Baguazhang
Encyclopedia
Bāguàzhǎng is one of the three main Chinese martial arts
of the Wudang
school, the other two being Taijiquan and Xingyiquan
. It is more broadly grouped as an internal practice (or neijia gong
). Bāguà zhǎng literally means "eight trigram palm," referring to the trigrams of the Yijing (I Ching
), one of the canons of Taoism
.
(董海川), who is said to have learned from Taoist (and possibly Buddhist) masters in the mountains of rural China
during the early 19th century. There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practised in the region in which Dong Haichuan lived, combined with Taoist circle walking. Because of his work as a servant in the Imperial Palace he impressed the emperor with his graceful movements and fighting skill, and became an instructor and a bodyguard to the court. Dong Haichuan taught for many years in Beijing
, eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.
Famous disciples of Dong to become teachers were Yin Fu
(尹福), Cheng Tinghua
(程廷華), Ma Gui
(马贵), Song Changrong (宋長榮), Liu Fengchun (劉鳳春), Ma Weiqi
(馬維棋), Liu Baozhen(劉寶珍), Liang Zhenpu
(梁振蒲) and Liu Dekuan (劉德寛). Although they were all students of the same teacher, their methods of training and expressions of palm techniques differed. The Cheng and Liu styles are said to specialize in "pushing" the palms, Yin style is known for "threading" the palms, Song's followers practice "Plum Flower" (梅花 Mei Hua) palm technique and Ma style palms are known as "hammers." Some of Dong Haichuan's students, including Cheng Tinghua, participated in the Boxer Rebellion
. In general, most bagua exponents today practice either the Yin (尹), Cheng (程), or Liang (梁) styles, although Fan (樊), Shi (史), Liu (劉), Fu (傅), and other styles also exist. (The Liu style is a special case, in that it is rarely practiced alone, but as a complement to other styles). In addition, there are sub-styles of the above methods as well, such as the Sun (孫), Gao (高), and Jiang (姜) styles, which are sub-styles of Cheng method.
The practice of circle walking, or "turning the circle", as it is sometimes called, is Baguazhang's characteristic method of stance and movement training. All forms of Baguazhang utilize circle walking prevalently as an integral part of training. Practitioners walk around the edge of the circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms. For a beginner the circle is six to twelve feet in diameter. Students first learn flexibility and proper body alignment through the basic exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics. Although the internal aspects of Baguazhang are similar to those of Xingyiquan and Taijiquan, they are distinct in nature.
Many distinctive styles of weapons are contained within Baguazhang; some use concealment, like the "scholar's pen" or a pair of knives (the most elaborate, which are unique to the style, are the crescent-shaped deer horn knives
). Baguazhang is also known for practicing with extremely large weapons, such as the bāguà jian (八卦劍), or bagua sword, and the bāguà dāo
(八卦刀) , or bagua broadsword. Other, more conventional, weapons are also used, such as the staff (gun), spear (qiang), crutch (guai), hook sword (gou) and the straight, double-edged sword (jian
). Baguazhang practitioners are also known for being able to use anything as a weapon using the principles of their art.
Baguazhang contains an extremely wide variety of techniques as well as weapons, including various strikes (with palm, fist, elbow, fingers, etc.), kicks, joint locks, throws, and distinctively evasive circular footwork. As such, Baguazhang is considered neither a purely striking nor a purely grappling martial art. Baguazhang practitioners are known for their ability to "flow" in and out of the way of objects. This is the source of the theory of being able to fight multiple attackers. Baguazhang's evasive nature is also shown by the practice of moving behind an attacker, so that the opponent cannot harm the practitioner.
Although the many branches of Baguazhang are often quite different from each other (some, like Cheng style, specialize in close-in wrestling and joint locks, while others, like some of the Yin styles, specialize in quick, long-range striking), all have circle walking, spiraling methodologies, and certain methods and techniques (piercing palms, crashing palms, etc.) in common.
Baguazhang's movements employ the whole body with smooth coiling and uncoiling actions, utilizing hand techniques, dynamic footwork, and throws. Rapid-fire movements draw energy from the center of the abdomen. The circular stepping pattern also builds up centripetal force, allowing the practitioner to maneuver quickly around an opponent.
