Pa Kua Chang
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Pa Kua Chang (also known as baguazhang), or eight trigrams palm, is one of the so-called internal martial arts of China. Like it's cousin, Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua is known for the use of chi(1) to create internal strength, rather than relying on muscular power. It was allegedly created in the nineteenth century by Master Tung Hai-Chuan (1796-1880), but was most likely merely passed on through him from an earlier unknown source. Originally passed from master to disciple as a method of personal defense, the art was also used in war, but only by individuals. It was never used to train large masses of troops. Another master of Pa Kua was Yin Fu (1842-1911). In 1900 he was in charge of escorting the Dowager Empress from Beijing when the city was besieged by foreign troops. Later, he became famous because of this, and passed the art on to many students, one of the main reasons it survives to this day.
Based on the I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes, Pa Kua is derived from the eight trigrams(2), which are merged in all their different combinations to form the 64 hexagrams(3). There are 64 corresponding hand maneuvers in Pa Kua. Added to these palm movements is the concept of 'walking the circle.' This builds up endurance during practice sessions, and prepares the practitioner for the constant circling for advantage found in sparring. It is only when the proper angle has been achieved that a circular attack is launched on the opponent. When walking the circle, there are periodic direction changes, which, during combat, can be used as kicks, sweeps, and trapping moves.
There are several weapons associated with Pa Kua, including the straight double-edged sword, a slightly curved sabre, a lance, and the most distinctive of Pa Kua weapons, the semi-circular sword. The basis of using these weapons is the same as the empty hand style. They rely on the circling moves of the user to generate their power.
(1) Chi is the energy, cultivated by movements and breathing, which is generated by the tan tien (in the lower abdomen) and passes along channels, or meridians, until it is emitted to attack and uproot an enemy.
(2) The trigrams consist of three lines, either broken or unbroken, which can be put together in eight different combinations.
(3) The eight different trigrams, when combined in pairs, form the 64 hexagrams. These are used in the I Ching to convey philosophical points, and can also be used for divination.
Based on the I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes, Pa Kua is derived from the eight trigrams(2), which are merged in all their different combinations to form the 64 hexagrams(3). There are 64 corresponding hand maneuvers in Pa Kua. Added to these palm movements is the concept of 'walking the circle.' This builds up endurance during practice sessions, and prepares the practitioner for the constant circling for advantage found in sparring. It is only when the proper angle has been achieved that a circular attack is launched on the opponent. When walking the circle, there are periodic direction changes, which, during combat, can be used as kicks, sweeps, and trapping moves.
There are several weapons associated with Pa Kua, including the straight double-edged sword, a slightly curved sabre, a lance, and the most distinctive of Pa Kua weapons, the semi-circular sword. The basis of using these weapons is the same as the empty hand style. They rely on the circling moves of the user to generate their power.
(1) Chi is the energy, cultivated by movements and breathing, which is generated by the tan tien (in the lower abdomen) and passes along channels, or meridians, until it is emitted to attack and uproot an enemy.
(2) The trigrams consist of three lines, either broken or unbroken, which can be put together in eight different combinations.
(3) The eight different trigrams, when combined in pairs, form the 64 hexagrams. These are used in the I Ching to convey philosophical points, and can also be used for divination.
