八卦掌 (Bā Guà Zhǎng)
Palms of the Eight Trigrams
As Taught in the Wudang Sanfengpai Lineage [1]
Historical Background
八卦掌 (Bā Guà Zhǎng) is believed to have been developed by 董海川 (Dǒng Hǎi Chuān) during the Qing (清) dynasty (1644-1912). According to traditional accounts, during his travels to the southern side of the Yangtze River (江南 Jiāng Nán), Dong gained inspiration from Daoist philosophical concepts. He subsequently integrated these insights with his extensive martial arts experience to create the distinctive palm techniques that characterize Bagua Zhang.
Dong Haichuan was employed at the official residence of Prince Su (肅王府 Sù Wáng Fǔ) in Beijing, which provided him with both security and an opportunity to teach his art to select students. As a result, the system initially spread throughout Beijing before expanding to other regions of China.
Connection to Wudang Sanfengpai
The Wudang Sanfengpai (武当三丰派) lineage incorporates Bagua Zhang as one of its important training methods. Sanfengpai, named after the legendary Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰), who is credited with creating Taiji Quan, represents one of the major branches of Wudang martial arts. While Bagua Zhang was not originally developed in the Wudang Mountains, it was later adopted and integrated into the Sanfengpai system due to its compatibility with Daoist principles and internal cultivation methods.
Within the Wudang Sanfengpai lineage, Bagua Zhang is taught with an emphasis on:
- Circular walking patterns (circle walking or 走圈 zǒu quān)
- Internal energy cultivation (内功 nèigōng)
- Continuous flowing movements
- Harmonization with Daoist cosmological principles
- Application of the I Ching (易经 Yì Jīng) eight trigrams theory in martial movement
Core Principles
Bagua Zhang is distinguished by several key characteristics:
- Circle Walking (走圈 zǒu quān): Practitioners walk in circles while executing various hand techniques, developing the ability to change direction instantly.
- Continuous Change: Just as the eight trigrams represent constant transformation in the universe, Bagua techniques emphasize continuous change and adaptation.
- Spiral Force (旋力 xuán lì): Movements generate power through spiral or corkscrew-like actions rather than linear force.
- Body Unity: The entire body moves as an integrated unit, with power initiated from the feet, directed by the waist, and expressed through the hands.
- Empty and Full: Practitioners alternate between substantial (实 shí) and insubstantial (虚 xū) in their movements and weight distribution.
The Eight Palm Changes
The palm techniques of Bagua Zhang in the Wudang Sanfengpai tradition emphasize fluid transitions between different energetic expressions. Each palm technique corresponds to one of the eight trigrams of the I Ching and embodies specific qualities and martial applications.
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單換掌 (Dān Huàn Zhǎng) - Single Changing Palm
- Characterized by singular, direct changes in hand position and body orientation
- Corresponds to the Qian (乾) trigram representing Heaven
- Emphasizes clear, straightforward transitions between techniques
- Applications include direct strikes, deflections, and linear penetrating movements
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雙換掌 (Shuāng Huàn Zhǎng) - Double Changing Palms
- Features paired, simultaneous changes in both hands’ positions
- Corresponds to the Kun (坤) trigram representing Earth
- Utilizes complementary movements of both hands for attack and defense
- Applications include simultaneous blocking and striking, grappling, and controlling techniques
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托天掌 (Tuō Tiān Zhǎng) - Supporting-Sky Palm
- Upward-lifting palm technique representing strength and elevation
- Corresponds to the Gen (艮) trigram representing Mountain
- Emphasizes stability while projecting energy upward
- Applications include lifting opponents, breaking holds, and upward deflections
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返身掌 (Fǎn Shēn Zhǎng) - Returning Body Palm
- Involves turning the body while executing specific palm techniques
- Corresponds to the Zhen (震) trigram representing Thunder
- Emphasizes explosive power through body rotation
- Applications include surprise counterattacks and escaping from encirclements
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順勢掌 (Shùn Shì Zhǎng) - Following-Force Palm
- Utilizes the principle of following the opponent’s energy
- Corresponds to the Kan (坎) trigram representing Water
- Emphasizes adaptability and flowing with external forces
