect attachments to the diaphragm, its piston-like action in breathing aids digestion and peristalsis. Even the kidneys move slightly with every breath.
It is no surprise that impaired breathing can have profound affects on the functioning of the internal organs. It has been clinically shown that slow, even breathing at a rate of less than ten breaths per minute can modulate blood pressure.
Regular practice of slowed breathing actually produced a drop in blood pressure of 20-30 points. The FDA has approved biofeedback-like devices that aid patients in slowing their breathing in order to treat hypertension. Other benefits of slow, relaxed. Deep breathing include reduced incidence of asthma and bronchitis as well as increased lung capacity and stamina.
Circle Walking Nei Gong Ding Shi Ba Gua Zhang (the Nei Gong practice associated with the martial art Ba Gua Zhang) is unique as it combines the benefits of walking with the internal movements and deep abdominal breathing of Nei Gong and Qi Gong practices, and the relaxed and calm mind-intention associated with meditation and the relaxation response. Practitioners like Zhao Da Yuan and his teacher Li Zi Ming feel that Ba Gua is the ultimate Nei Gong exercise because it is the culmination of a tradition of Dao Yin (guiding, pulling and leading qi exercises), Tu Na (breathing exercises), Nei Gong (internal Exercises), Martial arts, Daoist meditation and Daoist alchemical practices, and other Yang Sheng (Life Nourishing) practices that date back at least as far as the early Han dynasty. Because of the late development of Ba Gua Zhang as a martial art (the founder, Dong Hai Chuan, lived from 1813 to 1882), it draws on all of these traditions and according to some experts incorporated the best methods from these various traditions into its techniques and training methods. Both Zhao Da Yuan and his teacher Li Zi Ming feel that the Circle walking practice of Ding Shi Ba Gua Zhang conforms more completely with the intrinsic movement of the universe and the natural world than other forms of exercise. To paraphrase Li Zi Ming: The movements of the celestial bodies in the universe contain both rotation and circulation.
The human body is microcosm of the universe – a small heavenly circle. The theory of Ba Gua draws upon this observation of the heavenly bodies by using rotation and circulation through its walking and turning practice. This practice harmonizes the practitioner with the natural movement of qi of the universe.
Ba Gua’s practice of walking and rotating therefore conforms to the natural principle of the world around us. By walking the circle and rotating the body, qi is aroused and circulates inside the body. This in turn strengthens the body, improves circulation and resistance to disease, and improves the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems. Additionally it produces a unified strength that stems from the arousal of the qi.
This strength can then be employed in the martial arts. Walking the circle as a Ba Gua Nei Gong practice is not simply walking. It combines the benefits of walking with Qi Gong, meditation. It also develops a refined strength that can be employed in martial arts and other physical activities. As the body turns, and rotates, the muscles, fascia and energy pathways of the body (the meridians) are stimulated by spiraling actions that engage the whole body. The deep abdominal breathing combines with the body alignments to connect the lower body to the waist and upper limbs so that the whole body can be sensed.
Inside the mind is quiet and observant and outside there is movement and rotation. This creates a refined strength combined with internal relaxation, akin to the natural and relaxed strength of a cat. Perhaps this is why Ba Gua practitioners place such a premium on walking. Li Zi Ming summarized the importance of walking and in particular Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong by simply saying: Hundreds of exercises are not as good as simply walking; Walking is the master of hundreds of exercises.
1 The Origins of Pa Kua Chang – Part 3, by Dan Miller. Pa Kua Chang Journal Vol. 4 May/June 1993.
Pacific Grove, CA: High View Publications, p. 27 2 What’s the Single Best Exercise? By Gretchen Reynolds Published: April 15, 2011 New York Times Magazine 3 Anti-Aging Benefits of Qigong, by Kenneth Sancier Ph. D., 4 Qigong Reduced Blood Pressure and Catecholamine Levels of Patients with Essential Hypertension, by Myung-Suk Lee, Myeong Soo Lee et als 2003, Vol. 12, Pages 1691-1701. 5 Multifaceted Health Benefits of Medical Qigong, by Kenneth M. Sancier, Ph.D.
And Devatara Holman MS, MA, Lac J. Alt Compl Med. 2004; 10(1):163-166. 6 Anti-Aging Benefits of Qigong, by Kenneth Sancier Ph.
D., 7 Effects of Qigong Therapy on Arthritis: A Review and Report of a Pilot Trial by Kevin W Chen and Tianjun Liu. Medical Paradigm: June 2004 – Volume 1, Number 1.; 8 Tai Chi Reported to Ease Fibromyalgia, by Pam Belluck. The New York Times, August 18, 2010.
The Circle Walk Practice of Ba Gua Zhang The Circle Walking Method Practitioners who have studied Ba Gua Zhang for any length of time are no doubt very familiar with Ba Gua Zhang's circle walking practice. Walking the circle is the cornerstone of the art, all systems of Ba Gua Zhang practice this method and thus 'walking in a circle' has become Ba Gua Zhang's trademark. However, even though the circle walking practice is common to all major systems, a student who has studied the art from a variety of different teachers can quickly become frustrated when trying to investigate exactly how the circle walking practice is performed. Ba Gua Zhang instructor Li Zi ming (1900 - 1992) of Beijing, China, holds the 'Millstone' posture.
This is the basic circle walking arm position. There are at least a dozen dif ferent circle walk stepping techniques and each teacher seems to have his or her own detailed criteria for practicing these techniques. Investigating the art of circle walking, one may run across some of the following: the lion step, the dragon step, the chicken step, the tiger step, the snake step, the crane step, the rippling step, the mud walking step, the shake step, the stomp step, the hesitation step, the continuous step, the sliding step, the digging heel step, the gliding step, and even steps such as the camel step and the elephant step. Some of these are different names describing the same step and others are steps used only for specific leg strength and body training. One will also encounter Ba Gua Zhang schools who walk the circle painstakingly slow and others who walk very fast.