Chinese martial arts
Chinese martial arts, also referred to by the Mandarin Chinese term wushu and popularly as kung fu , are a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" , "sects" or...
of the Wudang
Wudang chuan
In current-day China, the martial arts are generally classified into two major groups: Wudang and Shaolin. The Chinese word wǔdāngquán translates as "Wudang fist" or "Wudang boxing." Whereas Shaolin includes many martial art styles, Wudangquan includes only the arts applied with internal power;...
school, the other two being Taijiquan and Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan is one of the major "internal" or Wudang styles of Chinese martial arts. The word translates approximately to "Form/Intention Boxing", or "Shape/Will Boxing", and is characterized by aggressive, seemingly linear movements and explosive power...
. It is more broadly grouped as an internal practice (or neijia gong
Neijia
Nèijiā is a term in Chinese martial arts, grouping those styles that practice nèijìng , usually translated as internal martial arts, occupied with spiritual, mental or qi-related aspects, as opposed to an "external" approach focused on physiological aspects...
). Bāguà zhǎng literally means "eight trigram palm," referring to the trigrams of the Yijing (I Ching
I Ching
The I Ching or "Yì Jīng" , also known as the Classic of Changes, Book of Changes and Zhouyi, is one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts...
), one of the canons of Taoism
Taoism
Taoism refers to a philosophical or religious tradition in which the basic concept is to establish harmony with the Tao , which is the mechanism of everything that exists...
.
History
The creation of Baguazhang, as a formalised martial art, is attributed to Dong HaichuanDong Haichuan
Dong Haichuan was born on the 13th of October 1797 in Zhu village, Ju Jia Wu Township, Wen'an County, Hebei Province, China and died on the 25th of October 1882 in Beijing. He is regarded as a skillful martial artist and is widely credited to be the founder of Baguazhang...
(董海川), who is said to have learned from Taoist (and possibly Buddhist) masters in the mountains of rural China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
during the early 19th century. There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practised in the region in which Dong Haichuan lived, combined with Taoist circle walking. Because of his work as a servant in the Imperial Palace he impressed the emperor with his graceful movements and fighting skill, and became an instructor and a bodyguard to the court. Dong Haichuan taught for many years in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.
Famous disciples of Dong to become teachers were Yin Fu
Yin Fu
Yin Fu was a Baguazhang disciple of Dong Haichuan responsible for the creation of the Yin Style Baguazhang.Yin Fu was Dong's earliest disciple in Prince Duan's palace...
(尹福), Cheng Tinghua
Cheng Tinghua
Cheng Tinghua was a renowned master of Chinese Neijia martial art Bagua Zhang.-Biography:Born in the Cheng family village, Shen County, Hebei , he was the third of four brothers....
(程廷華), Ma Gui
Ma Gui (martial artist)
Ma Gui was an accomplished master of the internal Chinese martial art of Baguazhang, and considered to be one of the top students of both Yin Fu and Baguazhang’s founder Dong Haichuan...
(马贵), Song Changrong (宋長榮), Liu Fengchun (劉鳳春), Ma Weiqi
Ma Weiqi
Ma Weiqi was a disciple of Dong Haichuan in the martial art of Baguazhang. He owned a shop in Beijing selling coal and briquettes and he was therefore nicknamed "Mei Ma" or Coal Ma"....
(馬維棋), Liu Baozhen(劉寶珍), Liang Zhenpu
Liang Zhenpu
Liang Zhenpu was a Chinese martial artist.He was born in Beihaojia Village in Ji County in Hebei province on May 20, 1863 during the Qing Dynasty under the rule of Emperor Tongzhi, and died on August 13 at the age of 69 due to illness. He trained in Tan Tui and Biaozhang during his early childhood...
(梁振蒲) and Liu Dekuan (劉德寛). Although they were all students of the same teacher, their methods of training and expressions of palm techniques differed. The Cheng and Liu styles are said to specialize in "pushing" the palms, Yin style is known for "threading" the palms, Song's followers practice "Plum Flower" (梅花 Mei Hua) palm technique and Ma style palms are known as "hammers." Some of Dong Haichuan's students, including Cheng Tinghua, participated in the Boxer Rebellion
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion, also called the Boxer Uprising by some historians or the Righteous Harmony Society Movement in northern China, was a proto-nationalist movement by the "Righteous Harmony Society" , or "Righteous Fists of Harmony" or "Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists" , in China between...
