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Ba Gua Zhang |
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Ba Gua Zhang (Eight Trigram Palm) is one the three main “Internal”
styles of Chinese Kung Fu along with Tai Chi and Hsing-I.
Ba Gua Zhang is a guerilla-style martial art for fighting multiple opponents. It is stylized to follow the Ba Gua of Taoist I-Ching, the codified system of Yin and Yang. It is believed that Dong Hai Chuan systemized several martial styles from his region along with the Taoist walking meditation to create pre-heaven martial concepts and post-heaven martial application. Master Chun’s Ba Gua Zhang was taught to him by Master No Soo
Chun (Lu Shui T’ien). |
 No Soo Chun 5th Generation Ba Gua Master |
Ba Gua Exercise can keep you HealthyBa Gua Zhang emphasizes on the use of the open hand in conjunction with walking in a circle to build Qi Gong, life's inner energy. Circle walking with the palms in a static position is the most powerful way to build life's inner energy. Ba Gua Zhang also includes weapons. The two most common weapons are the broadsword and the staff. The sword and staff are used in conjunction with the circle walk and static movements to build up strength and co-ordination in the body as well as to aid in rehabilitation for those who suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and poor circulation. The great Master's of Ba Gua Zhang have found that there are great internal benefits with Ba Gua. Ba Gua creates a better circulatory flow and improves muscular growth when emphasizing on the palm movements while walking. There are greater internal benefits with Ba Gua compared to the traditional movements of Tai Chi Chuan. Ba Gua will prepare you by quieting your mind and strengthening your body. Unlike Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gua will affect particular organs allowing the practitioner to naturally treat specific health problems with the wide variety of exercises that will build internal as well as external strength and flexibility. The benefits of Ba Gua are immediate. A Ba Gua practitioner will not have to practice for years to benefit the health aspects. The standing exercises, which include static positions and movement, are a key element in Ba Gua and are used to build up physical strength and flexibility. Circle walking is perhaps the single most important part of Ba Gua, but sometimes the least practiced. It comprises of walking in a circle holding a static posture and periodically changing direction. It is an important method of building up energy and learning relaxation and rooting. The system is very sophisticated and highly effective in treating a wide range of illnesses. For example, the large muscles of the legs are very important for a number of reasons. One is that the stronger these muscles are, the longer you will be able to walk the circle and the more inner energy you will be able to cultivate. The Chinese refer to the thighs as the "second heart." By helping to bring the blood back to the heart, the thigh muscles make the heart's job easier and contribute to the health of the body. The thighs (quadriceps) provide strength for movement and give stability to the knee joints. Thus, resulting in stronger knees When practicing Ba Gua you should remain calm and relaxed. If the body is tense the muscles become constricted and the energy (Blood flow) is interrupted and the bloods flow becomes restricted. By relaxing the muscles, you save this energy and can function longer without fatigue. This also aids the functioning of the internal organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, bladder, and spleen. It does this by eliminating the blockage brought about by tightly contracted muscles that will restrict the blood flow. When you tense a muscle, either consciously or subconsciously, you expend some energy. It also helps to lighten the body, and the step. Breathe naturally — in through the nose and out through the nose. Do not strain by holding your breath or by trying to take in too much air, as this will be counter-productive. Also, remember to keep your tongue on the roof of the mouth so that the energy will have a path to complete its circulation. This soft step and a soft body are very important parts of Ba Gua Zhang. Each move you make plays a role in providing aid to your internal organs as well as your muscles. This allows you to enjoy your day without fatigue and increases your benefits of fitness. In conclusion, even though there is more in-depth exercises to Ba Gua the basic exercise of circle walking will provide you with healthier living.  Grand Master D.S. Chun. |