Bagua Zhang (or Baguazhang) is one of the 3 best known Wudang styles of Kung Fu. Bagua Zhang means “Eight Trigram Palm” in Chinese. This Chinese martial arts is also called Ba Gua Zhang, Bagua, Pa Kua Chang, Pa Gua Chang, etc. Be aware, like many Kung Fu styles, Bagua Zhang has a number of different sub-branches and they may use slightly differing forms and techniques.
This martial arts style generally focuses on techniques such as hand strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws and the style’s distinctive circular footwork. Many Bagua Zhang schools also teach their students how to use a wide variety of martial arts weapons including deer horn knives, Bagua sword, staff, spear, etc. In addition to self-defense training, these schools may also teach aspects of Qi Gong, meditation and breathing control.
One of the most famous aspects of Bagua Zhang is “circle walking”. This is a training tool where Bagua Zhang practitioners walk around the edge of a circle while practicing their forms, stances and evasive circular footwork. According to Pa Kua Chang of Lu Shui-Tian, this Chinese martial art is also known for its “highly evasive footwork, powerful palm strikes and snake-like body movements”.
Bagua Zhang – 16 Palm Form
Bagua Zhang – Technique Applications
Reference Sources
- Pa Kua Chang of Lu Shui-Tian, http://www.pa-kua.com/