Tai Chi and Bagua Zhang
Bagua Zhang, Tai Chi Chuan and Xing Yi Chuan are known as the three major internal martial arts styles in China. Bagua literally means "Eight Trigrams" and Zhang means "Palm". The original name of Baguazhang was Zhuan Zhang, which means "Turning the Palms".
This refers to the way the art is practiced - moving in a circle, rotating the palms in various ways. Bagua Zhang is based on Taoist philosophy and the theory of the Eight Trigrams. Bagua theory was used by the ancient Chinese to analyze directions, places, causes, consequences and all natural changes of the universe. Since nature always repeats itself, the Chinese believe that Bagua theory can be used to predict natural disasters, the fate of a country and even the fate of an individual.
The source of the Bagua is the Yi Jing, also known as the Book of Changes or Dao De Jing. Yi Jing has been an important part of Chinese culture and philosophy for over four thousand years, and many Chinese martial arts styles such as Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua were created and developed under its influence.
The source of the Bagua is the Yi Jing, also known as the Book of Changes or Dao De Jing. Yi Jing has been an important part of Chinese culture and philosophy for over four thousand years, and many Chinese martial arts styles such as Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua were created and developed under its influence.
Bagua walks and circular movements attract attention. There is always movement. Bagua uses movement as the basis and transformation as the principle. While curvilinear forms move quickly, movements are always turning and changing direction.
Their movements are described as follows:
Walk like a dragon
and turn like a monkey and
Change the fierce momentum like an eagle and a tiger.
In general, both stepping and techniques are circular. Although many techniques such as flowing, neutralizing, sticking and wrapping are used, they are mainly adopted in coordination with circular movements. Attack and defense are equally important. Circular defensive movements are usually used first, followed by circular attack movements to uproot the opponent and make him fall. Circular stepping movements are constantly used in coordination with techniques due to its strategy and techniques. Training focuses on palm techniques and solid fast walking.
Baguazhang is also great for your fitness and overall health. The continuous rotating movements stimulate joints and muscles to activate many areas of the body that are not normally used. These movements also stimulate the acupuncture points by tightening and relaxing the surrounding muscles, loosening stagnant energy and allowing Qi to circulate smoothly.
Bagua also increases the circulation of Qi and focuses on elevating it to a higher level. It emphasizes a calm and peaceful mind and is very effective for improving health. It is ideal for people who want to improve their coordination, agility, flexibility, balance, leg and arm strength, fitness level, posture, reflexes, stamina and strength. Bagua practice also stimulates the central nervous system, helps lower blood pressure, relieves stress, strengthens the immune system, eliminates toxins and increases blood circulation, and directs the flow of Chi along the body's meridians.