Liang Shou-Yu - Baguazhang: Theory and Applications

Grandmaster Wang, Jurong

The origin of Chinese Wushu () is far and long, and its contents are as numerous as flowers. This has resulted in hundreds of schools and styles, like hundreds of branches and thousands of vines. All of these schools, after being tested and experienced through the long seasons of history, have harvested a great abundance of fruits. Today, these schools have become known for their excellence of styles. The Baguazhang introduced in this book is one of the most renowned and traditional of these Chinese martial arts.

Baguazhang is a very interesting fist technique (Quan Shu, ) (i.e., martial style). If it is practiced often, it can strengthen the body and increase longevity. It can also train practical martial techniques, providing an effective method of self-defense.

In Baguazhang practice, the upper limbs use in almost all the palms. Various skills are developed from the constant changing of the palm techniques. During the palm training, the lower limbs walk along a circle, and use swaying and arcing stepping as major techniques. Baguazhang combines the theories and patterns of the Eight Trigrams (Bagua, ) of the Zhou Yi () (Zhous Book of Changes). Consequently, this has resulted in the possibility of changing during walking as desired. Not only that, it allows the possibility of actions such as the palms boring, turning, sideways and vertical maneuvers.

Baguazhang combines the maneuvers of the palms and stepping techniques, swaying and arcing-stepping for walking and turning, linking each step to the next, and its variations are many. The basic palm techniques of the Baguazhang are Lao Ba Zhang () (Old Eight Palms). These eight palms can be combined freely in practice. Therefore, they are alive and free, and can be practiced by either a single person or by two persons.

This traditional fist (i.e., martial style) has been a favorite of a great portion of Chinese people for hundreds of years. Today, Baguazhang is gradually winning many foreign friends. However, geographic limitations make it difficult for the exchange of knowledge, and the art is not currently widely known or accepted in the West. This book was written through the collaboration of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming ( ), Master Liang, Shou-Yu (), and Mr. Wu, Wen-Ching (). Together, they have compiled and translated documents regarding the many traditional Baguazhang theories and principles. This could help spread Baguazhang knowledge and techniques to America, Canada, and all other countries of the world. The content of this work is very abundant and profound, and includes discussion and commentary on theory, principles and basic training. Beginning with the basic training of the sixteen words and the cultivation and training of Baguazhang Qigong, it moves on to cover topics such as solo practice of the Old Eight Palms, matching of the Old Eight Palms with a partner, introduction of Gongfu, and a clear and detailed explanation of the three postures: high, middle, and low. Finally, the unique traditional Baguazhang weapon, Yuan-Yang Yue () (Deer Hook Sword), is also introduced. Working with this weapon will significantly help any viii practitioner realize the importance of coordination, harmonious feeling and integrity of Baguazhang as presented in this book.

I am very happy to see the publication of this book, which offers a great guide to Chinese Wushu. I would like to congratulate the authors for their effort and contributions to the popularization of Chinese Wushu ().

Professor Wang Jurong

Professor of Shanghai Athletic College

Chinese Wushu, National Judge of Archery

Vice Chairman of Shanghai Wushu Association and the Head of the Wushu Judging Committee

Wushu Gold MedalistFirst National Athletic Competition, Taiwan, Republic of China, 1953

Grand Guoshu Champion, Womens DivisionSeventh National Athletic Competition Taiwan, Republic of China, 1946