Baqua

Bagua zhang is literally translated as Eight Trigram Palm. This style is one of the three Nei Jia Quan or internal styles of China. It is best known for its “circle walking” training where techniques are practiced while walking low in a static circle. Bagua zhang utilizes Shaolin Snake hand techniques, Xing Yi explosive footwork, Taijiquan throws, and the splitting palm of Tong Bei Quan. These are all integrated with a much more mobile format of movement - circular walking. This technique of circular walking has three intentions: 1) confuse the opponent, 2) exhaust the opponent, and 3) absorb natural Qi evenly from all directions. All Bagua zhang movements are intended to be smooth and coordinated, with the body employed as a whole. No reliance is placed on using muscle power generated from a single portion of the body. The source of power in Bagua zhang is the Dantian, or lower part of the abdomen two inches below the navel. The Dantian is considered to be the 'receptacle' for Qi in the body. Bagua zhang is also distinguished from other martial arts by heavy emphasis on coiling and uncoiling movements. The art has been compared to guerilla warfare because of the practitioner's ability to rapidly change directions to evade the opponent while using the hands to distract the opponent from devastating kicks and throws. Long hours of practice condition the palms to penetrate flesh, grapple joints, and to violently disrupt the flow of an opponents' Qi.