In the first part of this article, How is Ba Gua Zhang Different – Part I, I described how the principles of nature have been applied to the creation and development of this Ba Gua Zhang system. In this article, I will focus on more specific differences between Ba Gua Zhang and other martial arts. [...]

Snake-like body movements; highly evasive footwork; powerful palm strikes; and , of course, the practice of walking in a circle. These are common descriptions of the rare Chinese martial art, Ba Gua Zhang. When observed at any demonstration, Ba Gua Zhang is clearly unique. The flavor of the movements is so distinct that it is [...]

Through the observations by ancient sages, the natural trinity of, “yin & yang, the Five Elements, and the Eight Trigrams” were created to explain how all things are naturally balanced and in continuous interaction. It is integrated into all parts of Chinese culture, and it is the essence of Ch’iang Shan Pa Kua Chang. Just [...]

For Health… Understanding the duality of yin and yang is essential to the Chinese concept of “balance.” Just as the balance of yin and yang in the body will result in good health, in Chinese medicine the correct analysis of an imbalance of yin and yang is the first step toward the diagnosis of a [...]

The Chinese word, “gua” (as in “Ba Gua Zhang”) is translated into English as, “trigram,” or “diagram.” The following is a brief explanation of its origination and meaning: Yi Jing (I Ching) “Book of Changes”   The Yi Jing, (pronounced “ee ching”) or “Book of Changes” was written during the last generation of the Shang [...]

Note:  This piece was written in reaction to an article in the Black Belt Newsletter, issued by NAPMA, about Bruce Lee’s contributions to the martial arts.  Specifically, that he “opened the eyes” of the martial arts world and that “almost every modern style has been infused with a spirit of eclecticism which, prior to Lee, [...]

The concept of yin & yang dates back more than 5000 years in China. It is a way in which all existence is explained and yet it does not conflict with any modern day thinking, including science and religion. Without going into any depth of explaining why it does not conflict, I would rather just [...]

Pa Kua Chang  is one of the most complex and misunderstood of Chinese martial arts. It is one of the internal styles, known for its highly evasive footwork, snake-like body movements, quick changes, close-in fighting manuevers, and the use of optimum angles of attack and defense. A practitioner of this style is usually seen walking [...]