This course covers the most basic foundations of Jiang Style Baguazhang
In this course I will share some of the methods I have 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 Ch’iao) lived from 1890-1974 was 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 combined the whole range of fighting 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' methods and 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-fascia and nervous systems all have to work together in order to do the movements correctly. A person will literally walk in a circle holding various static postures with the upper body or performing 'palm changes' which are patterns of movement or 'forms' in order to train and condition body mechanics and methods of generating power that make up the foundation of the styles' fighting techniques.
The basic solo training of Circle Walking in Baguazhang teaches the practitioner to control their momentum 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.