Then one may also encounter the lower, middle, and upper 'basin' walking positions along with a wide variety of upper body postures one might assume while walking. Additionally, there are various sizes and combinations of circles as well as different ground surfaces and apparatus (such as bricks, poles, or stones) that the practitioner will walk on. To the beginning student who simply wants to know how to walk the circle and why circle walking is important, all of this may seem very confusing. Xie Pei Qi, a Yin Style Ba Gua instructor in Beijing, China, walks the circle in the 'lower basin' position.
The truth is that the circle walking technique will vary depending upon the result one intends to derive from the practice. There is no one 'correct' method. Every school of Ba Gua which is teaching a complete art will have a wide variety of circle walking methods which they practice and each method will be designed for a specific training purpose. Cheng You Xin's son, Cheng De Liang, walks the circle holding the 'Embracing Moon at Chest' posture. This posture is one of the eight nei gong palms in both the Cheng Ting Hua and Liang Zhen Pu styles of Ba Gua. While Ba Gua Zhang practitioners will sometimes argue about the 'correct' circle walking technique, the fact of the matter is that there is not one 'correct' way to practice this exercise.
Those that believe that there is only one way to walk the circle have only been introduced to a very small portion of a vast art form. The incompleteness of their training leads to ignorance. There are, in fact, many valid techniques utilized in circle walk practice, the technique used depends on the results desired. The primary guidelines in practice involve maintaining a relaxed, comfortable posture and focused intention while walking. If these guidelines are followed, variations on the theme are endless. © Copyright 2007-2017 High View Publications and B&R Endeavors, LLC.
All rights reserved. Please feel free to or check out our site. Pa kua chang, also known as baguazhang, literally means 'eight trigram palm' and is an internal martial art attributed to Dong Haichuan in early 19th century China. Baguazhang has its roots in Taoism and Buddhism and is characterized by spinning movements, evasive footwork and the practice of circle walking. Baguazhang, xingyi and tai chi are the three major internal or Neijia Chinese martial arts.
The Pa Kua Chang Journal was edited by Dan Miller and dives deeply into this facinating martial and healing art.
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Bagua Circle Walking
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Bagua Zhang Books (also spelled 'Pakua Chang') KS060 A Shadow on Fallen Blossoms The 36 and 48 Traditional Verses of Baguazhang Translation and Commentary by Andrea Mary Falk 237 pages, paperback, English with Chinese verse Plum price $30 I’ll be honest with you, I have not yet finished Andrea Falk’s new book: A Shadow on Fallen Blossoms. I wanted to post this as soon as we received copies. I can’t imagine anyone interested in Bagua and not adding a copy to their martial library. This volume of “poems” and essays are supposedly written—recorded is a better word—directly from the teachings of Dong Hai Chuan, the founder of Bagua Zhang, by a follower named Zeng Zengqi. Falk expertly translates the text from the Chinese (included) and adds enlightened English commentary.
She preserves the poetic structure where the principles of Bagua are laid out in small, memorable Chinese verses. In former days these “songs” were studied and memorized, allowing even illiterate students to analyze their rich content. Andrea Falk has the natural reticence of someone who does not want to mess up her sources. In this case, she has written extensively, adding her own commentary on the original texts. Her approach succeeds, creating a running subtext that taps into her teachers’ and her own knowledge of Bagua and Chinese Martial arts, not to mention the re-statement of many sections in terms modern and clear to an English reader.
Here’s a taste 伸手不见掌前伸 又无油松照彼身 收缩眼皮努睛看 底盘掌使显奇神 'When you can’t see your hand extended in front of you, And you don’t have a torch to illuminate your assailants, Narrow your eyes and concentrate on seeing. Go to a low stance and all will become clear.'
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'I call this verse Fighting in Darkness. It gives good, practical advice about not to fight in the dark. Outdoors in the dark, if you crouch down you can quite often see your opponents against the natural light, which come from above.
Indoors, there could still be light coming in a window. The opponents have much less change of seeing you, looking down into the darkness.
This is described again in verse 48.25, which emphasizes that you need to move around, and stay low while moving around. Squinting is not to “see better,” but to help the eyes adjust to the dark by making it even darker for a brief movement, after which you will see better.
Also, block the light temporarily so the eyes can serve to stimulate the other senses.' If we haven't already made this point, we highly recommend this book. Quantity Fundamentals of PaKuaChang: The Method of Lu Shui-Tien as Taught by Park Bok Nam This 2 Volume set continues the lineage of Lu Shui-Tien (1894-1978) through his student Park Bok Nam. Lu was so well known during the Sino-Japanese war as a Chinese fighter, that the Japanese put a price on his head. He had many deadly battle confrontations. KF004 Fundamentals of PaKuaChang VOLUME 1 Same as 'Bagua Zhang' by Park Bok Nam $29.95, 207 pages This book by, Park Bok Nam, Lu's student of over 17 years, is chock full of hands on BaGua training. Besides detailed instructions on walking, it contains.
Philosophical roots Two person exercises Power issuing practice Palm Training. Snake style body movement Body Twisting Exercises Ch'i Kung method (Qigong). Bagua geometry. Special footwork The FIRST volume of a two part series and a pretty comprehensive introduction to this method of BaGua practice.
One of the first books in English on the subject. Quantity Volume 2 will be available within the next few months. To be notified when it returns KF005 Fundamentals of PaKuaChang (Bagua Zhang) Vol. 2 Same as 'Bagua Zhang' by Park Bok Nam $29.95, 206 pages, Besides detailed instructions on Bagua fighting strategies, it contains. Further circle walking technique Body training including Single Palm Palm technique with appications Elbow Training. Kou Bu and Bai Bu kicking The MIND in Chi Kung (Qigong) practice Bagua Ch'i Kung techniques The SECOND volume of a two part series, this is a pretty comprehensive introduction to at least one method of BaGua practice.
