Baguazhang
Bāguàzhǎng is one of the major Kung Fu of the Wudang school. It is also one of the three main internal styles, or nèijiā. Bāguà zhǎng literally means "eight trigram palm," referring to the trigrams of the Yijing (I Ching), one ojf the canons of Taoism. It is sometimes also called baguaquan (eight trigram fist) but this is considered inaccurate because the techniques focus more on the open palm than closed fists.Modern styles:
Fu:Cheng: Gao: Gong: Jiang: Liang: Liu: Shi: Sun: Yin: Yin Yang:
The practice of circle walking, or "turning the circle", as it is sometimes called, is baguazhang's characteristic. Practitioners walk around the edge of the circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms. For a beginner the circle is six to twelve feet in diameter. Students first learn flexibility and proper body alignment through the basic exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics.
Weapons
Staff, spear, crutch, hook sword and the straight, double-edged sword
Concealed: "The Scholars Pen," a pair of crescent-shaped deer horn knives.
Extremely large weapons: bagua sword, and bagua broadsword.
Baguazhang practitioners are also known for being able to use anything as a weapon using the principles of their art.
Strikes (with palm, fist, elbow, fingers, etc), kicks, joint locks, throws, and distinctively evasive circular footwork. Baguazhang practitioners are known for their ability to "flow" in and out of the way of objects. This is the source of the theory of being able to fight multiple attackers. Baguazhang's evasive nature is also shown by the practice of moving behind an attacker, so that the opponent cannot harm the practitioner.
Although the many branches of baguazhang are often quite different from each other (some, like Cheng style, specialize in close-in wrestling and joint locks, while others, like some of the Yin styles, specialize in quick, long-range striking), all have circle walking, spiraling methodologies, and certain methods and techniques (piercing palms, crashing palms, etc.) in common.
Baguazhang's movements employ the whole body with smooth coiling and uncoiling actions, utilizing hand techniques, dynamic footwork, and throws. Rapid-fire movements draw energy from the center of the abdomen. The circular stepping pattern also builds up centrifugal force, allowing the practitioner to maneuver quickly around an opponent.