- Applications include redirecting attacks and using the opponent’s force against them
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磨盤掌 (Mò Pán Zhǎng) - Grinding Disk Palm
- Circular grinding movements that wear down opposition
- Corresponds to the Li (離) trigram representing Fire
- Emphasizes continuous circular motion to overcome resistance
- Applications include joint locks, breaking through guards, and grinding attacks
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轉身掌 (Zhuǎn Shēn Zhǎng) - Spinning Palm
- Involves complete body rotation while maintaining palm techniques
- Corresponds to the Dui (兌) trigram representing Lake
- Emphasizes whole-body coordination during turns
- Applications include evading multiple attackers and generating centrifugal force for strikes
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雙穿掌 (Shuāng Chuān Zhǎng) - Double Penetrating Palms
- Features dual penetrating actions with both palms
- Corresponds to the Xun (巽) trigram representing Wind
- Emphasizes penetrating power through subtle movements
- Applications include vital point strikes and breaking through defenses
Training Methods
The practice of Bagua Zhang in the Wudang Sanfengpai tradition typically includes:
Foundational Training
- Standing Meditation (站桩 zhàn zhuāng): Developing internal energy and proper structure
- Circle Walking (走圈 zǒu quān): The signature practice of walking in circles while maintaining specific postures
- Palm Changes (掌法 zhǎng fǎ): The eight core palm techniques listed above
- Stepping Methods (步法 bù fǎ): Various ways of stepping and changing direction
Intermediate Training
- Linear Forms (直线套路 zhí xiàn tào lù): Practicing techniques in straight-line patterns
- Circular Forms (圆形套路 yuán xíng tào lù): More complex circular pattern practice
- Single and Double Palm Changes: Refining the execution of the eight palm methods
- Bagua Weapons (八卦兵器 bāguà bīngqì): Primarily focused on the Bagua Dao (八卦刀), the characteristic giant saber of Bagua Zhang
Advanced Training
- Partner Drills (对练 duì liàn): Practicing applications with partners
- Combat Applications (技击应用 jì jī yìng yòng): Learning to apply the principles in free fighting
- Internal Energy Cultivation (内功修炼 nèigōng xiūliàn): Advanced qigong methods
- Daoist Cultivation (道家修炼 dàojiā xiūliàn): Integration with broader Daoist spiritual practices
The Bagua Dao (八卦刀)
The primary weapon of Bagua Zhang in the Wudang Sanfengpai tradition is the Bagua Dao (八卦刀), or giant saber. This distinctive weapon features:
- A large, heavy blade often exceeding three feet in length
- A unique crescent shape that facilitates circular cutting movements
- A design that complements the circular walking and spiraling movements of Bagua Zhang
- Techniques that emphasize continuous motion, with the blade rarely stopping during practice
The Bagua Dao form incorporates the principles of the eight palm changes, transforming them into weapon techniques. Training with this weapon develops tremendous strength, coordination, and the ability to generate centrifugal force through proper body mechanics.
Philosophical Foundation
In the Wudang Sanfengpai tradition, Bagua Zhang is not merely a martial art but a vehicle for Daoist cultivation. The practice embodies the philosophical principles of the I Ching, particularly:
- Constant Change (易 yì): Nothing remains static; all things transform continuously.
- Complementary Opposition (阴阳 yīn yáng): Balancing opposing forces creates harmony.
- Natural Alignment (天人合一 tiān rén hé yī): Aligning oneself with natural principles.
- Non-Contention (无为 wú wéi): Acting in accordance with the natural flow rather than forcing.
Through the practice of Bagua Zhang’s palm methods, practitioners in the Wudang Sanfengpai lineage seek not only martial proficiency but also harmony with the Dao, physical health, and spiritual development.
Trailer from Wudang Baguazhang:
“As Taught in the Wudang Sanfengpai Lineage” specifies that the description of Baguazhang (八卦掌), or Eight Trigram Palm, is viewed through the lens of the Wudang Sanfengpai (武当三丰派) martial arts school. This lineage, associated with the legendary Daoist Zhang Sanfeng, emphasizes internal energy cultivation (neigong, 内功) and Daoist principles alongside the martial techniques. Therefore, the explanation of Baguazhang’s palm changes, footwork, and weapon forms is presented within the context of Daoist philosophy and internal practice as it has been integrated into this particular Wudang lineage. It might differ in emphasis or detail from other Baguazhang lineages. (Explanation by AI) ↩︎