Bagua Zhang, one of the three main internal styles of Chinese martial arts (Taiji Quan and Xing Yi Quan being the other two), has enjoyed much popularity in both China and the rest of the world. Similarly to Taiji Quan, there are many schools and styles of Bagua Zhang, but they all share a common thread and philosophy -- that of a circular balance.

The meaning of the name

Bagua Zhang literally translated means "8-trigram palm" or "8-diagram palm". The style is based partially on the eight combinations of three whole and broken lines used in Daoist (Taoist) I-Ching divination. Practioners utilize eight basic palm plays with an additional 64 palm tricks deriving from the basic eight.

The History of Bagua Zhang

There are different stories about the origins of Bagua Zhang ranging from anti-Qing Dynasty cliques to Daoist priests from Sichuan Province. Regardless of it's origins it seems that many different styles of Bagua Zhang have developed over the years.

The Dong Haichuang styles orinated with Dong Haichuan, a native of Hebei Province who played an important part in the dissemination of Bagua Zhang. Many of his students are well known practioners of Bagua Zhang including Yin Fu, Cheng Tinghua, Liu Gengchun and LI Cunyi. Some of the Bagua Zhang styles are named after these people such as Cheng-style, Liang-style and Sun-style.

Li Zhengqing (1830-1900), also known as the Yin Yang (Positive - Negative) Bagua Zhang Li, went to Henan Province from Hebei Province to learn Yin Yang Bagua Zhang in order to improve his existing Bagua Zhang technique. After returning home in 1870 he continued to teach this style to his villagers. In 1937 a follower of his, Ren Zhicheng, wrote a book entitled "Yin Yang Bagua Zhang" which is still studied today.

Another interesting style of Bagua Zhang comes from Tian Ruhong. Tian, who also practiced a form of Yin Yang Bagua Zhang was a native of Shandong Province but moved to Hebei province in the late Ming Dynasty. Once while on tour in Sichuan Province Tian saw some criminal activity and tried to exact justice. Two Daoist priests rescued him when he was having problems and from that point on he acknowledge them as his wushu tutors and followed them for the next 12 years. After the beginning of the Qing Dynasty Tian returned home but resented the autocracy of the local authorities and left again. He took a youngster named Tian Xuan with him and taught him his style of Yin Yang Bagua Zhang. Years later Tian Xuan returned to his home fillage in Shandong Province and taught the style to other Tian family members. Until recently the style was only taught in this village to these family members.

Characteristics of Bagua Zhang

Bagua Zhang is practiced by walking in circles with palms open. The movement is based on a circular, balanced theory. When the upper body protrudes, the lower body retreats; when the arms are sent out, the feet are drawn back. It's movements are almost snake-like has it weaves and twists in circular patterns around the opponent. It's balanced nature makes it a perfect complement to the character Gabe, who's life is in a comfortable balance. Until Yulaw shows up, that is.

Credits: http://www.jetli.com