This text adds more to the overall picture of BaGua while introducing information about leg locking and elbow attacks, hidden moves in most BaGua forms. Quantity KY008 Yan Dehua's Bagua Zhang Applications by Yan Dehua, translated by Andrea Falk 163 pages plus, softbound, illustrated $25.00 English, 10% discount if both Falk translations ordered.
Discount taken in shopping cart. Still one of our favorite Chinese martial arts books of all time. It would be hard to find more charming illustrations for a martial book.
These figures resemble a knock down fight between the Katzenjammer kids. Wonderful half-fanciful applications of Bagua, this being the first book with Bagua applications ever published. A nice straightforward and clear translation from Andrea Falk with the appropriate Chinese characters for key concepts printed in Chinese and English.
Quantity KJ004 Jiang Rongqiao's Baguazhang by Jiang Rongqiao, translated by Andrea Falk 149 pages, plus softbound, with illustrations and photgraphs $26.95 English, 10% discount if both Falk translations ordered. Discount taken in shopping cart. Bagua teacher, Andrea Falk, gives up her translation of Jiang RongQiao’s Bagua Zhang Eight Palms form. Not only does it proffer a smooth, literate translation of this key form, but each section is accompanied by photographic breakdowns of Jiang’s style by teacher Cai YunHua, a direct descendant in the Jiang line. Further principles and concepts are also transmitted with notes from Falk clarifying topics such as the goal of Bagua stepping methods.
A helpful expansion of the original text. Quantity SC534 Round Body Bagua Zhang with VCD Gao MingXing 94 pages plus VCD, softbound $18.95 Simplified Chinese/English on both book and VCD A surprisingly strong performance of a mixed set of Bagua by a national champion.
This medium sized set is a solid compilation of many aspects of Bagua besides the Palm Changes. It also blends the Bagua Animals as well as some Old Palms positions.
Additionally, kicking methods are shown within the form and capturing the flavor of the style. A good performance set for about intermediate level and one that is clean enough that whichever style you might practice this can be applied. Though often less than 100 pages, these 'en face' books offer both simplified Chinese and English face to face. In addition, they include a VCD with the form in question demonstrated, often by top performers. The narration in both the Chinese and English is minimal, leaving it pretty much up to you to figure out how to move, but the photographs are quite clear and the English helpful.
If you are interested in the form, it is a good value. Bagua Nei Gong Series by Tom Bisio Multiple volumes As a later addition to the world of Chinese martial arts, Bagua is the inheritor of many branches of information.
In addition to its signature circling and twisting, it is also a system comprising much Kung Fu information that is commonly scattered and hard to find. Tom’s newest offering is a series of books which can progressively or individually bring you into the world of Bagua Nei Gong training. (Martial artists often prefer to use Nei Gong over the more common”Qi Gong” for a number of reasons, including the somewhat more sophisticated concepts involved in the study of Nei Gong.) Many of these will be familiar to practitioners of martial and Daoist studies. Bisio’s Gao style, there are nine distinct sections of Nei Gong listed as: Patting. Dao Yin Guiding Qi. Standing and foundation.
12 Postures standing. Fundamental actions. Circle Walking. Tian Gan.
Bone Marrow. Daoist “Returning” Meditation Book #1: Yin Yang Patting and Dao Yin Exercises (covers #'s 1 & 2) 87 Pages counting 20 page glossary Patting the body certain ways can be beneficial to developing Qi flow. The method here is simply described with easy instructions and clear definitions of Patting (yin) and Slapping (Yang) methods. This is followed by a section on Guiding Qi (Dao Yin) showing some key actions of Nei Gong training. Book #1 KB016 $19.95 Book #2: Qi Cultivation Exercises & Standing Meditation 117 Pages counting 20 page glossary The concentration in this text is on standing practice with the arms lowered (WuJi style) or raised in front of the chest (embracing method). After these two universal exercises comes a section of six more patterns developing a sense of the proper directional movements and their effects on the body. A clear and concise introduction to general Nei Gong practice and some very simple ways to find results.
This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement. Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customization for the student. Book #2 KB017 $20.95 Book #3: Twelve Posture Standing 87 Pages counting 20 page glossary In this text, standing postures (12) become much more Bagua oriented with 12 animal shapes, each with a specific Bagua version of a classical posture. The first of these is finally demonstrated as a Single Change Palm, the basic method of reversing the circle in Bagua. This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement. Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customization for the student.
Book #3 KB018 $19.95 Book #4: Foundational Body Training 165 Pages counting 20 page glossary This fourth volume covers 25 fundamental exercises and Bagua Walking Nei Gong. For those who want to know what Bagua is, JiBen Gong or fundamental exercises are important because they introduce the flavor of the system while opening up the pathways in the correct ways.
Many of these basics training forms encourage waist and shoulder rotation while giving good examples of the proper method. This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement. Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customizing for the student. Book #4 KB019 $24.95 Book #5: Tian Gan Heavenly Stem Nei Gong 135 Pages counting 20 page glossary 'Tian Gan Nei Gong is indispensible to the practice of Ba Gua Zhang and the martial arts in general. The Tian Gan Exercises develop the ability of the legs and waist to generate the torsional power known as 'Silk Reeling' Energy. Tian Gan also trains the correct internal mechnaics'.
