Exploring Bagua Zhang - The Art of the Eight Trigrams

💭 Think About...

1. Have you ever seen a martial art that uses a lot of circular movements before? What do you think the benefits of moving in circles might be?
2. The eight trigrams come from the I Ching, an ancient Chinese book. Why do you think a martial art would be based on ideas from a book?
3. Bagua Zhang focuses on defense and evasion. When might avoiding or deflecting a problem be better than facing it head-on?
4. Practitioners of Bagua Zhang walk in circles for hours to master the technique. What does this tell you about the importance of practice and dedication?
5. Each trigram represents a different element of nature. How do you think natural elements could inspire or relate to martial arts movements?

🔨 Your Project

  1. Take a printout of the eight trigrams. We'll be learning about what each one means!
  2. Watch the video of a Bagua Zhang master demonstrating circle walking. Notice how smoothly and calmly they move.
  3. Find a spot at the edge of the large circle taped on the floor. Make sure you have some space between you and your neighbors.
  4. Stand up straight and tall, with your feet close together. Pretend there's a string gently pulling the top of your head towards the sky.
  5. Take a step forward with your left foot, placing your heel down first, then your toes. Keep your knees slightly bent.
  6. Shift your weight onto your left foot, then step forward with your right foot, placing it closely in front of your left foot.
  7. Continue stepping in a circle, moving slowly and steadily. Remember to keep your head up and shoulders relaxed.
  8. If you feel dizzy or lose your balance, you can step out of the circle and take a break. Then rejoin when you're ready.
  9. Once you feel comfortable with the basic steps, try holding your hands in front of you as if you were holding a large beach ball. Keep your elbows bent and pointing down.
  10. Practice circle walking for a few minutes, focusing on your balance and breathing. If you have questions, raise your hand and the teacher will come help you!