Tsun-I). The linear drills practiced in some styles of baguazhang are be-
lieved to descend from the interaction with xingyi. The style taught by
Zhang Junfeng, a student of Cheng Tinghua, for example, teaches eighteen
exercises that are fairly linear in nature.
Baguazhang is closely associated with Daoist yoga or inner alchemy
and other Chinese esoteric traditions. Cultivation of inner energy (qi) and
breathing practices are taught along with the fighting techniques. It has
been suggested that baguazhang is a descendant of certain Daoist schools
that practice moving meditations while walking in a circle. Baguazhang is
still practiced as a form of qigong(exercise that develops psychophysio-
logical energy) and Daoist yoga as well as a fighting art.
The student in baguazhang begins by learning to walk the circle. In the
beginning, the circle is six to twelve feet in diameter. As mastery of the art
is obtained, the circle can be as small or large as needed. Initially, the stu-
dent walks the circle while concentrating on moving correctly and breath-
ing. In the old days, this could continue for as long as three years. When the
student is able to move correctly, he is introduced to the single and then
double palm changes. After this foundation is learned, the student learns
the eight mother palms. This is a long form that consists of eight sets of
movements done to both sides, separated by periods of walking the circle
in different positions. When observed, the bagua player is seen to go
through patterns of fluid movement, fluidly twisting and turning in both
high and low stances. Between these periods of activity, he tranquilly circles.
After he attains a certain degree of proficiency, the student is introduced
to two-person drills, pole training, and weighted training. Two-person train-
ing teaches him how the movements of the form conceal striking, grappling,24 Baguazhang (Pa Kua Ch’uan)
Baguazhang
is closely associated
with Daoist yoga or
inner alchemy and
other Chinese
esoteric traditions.
Cultivation of inner
energy (qi) and
breathing practices
are taught along
with the fighting
techniques. A
student of
baguazhang
practices these
moves at the Shen
Wu Academy of
Martial Arts in
Garden Grove,
California.
(Courtesy of Tim
Cartmell)