I mainly wrote this for some of my students that are practicing with me, but although there are some terms I use that my students would understand due to me constantly verbalizing them, but could serve as a sort of review for someone who studied or currently studies Bagua, Tai Chi or Xing Yi. I would humbly invite anyone to correct me if there are any mistakes or if I have posted any misinformation. Your knowledge would be very welcome and I thank you in advance.
Although Master Tung Hai Chuan was accredited as the one who discovered Bagua Zhang in the last Century, it is believed by many believe that the art is much, much older. Although the Term Bagua came from the Teaching of the First Soverign Emperor Of China (Wang Di” or AKA The Yellow Emperor) several thousand years ago, It may have been one of the forms of Dao Yin Yoga or Tui Na (Qigong) that sprang up shortly after that period.
Regardless of it’s true origin, Baguazhang in my opinion is a versatile, simple yet advanced form of Martial Art, and form of Internal Exercise (Nei Gong). I have been studying it for some years (about 14 years) and have realized that the walking of the circle is the most important part for building the legs into a strong stable moving root. Without it one would not achieve anything. They can learn and memorize as many forms as they want, but even though the set gets larger and the changes get more complex, there will never be any real power.
If one were to focus solely on the Single Palm Change or Fan Zhang, they would find themselves walking a number of circles before each change. But the type of training that I am talking about is walking say 8, 16, 32, or even 128 circles before performing any change. Then repeating the same for the other side. Slowly though smooth changes and swinging steps would be needed. If you are easily bored (Which when done correctly, you would not be once the burn sets in) you can try focusing on the breathing and adjusting the posture. Try remembering the 6 harmonies, 3 lifts, four sinks, grasp the ground, etc.
If you bob while walking, this is not good. You want to stay a certain height with the knees sunk but keeping the back straight. Tucking the tail bone slightly forward so that it points straight down and aligns with the rest of the spine will also be necessary to achieve the opening of the Ren/Du channels and allow circulation of Qi along the microcosmic orbit. Keep the knees close and turn the body with the foot when turning, changing and walking.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are finer points that one needs to know to make your Baguazhang come together, so it would require practice with someone who is instructing in your area to accomplish this. Although books are and have always been a great way to learn large amounts of an Art, there is still “Lab” experience needed with an experienced practitioner. Search your area for someone who offers classes in your area. They should be able to give you the rest of the tools needed to have a good Single Palm Change. After Single Palm is practiced correctly for some time, the next Change will be easily learned and the previous palm will not be put on the back burner because it’s part of you.
In conclusion, I would like to say that there are more and more people discovering the wonderful and ancient art of Bagua Zhang and the world of change that it opens for them and everyone around them.
Dan Vasquez
Fresno, California