' Tian Gan literally means' Heavenly Stem.' Refers to the longitudinal axis or stem that passes through the body. Combined with the movements of the arms and legs, stimulate and open the meridians.' This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement. Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customizing for the student. Book #6: Marrow Washing Nei Gong 103 pages, photographs and illustrations counting 20 page glossary In this volume Tom Bisio takes a decided step toward the core of the the practice—literally. Almost the first thing he does in this volume is to introduce bone breathing, an ancient and perennial method well known among martial artists and monks.
He extends this into a series of even deeper direction aiming at concentrated focus on the marrow in the bones, partly a method of concentration that engages fundamental reactions. He then shows a consolidating series of postures and massage techniques. Finally there is a chapter on principles linking the exercise to its philosophical basis and relation to the I Ching: the Classic of Changes. This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement.
Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customizing for the student. #KC065 Cheng School Gao Style BaguaZhang Edited by Liu Feng Cai, Editorial Director Vince Black, Translator John Groschwitz 392 Pages, photographs $29.95 Plum price $25.50 Here is a major book on Bagua Zhang spanning three inheritances: Gao Style, Cheng School, and Li Branch, all started by three famous Bagua teachers.
This is the first English language presentation of the writings of Liu Feng Cai, one of the greatest of all Bagua Zhang performers. Besides Liu's version of Gao style Bagua, the famous 64 palms of Gao, there is much information that shows a very original and deeply considered take on the art. In addition, the report by Professor Kang Ge Wu gives a detailed and well documented historical reconstruction of its origins. Besides discussing Bagua weapons and usage, there is a lot of information on living skills and 'martial destiny.' For instance, the section on the relationship of Pre-Heaven to Post-Heaven, strikes us as one of the best and most detailed expressed so far in English. Gao, according to Liu, has five distinctions from other styles of Bagua. The Pre-Heaven Palms are the basis of the Post-Heaven Palms A book like this gives a lot of valuable information but must also just hint at a few things.
We hope to see more Gao Style books on its peculiar weapons, two person drills, and things like that. However, this book is a great start.
Basics, color photos, personal insight by long -time practitioners, health benefits, combat theory, historical background, a text that will make you reconsider some of the basic principles, animal boxing and important insights on life-cultivation: there are a number of noteworthy books on the art of Bagua coming out now. This is one of them and an important reference to add to the complete Bagua library. Quantity Here it is. Sun Zhi Jun is considered by a lot of people to be the top Cheng style Bagua Zhang practitioner in the world. Here we have a special package combining many things until now only available in Chinese. It starts with his Chinese textbook—the 1994 edition revised, expanded and translated into English—outlining the history, technique, background and forms of Cheng Bagua. There are a lot of nicely translated pages covering spirit and practice.
Every form in the accompanying DVD is explained so you can use the book for those technical details impossible to get off a video. The translation is top grade, articulate and east to read. The DVD alone is almost worth the price since it collects the forms of six previously published VCD (Video Compact Disks) right there a value of over 45.00. Sun himself, though no kid, is graceful and powerful at the same time. His Bagua is no-nonsense and he likes contact so his applications are to the point yet retain the flavor of Bagua.
Many practitioners can throw a punch or punch a thrower but most of them cannot do it with the distinctive Bagua flavor that takes years to develop. A big oversize book of over 400 pages, a really top notch source book for the serious Bagua student. Excerpt: “In this case, the qi is stemming from the dan tian area and is sent out to the tip of the spearhead. The Ba Gua spear form combines the arts of Ba gua Zhang with the spar movements and is executed with agile and flexible steps which resemble flying. The movements are linked together by applying all the basic principles of internal qi changes in combination with the external manifestations of force and speed.” THE DVD: By eliminating repetitions from the old 800 series, and and probably shaving a few instructional slices, most sections run between eight and fifteen minutes. There is no cumulative time for the DVD so we are estimating it at about 142 minutes Basic training: 6:29 Empty Hand Forms: 8 Palm Changes 8:10 8 Mother Palms 23:53 8 Connecting Palms 4:34 24 Movement 64 Changes Form 29:48 Bagua Saber: A fast, fluid and beautiful set performed with the oversized weapon often associated with the art of Bagua. Numerous spins and “lift the curtain” movements.
19:07 Bagua Straight Sword: Many under the arm, coiling, spinning and figure eight cuts show a strong, well-constructed set that never naps as far as Bagua principles. Less fancy than some, more meaningful than most. 16:35 Bagua Spear: A good spear form with a wide variety of movements most of them still emphasizing the core actions. Don’t expect everything to be performed in a circle though, to our eyes, everything is circular. Not a beginner’s spear form.
19:06 Bagua Elk Horn Knives: One of the primary double handed weapons for increasing your Bagua skill. This is a wonderfully twisty form with spins, double wing actions, coiling steps and whirling blades. Best to start with cardboard knives or such. Much like an extension of his 24 strikes form taken to a higher level.
These forms brought together establish a core series of routines for capturing the Cheng and swimming dragon flavor. 14:52 Sun Zhi Jun was born in 1933 in Cheng Village, Shen County, Hebei. He started his training under Liu ZiYang who was himself a disciple of Cheng DianHua, Cheng TingHua’s younger brother. He later studied under Cheng YouSheng (the son of Cheng Dian Hua). He also studied from Cheng Ting Hua’s other son, Cheng YouXin.
Besides being a famous instructor he taught competing members of contemporary Wushu teams. This year he has been designated a National Treasure in mainland China. A couple of customers have reported having problems playing the DVD on their DVD players. The DVDs are Region 0, which means playable anywhere; and they play without trouble on all computers. Just in case. Bagua Zhang is exotic, effective, beautiful and practical; it shows the grace of Tai Chi with the skill of Kung Fu, incorporating the best of martial and health practices with philosophy. There are over 150 branches of this great art, but it is commonly acknowledged that 'The Eight Animals' is the core practice for Bagua.
