Southside Dojo

​Baguazhang ‘Eight Trigrams Palm’ is a Chinese internal gongfu (kung fu) system comprised of close-range strikes, joint locks, and throws that utilizes the Yijing as both a philosophical and organizational guide. This authentic, formerly closed-door system of Gao Yisheng contains 108 movements that are divided into two major parts – Xiantian (pre-heaven) and Houtian (post-heaven).
 

Xiantian, also referred to as ‘dragon changing’, develops the structure and tendon system of the practitioner through a combination of static postures (shapes) and dynamic movements, the most notable of which is the signature circle walking of Baguazhang. The single palm and eight big palm changes are performed while walking the circle. Most of the throws in the system are contained within these palms.
 

Houtian is comprised of 64 palms performed on a straight-line that use the footwork and body method developed by the Xiantian training for martial application. These palms are smaller and more coiled than the Xiantian palms, and are referred to as ‘snake winding’. Tiangan, a series of exercises that further develop the power and coordination necessary to utilize the gripping, striking, and throwing methods unique to this system, is also contained in the Houtian.
 

At its core Baguazhang is a martial art, yet a multitude of physical and mental health benefits arise as positive side effects of proper training. The symmetrical whole body stretching and twisting builds strength and flexibility, reduces muscular tension, improves circulation, balances the nervous system, and leads to greater mind-body integration.