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Ba Gua Zhang is recognized as one of the three orthodox "internal" styles of Chinese martial art (the other two being Xing Yi Quan and Tai Ji Quan). Ba Gua literally translates to Eight trigrams. These trigrams are symbols which are used to represent all natural phenomena as described in the ancient Chinese text, the Book of Changes (Yi Jing). Zhang means palm and designates Ba Gua Zhang as a style of martial art, which emphasizes the use of the open hand in preference to the closed fist. Ba Gua Zhang, as a martial art, is based on the theory of continuously changing in response to the situation at hand in order to overcome an opponent with footwork, and technique, rather than brute force.
Bagua is said to have been created by Dong Hai Chuan. Dong was born in Wen An County, Hebei Province about 1813. Dong practiced martial arts from his youth and gained some notoriety as a skilled fighter. At about 40 years of age, Dong left home and traveled southward. At some point during his travels, Dong became a member of the Chuan Zhen (Complete Truth) sect of Daoism.
The Daoists of this sect practiced a method of walking in a circle white reciting certain mantras. The practice was designed to quiet the mind and focus the intent as a prelude to enlightenment. Dong later combined the circle walking mechanics with the martial arts he had mastered in his youth to create a new style based on mobility and the ability to apply techniques while in constant motion One of the most famous, was Cheng Tinghua.
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Cheng Tinghua was from Shen County in Hebei.he had a vast background in Shuijiao, and Shaolin. Cheng's version of Bagua has many throws, and uses dragon claw palm. Cheng's Bagua uses three forms at once, walking like a dragon, turning like a monkey, and changing postures like an eagle.
Photo above-
Cheng Ting Hua, and son Cheng You Lung
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Shifu Regan learned Bagua from Master Li Tailiang, who is a 5th generation Master in Cheng Tinghua's Bagua. Master Li is well known for his expertise in Internal martial arts, and practical fighting.
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Bagua is a very deep system of Martial Arts, and can take a lifetime to Master. Shifu Regan shown above, using snake form to enter, and hitting with an up elbow, before stepping in to throw.
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