The Eight Animals routine combines Bagua's signature circle walking with eight special Qigong postures. Plum's book and DVD provide a complete introduction through simple instruction mixed with higher level practices. Originally developed as the text for introductory seminars, the book combines photos and text to clearly show the breakdown of each movement. And the companion DVD offers the complete set plus fundamentals, including demonstrations of pole work rarely seen. Ted Mancuso's signature style of narrative teaching is evident in both; as one reviewer commented, 'It's like having a teacher right at your elbow.'
Ted Mancuso is the author of the popular book which is a companion to his best-selling DVD series He has been teaching Chinese martial arts for more than forty-five years. Click picture to see larger version. KT057 Taiji, Xing Yi and BaguaQuan by Way of Our Modern Masters Mark Small 103 pages, $29.95, oversized Quantity Sifu Mark Small brings the teachings of many instructors together in what might be called a book of comparative principles. Having studied over a forty year period with various instructors such as Chang Tsung-Sheng, “The Butterfly King”; Liang Shou-yu, a Shuai Jiao champion; JouTsung-Hwa, Chen Yun-Ching and Choy Kam Man, he can legitimately claim to know something about his subject. For instance, here is one important and powerful example: Small shows that the basic fighting posture of all these arts is essentially the same. Further, he demonstrates that this meta-posture can be applied to many throws. He then goes on to enumerate the use of different energies in throwing, including well-known concepts like Warding, Pressing and Plucking.
He also offers us a wealth of comparisons between the arts and the styles uncovering key principles used by the various methods. There are so many ideas tucked away in the middle of paragraphs and side notes that the reader will have to be attentive to break them out to apply them.
This is a good text for intermediate and advanced martial students. Here's another significant book by Tom Bisio. He is probably doing more than anyone else in English to chronicle a consistent style and approach to Bagua training, especially within the Gao branch of the style. This book concentrates on the Ding Shi, the walking palms with stationary upper body positions. These form much of the core of Bagua.
Drawing on his own knowledge as an acupuncturist, conversations and lessons from Zhao Da Yuan, along with notes taken from the famous Li Zi Ming, Tom has produced a book not only of tips on how to walk the Ding Shi (the same as in his DVDs) but also which meridians correspond to which animals. There is much information about the cycle of energy in the body and its relation to Bagua.
There is a lot of information here and this can only be a valuable supplement to any Bagua student's training. Topics include the Channels, Micro-cosmic orbit, the functions and locations of the channels, walking the Bagua posts and 'the rarely taught Bagua Energy Accepting Palm, in which vital force (qi) is absorbed from the natural environment.' #KL008 Learning Bagua Zhang: The Martial Art of Change Ted Mancuso 225 Pages $28.95 Plum PRICE $22.45 ( over 20% off) From the back cover. ' Some people don't believe that you can learn Bagua from a book. But they don't have over forty years experience teaching martial arts.
Ted Mancuso has created a step-by-step process for learning Bagua, based on what he calls 'narrative instruction.' In this book, you will first learn the key hand motions, followed by Bagua's distinctive circle-walking and foot patterns. Next, hands and legs are joined into core Bagua movements, which are then applied to partner practice and self-defense. Finally, he shows the technique of the Bagua poles, Bagua's own special Qigong practice, and the never-before-explained Dragon Fighting.' We at PLUM consider this the most direct route available today to learn Bagua.
It companions with our very popular DVD, filling in strategy and background information, complementing everything shown in the video. This text takes core movements and builds them into a complete Bagua practice that will aid ANY form of Bagua Zhang.
This art is so versatile that all, from rank beginners to black belts, can immediately gain from its practice. Plum guarantees that you will make progress by engaging in The Art of Change. See the See the See some. KD004 Dragon Stretches its Claws An illustrated manual of BaGua Zhang by Liu JingRu & C.S.Tang $24.95 A book in English by the very famous Liu JingRu and his co-author C.S.Tang.In this generously illustrated volume they share their deep knowledge of BaGua Zhang with the general reader.
Simply and accurately they explain its origins and development. The basic forms, postures and applications of this seemingly difficult art are illustrated step-by-step in a comprehensive series of photographs. All photographs are accompanied by Liu and Tang's own clear and expert explanations. Origin and historical development Main characteristics Brief description of various palm routines BaGua and health Ten important points and eight methods Names of the Palm Postures and Routines Eight Palm Changes illustrated also, applications of the movements Duets and partner routines To many people Liu JingRu is one of the reigning masters of the Cheng Ting Hua branch of BaGua.
We are happy to announce we have become co-publishers in this book and carry one of only two exclusive stocks of this title in the world. Consequently, this is the place to get Dragon Stretches Its Claws. Other Links for Liu JingRu: also Quantity KB013 Bagua Swimming Body Palms by Wang Shu Jin Translated by Kent Howard and Chen XiaoYen $17.95 PLUM price 15.95, 168 pages, softbound, photographs and illustrations, This is the second in Wang Shu Jin's well known series of books on Bagua Zhang.
Wang Shu Jin is 'the man' to many practitioners especially from the Taiwan group where his presence as a teacher is still highly honored. This is ONR OF the first English translation by Kent Howard and Chen Xiao Yen.
Topics covered include some introductory material on Wang's teachings, The Eight Character Secrets of BGZ, the 9 Palaces Returning to One; BGA Hand Forms, Post Standing Methods, 13 Prohibitions, Basics Principles and the Swimming Body form shown from Wang's own photos and restated by Kent Howard in sequence. Others Resources. Quantity # KP022 Pa Kua Chang Journal $34.95 The entire run of all 38 issues all on CD-ROM with a table or contents to allow access to each issue and article.
