Baguazhang is an internal martial arts style that originated on Mount Emei in China. Bagua is unique as it emphasizes several low leg stances, circular movements, walking, and positioning of the palms in precise ways throughout the form. Both an offensive and defensive martial arts style with its turning and spinning movements, bagua can be used to deflect or engage opponents. Practicing bagua may also yield health benefits as this type of movement can employ joints and muscles not always exercised, stimulate acupuncture areas, and kindle the flow of chi (or energy) through the body. With repetition, bagua may help improve coordination, agility, flexibility, balance, and strength. Master Chenhan Yang, an expert trainer and practitioner in several martial arts areas, demonstrates baguazhang by breaking the style down into the various hand, arm, and leg movements. Yang shows the eight positions for the open palms, teaches four leg stances, and then illustrates the basic stepping moves—which include "walk like a dragon," "retrieve and spin like an ape," "change momentum like an eagle," and "fierce like a tiger." After the instruction concludes, Yang performs the entire eight palms sequence in a natural setting with pleasing music. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Root)
Bagua for Beginners: Eight Palms Baguazhang
(2019) 75 min. DVD: $29.95. YMAA Publication Center (www.ymaa.com). ISBN: 978-1-59439-670-0. Volume 34, Issue 4
Bagua for Beginners: Eight Palms Baguazhang
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