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Wudang Daoist Traditional
Kungfu Academy
Health Benefits of Bagua Zhang
The basic practices of walking the Bagua circle and standing in the different still postures can be greatly beneficial to overall health:
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Strengthens the legs and promotes joint mobility, flexibility, and circulation in the lower body
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Engages the lungs for deeper respiration — beneficial for strengthening the lungs
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Improves upper body flexibility and fluidity, loosens tense muscles and tendons
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By strengthening the waist, the health of the kidneys is also greatly improved
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Promotes improvement in all circulatory systems and brings greater bodily awareness
Wudang Bagua Zhang (八卦掌) — Eight Trigram Palm
The Chinese word Baguazhang, when broken down by character, literally translates to "Eight Trigram Palm." The style derives its name and history from the Chinese book of divination, the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). Baguazhang derives much of its practice from Daoist ritualistic circle walking and theory. Its practice and application is based on the principles of the Yi Jing, Yin Yang Theory, and Five Element Theory.
Introduction to Bagua Zhang
The Practice — From Circle Walking to Palm Changes
Because circle walking is the major foundation-building component of Baguazhang training, students must practice Bagua walking continuously. Once comfortable with circle walking, they move on to learn the different palm changes that comprise the Bagua form.
Baguazhang contains a variety of techniques — utilizing the palm, fingers, elbows, quick evasive footwork, kicks, joint locking, and take-downs. The fighting application has been described as: flying like a dragon, guarding like an ape, crouching like a tiger, and circling like an eagle.
Bagua Zhang is generally considered intermediate-to-advanced. A foundation in Ji Ben Quan and at least one Xuan Gong Quan form is recommended before beginning.