The loss of function in kung fu forms Forms training is a backbone of most traditional kung fu and tai chi schools but why is this so and what is actually being taught? This article puts forms under the microscope to look at the 3 main types of forms training and how forms training is gradually degenerating from being the most efficient way to learn and develop real, adaptable fighting skills […]
The Rising Sun is the first of the true breathing exercises I teach to students. It is the first and most important of the ancient ‘5 Breaths of Tao’ Qigong set. The Rising Sun exercise can be done in many different ways. Each method trains something different inside you. The physical movement of each is almost identical. What changes is the way the breath is performed and most important of […]
The single palm change is the most famous movement in baguazhang. It is the signature move of the system. The way you do the single palm change defines you as a bagua stylist. Over time the way you do it will change as your understanding of it deepens. This is true for all the movements you learn but perhaps none more so than with the single palm change. As a […]
Bagua is an internal martial art and a form of moving meditation. It teaches you how to generate and store power in your body and how to express it in different ways. This post and video teach you four new ways of developing power through the bagua circle walking practice. To view this post in full you’ll need an Intermediate Level membership. This will give you access to a huge […]
The ‘leaping tiger’ is the first form that students of yu lung chuan (Jade Dragon kung Fu) learn. The Jade Dragon School derives its name from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in South West China where its monastery was located. To the West of the mountain flows the Jinsha river, a tributary of the Yangtse. At the foot of the mountain is a very deep canyon where the Jinsha flows […]
Here are a few videos showing a class I ran several years ago on elbow locks. You can see some of the variations and how quickly and effectively you can take someone down when you get the technique right. The technique is simple The student in this video was struggling to take her partner down so she used her head and added a chin lock too. Here is a longer […]
Although bagua is famous for its circle walking practices it is during the changes of direction that the magic really happens. There are many methods of changing direction. Each develops different skills. Some of them are very simple, others very complicated and challenging. The video below will show several key ones. Practice diligently until the movements are smooth, balanced and effortless and require no thought on your part. To view […]
In kung fu every part of every movement should be powerful yet effortless. To do this we invoke all the principles of tai chi plus a few others. The two moves shown in this video look simple but to achieve that level of fluid, whole body power means understanding where every part of the body is and how it relates to all other parts. When you start to connect your […]
This section contains a powerful punch and kick combination that is trained on both sides. It improves your balance and connected power. Before you work on the video below make sure you know your dragon punch and your front kick. Previous: Leaping Tiger part 2 To view this post in full you’ll need a Basic Level membership. This will give you access to a wide range of skills aimed at […]
Fan Chang is an arm movement that takes power from a rotation of the legs and waist and projects it out through the palms. With practice you open up the energy channels and can feel a strong connection of energy all the way up from feet to palms. Rotation is extremely important in baguazhang. Being able to rotate in a way that is balanced, coordinated and integrated is essential for […]
Baguazhang (pronounced bag-wa-jang), or bagua (pakua) for short, is a fascinating practice of moving meditation and self development that became the most sought after martial art in China. This post, and the video at the end of it describes the basic practice of walking the circle. Don’t neglect this as it will add a whole new dimension to all other training you do. Circle walking is the essence of baguazhang. […]
This post takes you step-by-step through the form with links to all the movements. It also includes videos of the whole form. As always note that these videos don’t show you the way to do it – they show you a way to do it. Many variations are possible, and indeed you should feel free to experiment. You will gain so much and learn so much more from them by […]