BAGUA ZHANG HISTORY
 Dong Haichuan |
 Cheng Ting-Hua |
 Zhang Zhao Dong |
Bagua Zhang is one of the three internal styles of Chinese martial art. The other two are Taiji Quan and Xing-I Quan. Bagua means Eight Trigram. This refers to the eight basic principles described in the ancient metaphysical treatise (I-Ching), or “Book of Changes”. This art is the physical manifestation of these eight principles. The word Zhang means palm. Zhang is as a style of martial art emphasizes the use of the open hand over the closed fist.
Bagua Zhang as a martial art is based on the theory of constantly changing in response to the situation at hand in order to overcome an opponent with skill rather than brute force. Exhaustive research as revealed that this art was the creation of one individual, Dong Haichuan (or Dong Haiquan). Dong was born in Wen’an County, Hebei Province about 1813. He had two top disciples, Yín-Fu and Cheng Ting-Hua.
He based his art on evasive footwork and a type of “guerilla warfare” strategy applied to personal combat.
Yin Fu
A Bagua fighter relies on strategy and skill rather than the direct use of force against force or brute strength in overcoming an opponent. The strategy employed is one of constant change in response to the spontaneous and live attack. It is a very circular art that relies almost entirely on open hand techniques and full body movement to accomplish its goals. This circular spiral like art is also characterized by its use of spinning movement and extremely evasive footwork.
Many of the techniques in Bagua are similar to other Northern Chinese systems. These movements have a characteristic circular nature entails great deal of body spinning, turning and rapid changes in direction. In addition to the Single, Double and Eight Palm Changes, the majority of Bagua Zhang styles include some variation of the Sixty-Four Palms tactical maneuvers. The Swimming Dragon Kwa is one of the most popular after forms in the system.
Bagua Zhang Training
Most students learn:
- 8 Mother Palms, Pre-Natal Palms, 64 Palm Changes, and the Swimming Dragon Form. Bagua also makes extensive use of qigong, weapons long and short.
- Pre-Natal Palms/Palm Flowers
- 64 Palm Changes and application
- Swimming Dragon Form and application
- Ding Shur Bagua Qigong
- Weapons long and short
- Dim Mak Pressure Point Striking
Laoshur Muntu Isom, Bagua
Mill Stone Palm