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.
A comprehensive guide to the fundamentals, sequences, and 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, baguazhang 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 of Baguazhang 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 fundamentals of baguazhang, showing how the movements of this enigmatic and 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.
“Useful, functional bagua training for real students who want to work. Straight-forward, reasonable presentation of authentic material by an experienced hand who has been around the block more than once. Highly recommended!”
—Robert Allen Pittman, master instructor of bagua and xingyi, author of
Walking the I Ching, and coauthor of
Chinese Internal Boxing and
Bagua and Xingyi
“One of the things that makes Phillip Starr one of my favorite martial arts authors is that he can take even the most intricate actions and make them understandable. If you are interested in this fascinating art yet have backed off from studying it because of its complexity, you are in for a treat.”
—Professor Dan Anderson, 10th dan, world-famous martial arts champion and author of
American Freestyle Karate and
The Dan Anderson Encyclopedia of Modern Arnis
“...a clear and concise picture of the basic fundamentals necessary to practice Dong Haiquan’s baguazhang fundamental principles. [Starr] shows you how to use these concepts as both a health and practical martial art, something sorely lacking in today’s world of restrictive tournament forms.”
—John P. Painter, PHD, ND, Li family Jiulong Baguazhang USA representative
