The Art of Ba Gua Zhang

Author: Tom Bisio
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 9781478777441
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Book Description
Ba Gua Zhang (Eight Diagram Palm) is an art of unparalleled sophistication and depth. Rooted in Daoist meditation and longevity practices, and Chinese medical and martial art traditions, Ba Gua Zhang provides the practitioner with a powerful and comprehensive method of actualizing his or her own inherent internal potential. In this unique book on the art of Ba Gua Zhang, Ba Gua instructor Tom Bisio discusses the many facets of this fascinating art: *What is Ba Gua Zhang? *The Relationship of Ba Gua Zhang to the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) *Ba Gua Zhang and Daoism *Ba Gua Zhang for Exercise and Physical Fitness *Ba Gua Zhang as a Method of Physical Therapy *Suitability of Ba Gua for Different Ages and Professions *Ba Gua Zhang as Method of Promoting Health and Longevity *Health Studies on Ba Gua Zhang *Ba Gua Zhang as a Martial Art *Ba Gua Zhang as a Psycho-Spiritual Path The Art of Ba Gua Zhang is not a how-to book. It is a fascinating meditation on the art of Ba Gua Zhang and its many applications to life and living. The Art of Ba Gua Zhang reveals how practicing Ba Gua Zhang can create change in all facets of one's life, physical mental and spiritual. Philosophy, life cultivation and self-defense are seamlessly combined into Ba Gua Zhang's theories and training methods, so that both the inside and outside of a person are cultivated simultaneously. The foundational training, circular walking, and changing palms strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones, while simultaneously harmonizing the functions of the internal organs, stimulating the brain and nervous system, unblocking the meridians and fostering the development of an indomitable spirit. At its core, Ba Gua Zhang is an embodied expression of the laws of change and transformation that govern the world in which we live. In The Art of Ba Gua Zhang, Bisio explains how practicing Ba Gua Zhang not only promotes health and fitness, but also allows us to deeply and directly experience and appreciate the natu

Introduction to Baguazhang

Author: Kent Howard
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1623171040
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 226

Book Description
This clear, step-by-step guide to the fundamentals of Bagua Zhang lays out the principles, practices, and underlying philosophy of this cerebral and sophisticated Chinese internal martial art. Leading readers from the most basic precepts of Bagua Zhang practice to advanced techniques, Kent Howard draws on his deep understanding of the art and his decades of teaching to set students on a path toward mastery. While Bagua Zhang is often perceived as a complex martial art that is difficult to learn, Howard breaks it down into clear and easily absorbed principles and exercises that beginners can master and incorporate into higher levels of practice at their own pace. Numerous easy-to-follow photographs illustrate core practices such as circle-walking, post standing, and palm changes, as well as foundandational techniques of posture and alignment, fluid motion, generating whole-body power, absorbing and redirecting energy, striking while in motion, and much more. In addition to providing a solid foundation for a lifetime practice, Bagua Zhang Fundamentals also offers more advanced practitioners valuable tips on how to increase their knowledge and understanding of this multifaceted martial art.

Ba Gua

Author: Hsing-han Liu
Publisher: Blue Snake Books
ISBN: 9781556432767
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 138

Book Description
The Taoist yogic discipline of Ba Gua is an internal form of the ancient art of kung fu--as are the much older t'ai chi and Xing I. Ba Gua is the most arcane and yogic of three sister arts--t'ai chi and Xing I are the others--and is distinguished by serpentine turning and circling momvements and its own internal energy exercises, Ba Gua Qi Gong.

The Attacking Hands of Ba Gua Zhang

Author: Gao Ji Wu
Publisher: New York Internal Arts
ISBN: 0578045699
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 401

Book Description

The 64 Hands of Bagua Zhang

Author: Gao Jiwu
Publisher: Blue Snake Books
ISBN: 1583942378
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
The art of Bagua Zhang is best known for its circular forms, yet linear fighting techniques have been incorporated into Bagua practice by many renowned masters. Liu Dekuan, a student of Dong Haichuan (the founder of Bagua Zhang), was one such master, devising a set of 64 techniques performed in straight lines. These techniques were collected and preserved by Master Liu’s disciple Gao Wencheng and his family, passed down from generation to generation. In The 64 Hands of Bagua Zhang, author Gao Jiwu—the grandson of Gao Wencheng—brings these techniques to the English-speaking world. Well known for his expertise in the 64 Hands form, Master Gao explains the history of the art, his family’s place in it, and the key principles for practice. The heart of the book is the complete set of Liu Dekuan’s 64 techniques; the solo forms are each explained in detail and then elaborated on to demonstrate their practical applications. Clear photographs fully illustrate the movements of the complete form and practice drills. Translated by Nigel Sutton, who has studied with the Gao family since the early 1980s, The 64 Hands of Bagua Zhang helps readers fully understand this form of Bagua Zhang.