Over 1000 pages of great information. Edited by Dan Miller. PC and MAC compatible-in PA KUA (BaGua) CHANG JOURNAL edited by Dan Miller is a real treasure for the martial arts enthusiast. Published between November 1990 and February 1997 the Pa Kua Journal was without a doubt one of the best martial arts periodicals in the English language. It lasted 32 excellent and interesting issues combining high quality reportage with a wide ranging series of internviews and articles by top notch practitioners of the art of BaGua. For those of us who subscribed to it in the paper form the total price for the entire run cost $130.00.
Now it's all available, without advertisements, for $34.95. And you don't have to wait a month for each issue. Filled not only with great articles, the Pa Kua Journal has historical and famous photographs of major practitioners. Here, for instance, are some of the many topics covered. The first major writings in English of Xie Pei Xi on the requirements of BaGua A complete breakdown of the teaching method of Grandmaster Liu Yun Chiao's BaGua by Adam Hsu Tim Cartmell's experiences learning BaGua in Taiwan Vince Black's study with Li Zi Ming And entire issue on the Single Palm Change as pracitced by major schools Excellent articles on Ba Gua Weapons and many more.
The Pa Kua Chang Journal is now available in this excellent format where all issues are perfectly accesible and will not yellow or fade. This full run of articles, photos, interviews and reviews is a truly great deal for anyone interested in the martial arts, especially BaGua, T'ai Chi and related arts. Quantity KA012 The Attacking Hands of Ba Gua Zhang by GaoJi Wu and Tom Bisio large photos by Valerie Ghent $29.95 381 pages, softbound, Order with any other Tom Bisio book or DVD and get this for 26.95 This new book is a fine presentation built around the core defensive movements of the Gao style of Bagua. It contains 72 techniques and 64 Hands passed down from the famous boxer Liu De Kuan. It all breaks down like this: the 72 Techniques are single action maneuvers such as a throw or strike. Each of them is accompanied by a couple of pictures and they are basically straight forward moves though performed with a Bagua manner. Next is the 64 Hands.
These are the same movements on Gao Ji Wu’s. There are eight lines each with eights “hands” and generally more than eight counts since some hands take a few counts.
Each of these hands and its basic application are shown in the book with very good photography. The Hands are a little more involved than the “Techniques”. Along with some historical notes, especially pertaining to Gao style, this is the bulk of the presentation.
Definitely a good resource for this method of showing applications. KS051 Strategy and Change An Examination of Military Strategy, the I-Ching and Ba Gua Zhang by Tom Bisio $29.95, 313 pages, softbound, text only, Order with any other Tom Bisio book or DVD and get this for 26.95 This is an in-depth contemplation on the meaning of strategy with a wealth of examples from both Western and Eastern Military history.
Using such sources as Sun Zi, Liddel, Francoise Jullien, and our own Kang Ge Wu, the author shows many correlates between martial arts and the wide ranging application of strategy in both war and daily life. We share many of Mr. Bisio's views and also have had Bagua instructors who see little correlation between the I Ching, for example, and the concepts of Bagua in actual practice. However, we feel there is a wider activity here than one may first suspect. Asians, long familiar with these sources, already think along these strategic avenues. But as Kung Fu becomes a shared art in the world, the original source materials bear investigation.
It's not a matter so much of keeping alive the thoughts of previous generations as examining the underpinnings of the most basic ideas. Tom Bisio supplies many examples from famous military histories: Hannibal to Cao Cao, then correlates them to martial arts examples which add life and immediacy to the concepts. Like Musashi, we can see the connection between beating one man and employing ten thousand troops. He takes these examples and correlates them to that mysterious and perennial source of wisdom, the I Jing. Should start some people thinking and the stories, mostly unknown to non-Asians, are the very stuff of the martial inheritance.
'Speak to any native of Southern China about Bagua Zhang and the name of Fu Zhen Song will quickly come up in the conversation. Fu was largely responsible for the introduction of the Northern internal martial arts systems to the Southern Chinese, and his coiling movements, lightning quick footwork, spinning manuevers and thunderous palm strikes are legendary. All students of Bagua Zhang will benefit greatly from the material that has been provided in this book, and I applaud Wei Ran Lin and Rick L. Wing for their efforts in providing Lin Chao Zhen's book to the English-speaking world. Publisher and editor, Pa Kua Chang Journal The Chinese martial artof Bagua Zhang has a long and illustrious history of training manuals, and Fu Zhen Song's Dragon Bagua Zhang carries on this grand tradition. Lin Chao Zhen was a direct student of Fu Zhen Song, and his closeness to that renowned teacher is reflected in the detail shown in the various techniques in the book. I highly recommend this i mportant and informative training manual.
Kennedy co-author of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey ' All we can add is that for a primary and first major English text on a martial subject this is a gem, filled with history, instruction, analysis. A great introduction to the unique style created by the master Fu Zhen Song. Others Resources: PLUM special offer: Include any or all of the other resources mentioned in this section above and receive an additional 10% discount on those items.
Quantity KB009 Bagua Linked Palms by Wang Shu Jin Translated by Kent Howard and Xiao Yen Chen $15.95 PLUM price 13.95, softbound, photographs and illustrations, All we need on this much awaited book is to show you the blurbs (and the names) from the backcover. Wang Shu Jin is 'the man' to many practitioners especially from the Taiwan group. This is a new translation by instructor Kent Howard. This edition also has expanded information, in the time tested traditon of commentary on the text, by co-translator and long time Bgua practitoner Kent Howard. It has notes on Wang Shu Jin's life and his spiritual teachings. Some really intriguing notes on Bagua's history including special information on Dong Hai Chuan and Bagua's relation to I Ching philosophy.
Step-by-step breakdown of the Eight Linked Palms. Others Resources.
