Foundations of Baguazhang Kung Fu 1

Name: Foundations of Baguazhang Kung Fu 1
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Baguazhang Basics of Walking The Circle

Created byKelly Whelan-Enns

Last updated 7/2017

English

What you'll learn

At the end of the course students will have a basic understanding of core movement elements essential for proper basic training for Baguazhang
Basic concepts of learning to expand into and through the body's skeletal structure.

Course content

1 section • 9 lectures • 36m total length

Introduction2:10
Discover qigong and ancient Chinese healing methods to strengthen and rejuvenate the body, improve breathing and relaxation, and develop a full-body movement practice rooted in body awareness for lasting health.
Full Jiang Style Baguazhang form6:34
This is a demonstration of the full Jiang Rong Qiao form.

There are several theories as to the Origins of Ba Gua Zhang. Exhaustive research by martial scholars in Mainland China conclude that the Baguazhang is the creation of a single individual, Dong Hai Chuan.

Dong Hai Chuan was born in Wen An County, Hebei Province about 1813. He practiced local martial arts from a young age and gained notoriety as a skilled fighter. Dong left home around age 40 and traveled southward. At some point during his travels, Dong became a member of the Chuan Zhen (Complete Truth) sect of Daoism. This sect of Daoism practiced a method of walking in a circle white reciting mantras. This type of practice is designed to quiet the mind and focus the intent as a prelude to enlightenment.
Dong eventually combined circle walking mechanics with the martial arts he had mastered in his youth and created a new style we know today as Baguazhang.
Introductiog to Circle Walking Neigong4:02
The basis of every of Baguazhang, is Circle Walking. The practitioner walks in a circle while holding various static postures with the upper body to train the fascia and tendons and body mechanics all at the same time. This seemingly simple method helps the practitioner develop exceptionally deep sensitivity to structural mechanics and the use of whole body power.
Bear Palm - Rooting and Spiralling the Structure4:55
In Baguazhang, the Bear Palm is the cornerstone of transforming the body and learning how to Circle walk. Every Baguazhang system uses this as the path into the art of baguazhang.

Bear Palm trains the ability to be have the back open and hips turned into the circle as you walk so you can learn how to hold your structure in proper alignment while training the tendons and fascia with spirals.

For self defense purposes it teaches how to open the back with your joints. This is the beginning of structural strength and transitioning away from muscular strength and movement only. This means once you learn how to open your back with this posture and move with it you can always keep your personal space open and have an ability to move.

Perfect defense against takedowns, tackles, bear hugs, wrist grabs, low kicks, upper cuts, etc. The application of body methodology as the only method you need instead of a million techniques starts here.
Giant Eagle Spreads Wings - Spiraling Across the Body and Wrapping5:04
Master giant eagle spreads wings in bagua by spiraling the forearms, pressing the shoulder blades into the rib cage, and reaching to about 30–45 degrees with palms up.
Green Dragon Stretches Claws - Expansion and Compression of Structure3:58
Explore the green dragon stretches claws, a foundational bagua palm structure that forms a precise triangular shape, with correct hand placement, arm extension, and smooth circle transitions.
Combining the Three Core Palm Structures6:24
Practice the three core palm structures in bagua by walking the circle and transitioning through bare palm forms, giant eagle, and green dragon stretches claws.
Demonstration of the Chen Taijiquan 42 Fajing Set - Whole Body Structural Power1:43
Demonstrate the Chen Taijiquan 42 fajing set to teach explosive structural power and the full body moving as a single unit within the Chen Taijiquan style.
Demonstration of the Xingyi Liu He Quan 2 and 1/2 Ba Form1:15
Demonstrates Xingyi Liu He Quan 2 and 1/2 Ba Form from the usual long lineage, showcasing the 10 animal intention mind boxing for two and a half bar.

Requirements

Basic level of fitness and able to be on their feet for 20-30 minutes
Being able to hold a gentle twist at the waist for a period of 5 minutes or more

Description

This course covers the most basic foundations of Jiang Style Baguazhang

In this course I will share some of the methods I have used to develop real skill with Baguazhang Circle Walking, the foundation of all baguazhang skill and one of the most potent healing qigong disciplines anyone can learn.

Translated, “Bagua” means "Eight Trigram," referring to the eight basic principles described in the ancient metaphysical treatise the I-Ching, or "Book of Changes." Bagua is meant to be the physical manifestation of these eight principles. "Zhang" means "palm" emphasizing the use of the open hand over the closed fist.

Jiang Rong Qiao (anglicized as Chiang Jung Ch’iao) lived from 1890-1974 was a student of both Zhang Zhaodong and Cheng Tinghua, both of whom were formal students of Baguazhang founder Dong Haichaun.

No other martial art has flawlessly combined the whole range of fighting techniques in one package as effectively as Baguazhang. Baguazhang is characterized by its use of spiral movements and evasive footwork, relying almost entirely on open hand techniques, or 'palm' methods and full body movement. Baguazhang contains a wide variety of techniques, including various strikes, low kicks, joint locking techniques, and throws.

Bagua Circle Walking is the core foundation of all skill with Baguazhang. It is considered a master class in movement because of how much the muscle, skeletal-fascia and nervous systems all have to work together in order to do the movements correctly. A person will literally walk in a circle holding various static postures with the upper body or performing 'palm changes' which are patterns of movement or 'forms' in order to train and condition body mechanics and methods of generating power that make up the foundation of the styles' fighting techniques.

The basic solo training of Circle Walking in Baguazhang teaches the practitioner to control their momentum and timing in order to generate power with the entire body all at the same time. One whole integrated physical structure.

Through consistent practice a person can develop the mind's internal spaces to be calm, still and clear of irrelevant thoughts. A person can also develop a body that is free of disease, always relaxed and grounded. The potential to develop a profound immovable internal calm no matter what the outside world is doing cannot be overstated.

Who this course is for:

Anyone who wants to learn Baguazhang a traditional Chinese internal martial art
Anyone who wants to challenge themselves physically and mentally
Anyone who wants a practical method of developing a deep min-body connection
Anyone who wants to develop deep physical and mental calm
Anyone interested in learning about a pure Taoist method for training the body and mind together.