Articles
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Ba Gua Mathematics – The Grand Equation
Bok-Nam Park’s approach to developing a Ba Gua Zhang student is similar to that of an engineer creating a high performance engine. Each part and sub-assembly of the engine is researched and designed to high standards of precision and performance.
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Using Proper Mind Participation In Your practice
In Ba Gua Zhang, it is recognized that there is an important connection between the mind and body that must not be ignored. The active and focused participation of the mind is considered to be a significant and necessary element in any skilled exercise practice.
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Advanced Circle Walking – Training To Fight – Part II
by Dan Miller [Adapted and re-edited by F. Hriadil] In the traditional method of Lu Shui-Tian as taught by Master Bok-Nam Park, all students begin their circle walking training with Basic Circle Walking. Basic Circle Walking consists of walking and changing direction along the periphery of a circle. Yin-Yang Circle Walking and Single Pole Training…
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Advanced Circle Walking – Training To Fight – Part I
by Dan Miller [Adapted and re-edited by F. Hriadil] Everyone who has ever practiced Ba Gua Zhang has been given the lecture about the importance of the Circle Walking practice. Stories abound about the old master having been allowed to practice only basic circle walking methods for the first several years of his Ba Gua…
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Use Your Ears!
by Glen Moore [Edited by R. Mattera and F. Hriadil] The young disciple had looked for years to find a martial arts Master for himself. His father, who had studied martial arts for many years, told him often that it was much better to go deeply inward in one art than to jump from art…
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Principles and Fundamentals of Ba Gua Zhang
The Focus of Master Bok-Nam Park. “History does not make progress, students need to learn principles” – this was Master Bok-Nam Park’s response when I first approached him in 1991 to be interviewed for the Pa Kua Chang newsletter/journal.
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Finding the Right Martial Art (for You)
by Francis Hriadil As students of the martial arts, we are all engaged in a quest for knowledge and truth. No matter what style or system we practice, we all hope to achieve the highest levels of understanding, skill, and health that are attainable. We recognize that skill in self-defense provides little without health because,…
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Step + Body + Hand: The Key to Superior Ba Gua Zhang Fighting Skill
Lu Shui-Tian often compared a martial art method/technique to a tree bearing fruit. “In order for a tree to bear fruit, it must first have a good root and a good branch — only then will good fruit be produced.” Similarly, for a martial art method/technique to be good, the body must have a good step and…
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TRADITIONAL BAGUAZHANG CIRCLE WALKING and the NATURAL WAY
by Francis Hriadil One of the most prominent and recognizable aspects of Baguazhang (八卦掌, bāguàzhǎng) practice is Circle Walking. It forms a fundamental part of Bagua methodology and training. Why does Bagua have Circle Walking? Why do Bagua practitioners do this? Do we do it because it looks good? Do we do it because our teacher says we have to, because “that…
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Body Wave Exercise and How it Helped Heal My Ankle
Many years ago, I injured an ankle during a sparring session and the result was a significant ankle sprain with associated swelling. When I was able to resume my training in Qiang Shan Ba Gua Zhang after the swelling decreased, I recall feeling as though my ankle had become “stuck” during certain stances which included…