Baguazhang is sister art to Taichiquan and Xingyiquan. It used compact structural movements to condition the body and develop profound body awareness and conscious connection with th fascia and tendons. Baguazhang is is based on qigong concepts very much the same way Taichi/Taiji and Xingyiquan are.
The basic foundations of Baguazhang are equivalent to, or beyond most first 1st degree black belt levels of conditioning and training of other arts. It is an advanced movement art and contains exceptional body flow training. The stepping methods condition the fascia and structural strength of the body in a very unique way that is often not understood until actually trained. The basic methods of Mud Stepping and Circle Walking alone contain a whole system of movement. Once learned, Mud Stepping and Circle Walking are further refined with Moving Forms and drills.
This video series will begin to open up the densely packed structural and alignment information contained within the art of Baguazhamg.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese health and healing practice based on coordinating body movement and breath to improve blood flow, organ function, joint and bone health. Qigong has a profound depth that is often lost in translation and turned into something mystical rather than as a practical toolbox to aid us in reconnecting with our ability to become still. Qigong allows the individual to become aware of the body and breath moving together, an uncommon practice in our modern, fast-paced society. Once learned you can practice anywhere.
A primary benefit of Qigong is the immediate impact on the entire body and nervous system through its ability to move both blood and lymphatic fluid simultaneously. Qigong practices move the blood and lymphatic fluids differently depending on whether you are doing a moving set such as the 8 Pieces of Brocade (Baduanjin), or doing a non moving set such as Standing Stake (Zhan Zhuang) or martial art like Taijiquan or Baguazhang.
Qigong uses neuro-differentiation by engaging the nervous system in much the same way that we learn other motor patterns, the way babies learn to crawl and walk. The conditioned reactions of fight or flight give way to a third option of calm observation and stress becomes non-existent with regular practice. With Qigong a person can rewire themselves, body, heart and mind and learn to be present as a physical experience and not a limited series of mental exercises.
Six Harmonies
External: Feet and Hands - Elbows and Knees - Hips and shoulders
Internal: Qi – Jing – Shen
The Three Treasures.
Jing 精 essence refined – refinement of tissue and structural alignment to feel the Qi
Qi 氣 vital energy, blood – feeling the blood move and the body open and close to be physically present
Shen 神 spirit; soul, mind – refined intention, being present and aware of all things in your body as you open and close the joints and align the body and move so you can refine deeper awareness
