Understanding Bagua Practice

11/23/2008 (last updated: 08/24/2009 13:34)
Tim Glaesman

The esoteric art of bagua is perhaps the most concealed and least understood martial art. Much like mankind originated from a single source, the martial arts originated from a single need and as such have one single ancestor. From this single ancestor many schools and branches of martial arts developed. Yet, within the multitude of martial arts schools, only two fundamental skills exist: the skills of soft and hard. These hard and soft skills are intrinsically intertwined, and it is important to practice both sides of this same coin with sincerity; a student should understand this fact when they begin their training.

It is essential to understand the difference between method and art. The method is concerned with the technical aspects of the art, such as practicing postures and alignments (both internal and external). The art involves applying the methodolgy and bringing the practiced techniques to your adversary. The proper method is for your tongue to roll up and connect the 2 main meridians. At the same time, your heart should remain empty and your mind should remain still. These internal methods align with 1000 different postures. Confronting your adversary is an art. If he should move you move first. If he should become still, you become still first. If he is hard you become soft, and if he goes high you go low. This is the way of a true internal art.

The many palm techniques and walking methods of bagua are challenging to understand. Without a knowledgeable teacher it will be difficult to unlock the secrets and understand the fine points of the art. With a good teacher the student can start down the right path and build a true foundation.

A practice location should be selected which allows you to focus. Go slow and practice with quality, as one's skills increase the speed of movements in the practice can be gradually increased. The hands and feet become coordinated and move without breaks or separations. The qi naturally sinks down to the dantian and the waist becomes like the axle of a wheel. Stepping is like flowing water and the legs alternate between empty and full. The body shrinks, twists, and expands to change its profile and height. You must change randomly and unexpectedly, with the palms snapping out and limbs overturning like a startled animal.

There are too many techniques to mention in this article. Ultimately, you should remember that the mind is your teacher. In training the mind, you first come to know yourself and then come to know your opponent. The feet are your vehicles and should have the skills of speed. The hands are your weapons, they change with deceit and move like piercing needles. With a trained mind and body, you can take the opponent’s root and limbs. Through proper training, you can react with relaxed confidence, whether you are facing an adversary or life's many challenges.

Tim Glaesman has enjoyed internal mind-body arts since a very early age and has always sought out and studied with the most advanced teachers. Tim has been practicing martial arts for 26 years and was promoted to 4th degree master many years ago. Tim currently teaches bagua, tai chi, and yoga in the NJ area and is a founding member of TheInternalArts.com. Tim enjoys his students, teaching, and the continual refinement of all that he has been taught.

http://www.theinternalarts.com