. In general, most bagua exponents today practice either the Yin (尹), Cheng (程), or Liang (梁) styles, although Fan (樊), Shi (史), Liu (劉), Fu (傅), and other styles also exist. (The Liu style is a special case, in that it is rarely practiced alone, but as a complement to other styles). In addition, there are sub-styles of the above methods as well, such as the Sun (孫), Gao (高), and Jiang (姜) styles, which are sub-styles of Cheng method.
Modern styles
- Yin StyleYin Style BaguazhangYin Style Baguazhang is a style of Baguazhang.-Substyles:Yin Style has many substyles, some of the lineages of which are given below:*Dong Haichuan**Yin Fu***Yin Yuzhang****Wang Fu***Ma Gui****Wang Peisheng****Liu Wanchuan***Li Yongqing...
: Yin Fu 尹福 - Cheng StyleCheng Style BaguazhangCheng Style Baguazhang is the style of Baguazhang descended from Cheng Tinghua, the fourth disciple of Baguazhang's founder, Dong Haichuan ....
: Cheng Tinghua 程廷華 - Liang StyleLiang Style BaguazhangLiang Style Baguazhang is the style of Baguazhang descended from Liang Zhenpu , the youngest disciple of Baguazhang's founder, Dong Haichuan...
: Liang Zhenpu 梁振蒲 - Gao StyleGao Style BaguazhangGao Style Baguazhang is the style of Baguazhang descended from Gao Yisheng , a student of Cheng Tinghua, who founded one of the two main branches of Baguazhang. Gao is alternatively said to have originally studied with Song Changrong or Yin Fu , later studying with one of Cheng's students,...
: Gao Yisheng 高義盛 - Gong Style: Gong Baotian 宫宝田
- Jiang StyleJiang Style Baguazhang-Introduction:Jiang Style Baguazhang is the style of Baguazhang taught by Jiang Rong Qiao 1890-1974. Jiang Rong Qiao was a student of both Zhang Zhaodong and Cheng Tinghua, both of whom were formal students of Baguazhang founder Dong Haichuan...
: Jiang Rongqiao 姜容樵 - Liu Style: Liu Baozhen 劉寶珍
- Ma Style: Ma WeiqiMa WeiqiMa Weiqi was a disciple of Dong Haichuan in the martial art of Baguazhang. He owned a shop in Beijing selling coal and briquettes and he was therefore nicknamed "Mei Ma" or Coal Ma"....
馬維棋 - MaGui Style: Ma GuiMa Gui (martial artist)Ma Gui was an accomplished master of the internal Chinese martial art of Baguazhang, and considered to be one of the top students of both Yin Fu and Baguazhang’s founder Dong Haichuan...
马贵 - Shi Style: Shi Jidong 史計棟
- Fan Style: Fan Zhiyong 范之勇
- Sun Style: Sun Lutang 孫祿堂
- Fu StyleFu Style BaguazhangFu Style Baguazhang is a style of baguazhang, a chinese martial art.-History:Fu Zhen Song began learning Chen-style taijiquan at age 16 from the famous Chen Family master, Chen Yan Xi....
: Fu ZhensongFu Chen SungFu Chen Sung , or Fu Qiankun was a grandmaster of Wudangquan martial arts. He was best known as one of the famed "Five Northern Tigers," and a third-generation master of Baguazhang who founded Fu Style Baguazhang...
傅振嵩 - Yin Yang Style (Tian Style)Yin Yang Style (Tian Style)The Tian family's Yin Yang Bagua Zhang originated in the area around the Ermei and Qingzhen Mountains of Sichuan Province. It was transmitted from the Daoists Bi Yun and Jing Yun during late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. Tian Hui The Tian family's Yin Yang Bagua Zhang originated in the area...
: Tian Hui 田廻
Common aspects
Many distinctive styles of weapons are contained within Baguazhang; some use concealment, like the "scholar's pen" or a pair of knives (the most elaborate, which are unique to the style, are the crescent-shaped deer horn knives
Deer Horn Knives
Deer Horn Knives , also known as crescent moon knives, are specialised Chinese bladed weapons consisting of two steel crescents crossing. They are used in Chinese martial arts. This crossing produces four curved, clawlike points, one of which is extended as the "main" blade. The practitioner grips...
). Baguazhang is also known for practicing with extremely large weapons, such as the bāguà jian (八卦劍), or bagua sword, and the bāguà dāo
DAO
DAO may refer to:* D-amino acid oxidase, a peroxisomal enzyme.* Data access object, a design pattern used in object-oriented software engineering* De-asphalted oil, a crude oil refinery process stream...
