Ba Gua Zhang: The Art of Change

Ba Gua Zhang, along with Xing Yi Quan and Tai Chi Quan, is one of the Chinese
internal martial arts. Literally translated, Ba Gua Zhang means “Palm of the Eight
Trigrams”, which is a reference to the I Ching (Book of Changes).
The art of Ba Gua Zhang is known for its practice of walking in circle, which forms
the foundation of Ba Gua’s martial skills. Ba Gua seamlessly combines punches,
kicks, locks, and throws while the practitioner is in constant motion, combining
circular footwork with twisting, spiraling body movements. This martial art combines
many fighting techniques into a single, unified practice. At the same time, Ba Gua
Zhang is a method of meditation in motion, based on ancient Taoist practices that
open the body’s energy pathways and connect it directly to universal cosmic forces.

The Practice of Ba Gua Zhang

Ba Gua Zhang emphasizes circular footwork and spiral body movements that are
constantly transforming and changing.
The body movements are coordinated with the rotation of the waist and the walking
of the legs. All of these elements, when combined with relaxation and a mind-body
connection, produce explosive, coordinated power that comes from the unified action
of the whole body and is not dependent on the relative strength of external
musculature.
In both training and application, Ba Gua Zhang emphasizes inner stillness while the
body is in motion. Internally, the mind and spirit are still and calm, while internally
and externally, the body is constantly changing and transforming. By mastering Ba
Gua Zhang, one is able to create endless techniques, seamlessly interconnected.

Ba Gua Zhang and Health – Integrating Body, Mind, Spirit

Although Ba Gua Zhang is a martial art, for many practitioners its most important
aspect is its ability to promote health and deeper interaction with the world. Ba Gua
Zhang provides a method for integrating body, mind and spirit. The foundation of
spiritual health is physical and mental health. Ba Gua Zhan’s emphasis on creating
inner harmony and balance, cultivating the mind and body, and adapting to change
can help a person more easily cope with life and their interactions with others. The
battle tactic inherent in the Ba Gua of adapting to changing circumstances, or as some
people say, “going with the flow,” helps us understand and adapt to the natural world
and its manifestations within us. Understanding change also helps us build healthy
relationships with ourselves and others so that we can adapt to different situations and
cultures.

Benefits of Ba Gua Zhang Training

– Increased Energy
– Integration of Body, Mind and Spirit
– Development of Sophisticated Self-Defense Skills
– Increased Agility and Flexibility,
– Develops Inner Strength
– Improved Balance and Coordination
– Increased Sensitivity and Awareness
– Opens up the Spine and Joints
– Realigns the Tendons and Muscles

Ba Gua Zhang Master Gao Ji Wu

(photo by Valerie Ghent)