Quantity K#010 64 Hands of Bagua Zhang Fighting Techniques of Liu De Kuan by Gao JiWu and Nigel Sutton $16.95 PLUM Price 14.45 151 pages, softbound, photographs, We have hardly had time to review this one but we were anxious to make it available. This book brings the 64 'straight' techniques of the Gao sttyle of Bagua to the reader.
Many people consider this the very foundation of understanding how Bagua 'works'. As with many of the books Nigel Sutton works on, the information is given with an eye to detail. In addition there are pieces on Gao's family background, the key principels of the art, solo and applied versions of the moves and much more. A good text to start understanding the application of Bagua Zhang. Quantity KL007 Liu Bin's Zhung Gong Bagua Zhang South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style by Zhang Jie & Richard Shapiro This new book by is a nice addition to the Bagua corpus. Not only is the writing good and clear but the introductory sections have many stories, anecdotes and history told from a decidedly different perspective (Bi Cheng Xia created 'traditional' Bagua, Dong Hai Chuan wasn't a eunuch but a Daoist adept who could 'retract'). Zhang Jie was exposed to many Bagua practitioners before coming to America and his insights and perspective shows deep dedication.
The instructional content of the styles, a branch of the Cheng Ting Hua family, shows 16 standing exercises and a 24 movement series based on the eight animals. Our only disappointment, which happens with Blue Snake Press, is that the outside of the book is beautiful but the photos we find a bit on the dingy side and smaller than we would like. Quantity $22.95 PLUM Price $20.65, 232 pages, oversized 7' X 9+ ', softbound, Photos KL011 Liu Bin's Zhung Gong Bagua Zhang South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style by Zhang Jie & Randy Chung, Richard Shapiro, William Baller, Mark Wigzell $22.95 PLUM Price $20.65, 229 pages, oversized 7' X 9+ ', softbound, Photos This second book in the series is peppered with personal stories of Bagua masters, three open-hand forms and two weapons sets never documented in English before. Since the author has had personal contact with many of the people described he adds a liveliness and intimacy that is unique. These two books form a nice overview of a style including the history, impressions, culture and challenges of this branch of the Bagua family.
Bagua, being a relatively new style, has the advantage of growing not only into the modern age but also through a time when documentation and human memory is still fresh. Unlike so many styles that must half-believe what they know, the Bagua framework allows for a very rounded picture of the style's development.
Quantity KW003 Walking the I Ching The Linear Ba Gua of Gao Yi Sheng by Allen Pittman $17.95 PLUM Price, 14.95, 226 pages, oversized 7' X 9+ ', softbound, Photos and illustrations From the back cover: 'After an overview of Ba Gua's history and philosophy, author Allen Pittman presents eight chapters corresponding to the eight 'houses' of B Gua theory—elemental groupings that match the eight foundational trigrams of the I Ching. Each of these houses manifests a distinct underlying dynamic and martial arts principle, and each chapter begins with an introductory survey of the symbolism and cultural, anatomical, tactical, and spiritual ramifications of the house. Detailed and extensively illustrated directions for performing the eight linear sequence forms of each house follow.
This combination of practical instruction and philosophical insight make Walking the I Ching not only an authoritative guide to hands-on practice, but also a pathway to a deeper understanding of Ba Gua Zhang and its traditional roots.' Quantity KE011 The Essentials of BaGua Zhang by Gao Ji Wu and Tom Bisio Photos by Valerie Ghent Reg $31.95, PLUM: $28.95; 359 pages, oversized 7' X 10', softbound, Order with any other Tom Bisio book or DVD and get this for 26.00 This is 'a unique portrayal of the power, effectiveness and beauty of the art of Ba Gua Zhang. The essential principles and training methods of BGZ are presented by Master Gao Ji Wu, inheritor of Beijing Gao Family BGZ. Chapters cover the basic principles of Ba Gua Zhang, nei gong, footwork, standing postures, fixed posture circle walking, the eight basic palm methods and the Ba Gua linking form, as well as kicking and seizing methods, pushing hands and BGZ's 36 songs and 48 methods. With over 570 photographs.'
Gao Ji Wu began study of traditional Chinese martial arts at age seven under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. Today, Gao Ji Wu carries on his family's martial arts tradition. His expertise and understanding of BGZ and the 64 Hands is extensive and unique. This book and those to follow will expand on this previously filmed VCDs.Tom Bisio has been involved with martial arts since 1973. He teaches Xing Yi and Ba Gua and heads a Chinese medicine clinic in New York. He is the author of A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth. This new book is nicely formatted, with big clear pictures and direct translations of many Ba Gua key points from the 'songs'.
A very good effort for anyone interested in any branch of the Ba Gua tree. KB002 BaGua You Shen Zhang Eight Trigram Swimming Body Palm by Wang Shu Jin Translated by Marcus Brinkman and Bradford Tyrey (1950's text) $26.95, 130 pages, 120+ photos, small size (5X7) This translation of Wang Shu Jin's famous book is accompanied by surprisingly clear photos (all things considered).
The translation by messrs Brinkman and Tyrey starts with Wang's preface which tells of practicing subjective (understanding, discipline, etc) and objective (standing, progressive actions, etc.) methods. Next is a section on BGZ's '8 Character Poems'. Then we read of the '9 Palaces Returning to One'.
'Shapes of the Palms' follow. BG 'Single Hand Standing Methods' comes next. The Preparations section is followed by Standing practices and Basic Principles. The set of Swimming Body Bagua follows.
After this we have a biography of Dong Hai Chuan, BG's founder, with some information rarely seen elsewhere. The final piece is a portrait of lineage holder: Zhang Zhan Kui. According to the translators this second edition has improved binding and overall quality. Quantity KW008 The Whirling Circles of Ba Gua Zhang by Frank Allen and Tina Chun Na Zhang $21.95 Plum Discount 25% (16.45), 238 pages, oversized 7' X 10', softbound, Back Cover: 'Illustrated with over 500 photographs, the training sections teach a complete warm up followed by a step-by-step program for learning the essentials of the practice such as the classical Cheng style Basic Eight Palm Changes and the of Grandmaster Liu Jing Ru. These chapters also include combat strategies, theory of ba gua fighting techniques, and a complete account of the unique weapons of ba gua zhang.