(八卦刀) , or bagua broadsword. Other, more conventional, weapons are also used, such as the staff (gun), spear (qiang), crutch (guai), hook sword (gou) and the straight, double-edged sword (jian
Jian
The jian is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. The first Chinese sources that mention the jian date to the 7th century BCE during the Spring and Autumn Period; one of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian.Historical one-handed versions have blades...
). Baguazhang practitioners are also known for being able to use anything as a weapon using the principles of their art.
Baguazhang contains an extremely wide variety of techniques as well as weapons, including various strikes (with palm, fist, elbow, fingers, etc.), kicks, joint locks, throws, and distinctively evasive circular footwork. As such, Baguazhang is considered neither a purely striking nor a purely grappling martial art. Baguazhang practitioners are known for their ability to "flow" in and out of the way of objects. This is the source of the theory of being able to fight multiple attackers. Baguazhang's evasive nature is also shown by the practice of moving behind an attacker, so that the opponent cannot harm the practitioner.
Although the many branches of Baguazhang are often quite different from each other (some, like Cheng style, specialize in close-in wrestling and joint locks, while others, like some of the Yin styles, specialize in quick, long-range striking), all have circle walking, spiraling methodologies, and certain methods and techniques (piercing palms, crashing palms, etc.) in common.
Baguazhang's movements employ the whole body with smooth coiling and uncoiling actions, utilizing hand techniques, dynamic footwork, and throws. Rapid-fire movements draw energy from the center of the abdomen. The circular stepping pattern also builds up centripetal force, allowing the practitioner to maneuver quickly around an opponent.
In popular culture
- Jet Li's character in The One uses bagua zhang, while the antagonist version of the character uses xingyi quan.
- Airbending in Avatar: The Last AirbenderAvatar: The Last AirbenderAvatar: The Last Airbender is an American animated television series that aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. The series was created and produced by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who served as executive producers along with Aaron Ehasz...
is modeled on bagua zhang. - Bagua zhang features briefly in the manga History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi.
- The Hyūga clan from NarutoNarutois an ongoing Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The plot tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and aspires to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of...
use the Gentle Fist style which is based on bagua. For example, the technique called Eight Trigrams: Sixty Four Palm Strike is derived from bagua zhang terminology. - Ling Xiaoyu from the Tekken video game series uses bagua zhang.
- Ashrah from Mortal Kombat: Deception and Kitana from Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance use bagua zhang.
- Joscelin Verreuil from Jacqueline CareyJacqueline CareyJacqueline Carey is an author and novelist, primarily of fantasy fiction.-Life:She attended Lake Forest College, receiving B.A.'s in psychology and English literature. During college, she spent 6 months working in a bookstore in London as part of a work exchange program. While there, she decided...
's Kushiel's Legacy series uses a fighting style similar to bagua zhang, which is the fighting style of the Cassiline Brotherhood. - In Ip Man 2Ip Man 2Ip Man 2 is a 2010 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film loosely based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun. A sequel to the 2008 film Ip Man, the film was directed by Wilson Yip, and stars Donnie Yen, who reprises the leading role...
, one of the styles used during the tabletop fight is bagua zhang. - In the 2010 live-action film Tekken, Jin KazamaJin Kazamais a video game player character in the Tekken fighting game series released by Namco Bandai. Trained by his grandfather, Heihachi Mishima in order to enter the King of Iron Fist Tournament, Jin wishes to avenge his mother's apparent death...
says that he is impressed by fellow competitor Christie MonteiroChristie Monteirois a character in the Tekken fighting game series. Christie is the granddaughter of the Capoeira mestre who taught Eddy Gordo the art of Capoeira during his incarceration in prison...
due to her foot placement while practicing bagua zhang. - In the 2006 movie Jadesoturi (Jade Warrior), in the Pin Yu vs Sintai fight, they used bagua zhang as a sort of courting.
See also
- Ba gua—the eight trigrams, used as guiding principles for baguazhang.
- Yi JingYi JingI Ching is one of Chinese classic texts.I Ching may also refer to:* I Ching , a Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk* I Ching , fictional, blind martial artist published by DC Comics...
—the Taoist classic examining the movement of the eight trigrams. - Feng shuiFeng shuiFeng shui ' is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu ....
—the metaphysical system of interior design based on the bagua.