Baguazhang (Pa Kua)

EVASIONS AND CHANGES IN MOVEMENT DIRECTION

Baguazhang (Pa Kua) is a system that emphasizes agility and flexibility, spinning, constant movement, and changing positions relative to the opponent. Most variations involve extensive throwing and joint locking exercises.

The name refers to the ancient concept of eight trigrams—bagua—symbolizing various natural phenomena. Combinations of the trigrams create 64 hexagrams. Hence, most Baguazhang schools feature eight main movement sequences practiced in a circle. There are also sets of 64 sequences, which in some schools are practiced in a circle, while in others, they are practiced in a straight line.

Master Dong Haichuan (1797-1882) is considered the creator of Baguazhang. The most popular schools were founded by his students Yin Fu (1840-1909), Cheng Tinghua (1848-1900), and Liang Zhengpu (1863-1932). Dong Haichuan and Yin Fu became particularly famous because their students included palace guards protecting Manchu dignitaries. Cheng Tinghua was originally an expert in Chinese Shuai-jiao wrestling and later founded the Cheng Baguazhang style.

Gao style, also known as the Gao branch of Cheng style, was created by master Gao Yisheng (1866-1951), who was a student of Cheng Tinghua and also a student of Li Cunyi (1847-1921), a famous Xingyiquan master.

Gao Yisheng’s style includes eight basic sequences on a circle, additional sequences practiced in a similar way, and sixty-four sequences, divided into eight groups, in which the practitioner moves in a straight line, a zigzag, or in a more complex manner in relation to the basic straight line.

So-called circular sequences are largely considered a method for developing natural human potential – including coordination, the ability to use comprehensive force in various situations and in various directions, and fluid, yet surprising, changes of direction. A small number of movements create general patterns that can serve as the basis for numerous practical solutions. Learning linear sequences, on the other hand, allows one to explore the full range of methods used in combat and apply them to circular sequence movements.

Gao Yisheng’s style is popular primarily in and around Tianjin, Cangzhou, and Shandong Province. It has also spread to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Currently, there are numerous centers in the United States and Europe.

Zhang Junfeng (1902-1974) was the first to teach the Gao style in Taiwan. He also promoted Xingyiquan and Taijiquan (Wu/Hao style). Zhang’s most famous students were the brothers Hong Yixiang, Hong Yimian, and Hong Yiwen. Hong Yixiang (1925-1993) founded the Tangshoudao school, which, in addition to internal systems, also taught elements of styles considered part of the so-called Southern Shaolin. Luo Dexiu became a student of this school, representing it successfully in numerous full-contact tournaments in the 1970s. While studying with Hong Yixiang, Luo also benefited from the guidance of his brothers. Learning the entire repertoire of the Tangshoudao school, Luo initially focused on Xingyiquan, later specializing in the Gao Baguazhang style. During his military service, he also studied the Cheng Baguazhang style from the lineage of master Sun Xikun. He also studied all available materials on the art of Bagua. From him and his European representative, Edward Hines, we learn Baguazhang and Xingyiquan.

For more about our Bagua and Xingyi, including workshops and online courses please follow Edward’s website: I-Bagua.com