BAGUAZHANG CLASS

Baguazhang (also spelled Pa Kua Chang) is one of the most graceful and effective of the Chinese martial arts. With its fast circular walking and continuous, coiling, turning, twisting movements, Baguazhang has been likened to a spinning energy ball, a fan or a tornado...also to the waist of a dragon, ever turning and twisting. Baguazhang practitioners can attack or defend while rapidly walking or turning. Like the two other main styles of "Internal" Martial Arts - Tai Chi Chuan and Xing Yi Quan - Ba GuaZhang is an integrated mind-body art that uses powerful wave-like whole body dynamics and continuous, circular techniques based on Yin-yang principles of flow and balance.

Benefits include surprisingly effective self-defence capabilities, aerobic training, improved breathing and coordination, increased flexibility and whole body speed and internal energy skills (Qigong). Since it is based on the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), its training can be as beneficial for internal health as for martial prowess.

Host or Publisher Dominic Cleary FWSS