Much more than just a technical manual, Whirling Circles shows how bagua zhang developed from Daoist ideology and tells of inspiring historical accounts and legends of the ba gua masters. The final section explains how to use mindfulness, breathing techniques and meditation to recognize and combine the essential eight trigrams of the Yi Jing, the Book of Changes. This book also includes a new, full translation of Dong Hai Chuan's Thirty-Six Poems and Forty-Eight Methods, with expert commentary on their meaning.' KB011 Bagua Quan by He Jing Han in ENGLISH $19.95, 148 pages, oversized, softbound, This oversized book is the first in English from He Jing Han. It contains a number of sections on general principles in almost philosophical language. There are also photos of basic BaGua style stretches and some illustrations with instruction on the Chang Palms. There is a section on BaGua applications with 'spontaneous' responses recorded.
Much correlated information on which meridian and what muscle group is involved in basic internal palms. We have to say that some of the information here, especially postural, should be scrutinized with a skeptical eye.
There is the distinct feeling that He Jing Han is a better dancer than Bagua expert. His arched back and 'vogueing' attitude may grate on you if you have traditional standards. One of our readers took offense at this (he was studying the style at the time.) When we asked for some back ground he said he really had only studied and few months. The point is that many purists will not be pleased with this and they may be right.
But the nice thing about having a broad representation is that dialog is possible and examples of options abound. He comes from the lineage of Gong Bao Tian and is therefore a Yin Fu branch member. Translation by Yang Ya Hui and Alex Kozma.
KP008 PaKua for Self Defense An illustrated training manual of BaGua Zhang Lee Ying Arng and Yen Te Hwa $16.95, English, Softbound, 86 pages We have literally been looking to handle this book for years. Originally published in English in 1972 it is a classic in the field, without a doubt. Lee Ying Arng, the vice president of the Hong Kong Kung Fu Association, was a pioneer in the field especially regarding English language publications.
His was one of the first Kung Fu books ever in English, the first Iron Palm book, the first film strips (8mm in those days) to be available. His modified Yang style Tai Chi - almost completely ignored - is one of the best abstractions of the set ever done, with every move repeated ON BOTH SIDES yet structured in an elegant and asymmetrical set.
Here is a BaGua book that is not only informative but charming. In the first section it presents the basic palm positions, gives an historical overview with pictures of famous masters, shows Lee himself doing applications. The next section if a translation into English of a famous text by Yen Te Hwa showing some of the neatest illustrations ever of Chinese fighting applications.
The usage is Ba Gua to the max with some pretty twisty renditions but all fascinating. A fold out lineage chart is enclosed. A collector's item worth a lot of money if you could find it. This reprint is pretty much the original except for the hard cover and dust jacket. A must-have for any Ba Gua library.
OUT OF STOCK! Please place me on your for this item. KP004 Pa-Kua 8 Trigram Boxing Robert W.
Smith & Allen Pittman $14.95, 99 pages, Pa-Kua (just another spelling for Ba Gua and pronounced the same) is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes 'soft' movements not dependent on strength. It's secret lies in the cultivation of Ch'i, intrinsic energy, through a series of gentle exercises which are practice while walking in a circular fashion. Both a fighting and living art, Ba Gua is considered by many to be related to the soft, circular motions of T'ai Chi. This book outlines the history of the style which is based on the 8 basic trigrams that were the inspiration for the I Ching- one of the most important books fundamental to Chinese philosophy. Fully illustrated are the basics, the eight palm shapes and the eight traditional circle walks with changes. Robert Smith is considered a 'dean of Chinese martial arts', one of the first people to write about it in the West. Allen Pittman has studied for extended time in Taiwan.
Quantity KB003 BaGua Zhang Emei style Theory and Application Liang Shou-Yu &Yang Jwing-Ming $39.95 with Plum Discount 35.95, 361 pages,Softbound, In our opinion one of the best books produced by the prolific Yang's Martial Arts. The historicity of 'Emei' BaGua is negligible imparting a confusion between BaGua the style and BaGua the philosophy. Nonetheless this is a big and fairly comprehensive edition. It contains many general notes on martial arts with ample Chinese language quotations and accompanying translation. It also has a section on BaGua Chi Kung, General Concepts, the Jings (Powers) involved in BaGua, Eight Mother Palms with applications,Swimming Body BaGua with applications, and a small Deer Horn set with applications. Liang Shou-Yu, ostensibly the author with a credit to Yang Jwing Ming, is known for his Shuai Jiao expertise and the applications take on some of this flavor.
But overall this book of more than 350 pages is a strong addition to one's BaGua library. KL005 Liang Zhen Pu 8 Trigram Palm Edited by Li Zi Ming: Translated by Huang Guo Qi Compiled & Edited by Vincent Black $20.95 NOW 17.95, 154 pages, '(BaguaZhang) Master Li Zi Ming was the last living representative of the third generation in Dong Hai Chuan's lineage when he wrote this authoritative book. This in-depth exposition explores all of the ramifications involved in performing and unitizing this sophisticated fighting system.
Having begun his life long study of Eight Diagram Palm in 1918 with his teacher Liang Zhen Pu, Master Li drew from over 60 years of experience in writing this work. Never before has a treatise by a Master of such long term experience and insight been made available to those outside the Chinese community.' Good photos, illustrations and the essential section, 'Formulae Handed Down from Dong Hai Chuan' with comments by Li Zi Ming himself.
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