峨嵋八卦掌

Author: Shou-Yu Liang
Publisher: Ymaa Publications
ISBN: 9781594391132
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 535

Book Description
This revised edition includes a complete redesign with an emphasis on reader usability and modern Chinese typography.Packed with over nine hundred photographs, this comprehensive text offers theory, martial applications, sequences, Qigong exercises, weapon training, and is an indispensable resource for those serious about Chinese martial arts.Translation of ancient Baguazhang documentsBaguazhang QigongBasic TrainingBody ConditioningEight Palms sequence and fighting setSwimming Body sequence and martial applicationsBagua Deer Hook Sword sequence and martial applications

Bagua and Tai Chi

Author: Bruce Frantzis
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1583943595
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
In Bagua and Tai Chi, noted teacher Bruce Frantzis demonstrates through these two important practices what is required to develop and embody high levels of chi flow. Inside the slow-motion movements of tai chi is a sophisticated mind/body/spirit practice. Derived from the I Ching (Book of Changes), bagua is unique in its circular movements, spiraling energy, and unpredictable changes of direction. Frantzis begins with an overview of both bagua and tai chi and their origins in Chinese culture, followed by comprehensive advice on how to incorporate these practices into daily Western life. Written in an easy, conversational style, the book provides an explanation of an art that is practiced by millions in China to release stress and maintain a vigorous level of health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the 2.3 million Americans who currently practice tai chi report improved sleep, conditioning, and overall wellness. Bagua and Tai Chi offers a gentle healing and strengthening system that will appeal to a wide audience, including martial artists, meditators, dancers and athletes, personal trainers, and anyone looking to reduce stress and increase calmness and clarity through an effective, low-impact body practice.

Baguazhang

Author: Phillip Starr
Publisher: Blue Snake Books
ISBN: 1623175798
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 239

Book Description
A comprehensive guide to the fundamentals, sequences, and applications of Baguazhang. Baguazhang is unquestionably one of the most esoteric disciplines in martial arts. Based on the eight trigrams (bagua) of the Yi Jing, it emphasizes the importance of maneuverability, evasion, and change to deflect an aggressor's attacks. Unlike martial arts systems that employ overt punches, kicks, and grappling techniques, most of the bodily weapons of the baguazhang arsenal are well concealed, agile, and smooth. Utilizing deceptive forms of footwork and body shifting, the principles and techniques in this book will help readers develop a firm foundation and build a critical skill set for this unique martial art. Longtime martial arts practitioner and author Phillip Starr introduces readers to the basics of baguazhang, showing how the movements of this widely misunderstood art can be practically applied in self-defense. Readers will learn: • Key baguazhang principles • Footholds • Basic stepping techniques, walking exercises, and postures • Proper alignments • "Mother palms," or basic exercises critical to the development of the "bagua body" Ideal for newcomers to baguazhang, this introduction elucidates the two foundational Single Change and Double Change Palms and offers a refresher for advanced practitioners looking to further explore applications for movements they already know.

Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One

Author: Jie Zhang
Publisher: Blue Snake Books
ISBN: 9781583942185
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 268

Book Description
One of the three major orthodox internal styles of Chinese martial arts (along with Xing Yi Quan and Tai Ji Quan), Bagua Zhang (or Ba Gua Zhang) is also one of the most ancient and revered. The first volume in a series of two on the form, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One, is written from the perspective of a wise master who gives equal attention to Bagua’s historical evolution and to the art and practice itself. A disciple of famous master Liu Xing Han and one who honed his skills for over 20 years under the same trees in Temple of Heaven Park as the originators of Bagua, Professor Zhang Jie is ideally suited for the task. He presents the fundamental theories of Bagua simply and clearly, in such a way that they comprise both a martial arts manual and a guide for everyday living. The idea of balance in all things is stressed throughout, as is the ancient Chinese philosophy that underlies Bagua. In addition to illustrations of the Bagua movements, the book contains previously unpublished historical photographs. Equally useful for novice and seasoned practitioners, as well as students of Chinese culture and history, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang immerses readers in all aspects of this important martial art.

Ba Gua Zhang

Author: Yajun Zhuang
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 306

Book Description
Bagua Zhang, ' or 'Eight-Trigram-Palm' in English, is also known as 'Swimming Body Bagua Zhang' or 'Bagua Linked Palms.' It is a martial art based on palm-techniques, fluid changes of direction, and circle-walking. Fundamentally, Bagua Zhang is one of the three famous internal martial arts schools in Chinese Wushu (the others being Taichi Quan and Xingyi Quan). It is also an embodiment of Taoist health, fitness, and self-defense. It is both an internal and external exercise which blends martial art techniques with Dao-Yin 导引(Dao means to lead, Yin means to guide; Dao-Yin refers to lead Qi in to make the breathing harmony, and guide physical to cause the body flexible) and Tu-Na 吐纳(Tu means to expel, Na means to ingest; Tu-Na refers to expel the old energy, and draw in the new). Accordingly, the practitioner's body will become strong and supple while he/she develops offensive and defensive fighting skills. According to historians, Bagua Zhang was created during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911AD.) by Grant Master Dong, Haichuan (1813-1882). Legend says that he acquired his art after learning Taoist cultivation practices during a tour to south China. He then combined these practices with martial arts techniques he knew in order to create a new system