"Sit like a tortoise
Walk sprightly like a pigeon
Sleep like a dog"
-Li Ching-Yuen
"Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher."
-Morihei Ueshiba
This article today covers one of my favorite martial arts; Baguazhang. Purportedly systemized in the mid 19th century, this is one of the few internal arts in existence. In regards to some accounts it dates back two millennia, but this account is rather sparse in terms of documentation.
It is a beautiful martial art; and has received considerable attention since the animated series The Last Airbender. But it is hard to find people who practice it. I was lucky to do so, especially in the United States.
It is complex in its simplicity, but then again, many things concerning martial arts are.
I first came about Baguazhang when researching one of its purported founders; Li Ching-Yuen, who was documented to have lived close to 256 years, and died 1933. Much about him is a myth, but what is not are the awards he received from the Chinese government in 1827 and 1877 for his life of longevity. A Time article written in 1933 explores this man as well.
His secrets were rooted in Taoist alchemy, a strict diet, and his practice of the martial arts. And whether or not you believe in his account, the fact remains that the practice of Bagua can have immense health benefits, especially when combined with Qigong traditions.
Baguazhang, and its many derivative styles, utilize elements of Taoism. Feng Shui, for example, is a part of the practice, and its walking meditation of Baguazhang. Most martial arts practice the external arts, whereas the internal focus on building strength internally, and then applying those principles to affecting others. Perhaps the best example of how this works is when someone who practices neijia basket walks; how is it possible? Because they use their core to carry their physical self, instead of utilizing the limbs entirely. It is akin to walking with a cup of water; every step one takes causes the water to be disturbed, with each increasing step increasing the amount it is moved until eventually it spills over.
By walking with the cup of water, and tightening your dantien, or midsection, one instead of channeling the energy outward, focuses it inward. Try it, if done correctly you will find the water far less disturbed with each step. I have to do it every morning if I want to walk down the hallway without sloshing my coffee about.
A similar way to hone this in martial arts is when doing a back stance you hold a cup of water. One will find that the more balance one has, the more in sync the body is with the mind to enable that, the better the technique. One should be able to move without spilling a drop. It can take years to develop this however.
Baguazhang, in its foundation principles are simple; you walk.
There are three ways to walk in Baguazhang;
The first is the mud-step walk. It is also known as the dragon or snake step, or the gliding step. There are plenty of variations depending on the style, but basically one glides the foot over the ground, or hovers very closely to it. One raises the foot no more than an inch above the ground, keeping it parallel to it.
When one places the foot down on the ground there are three main ways to do so; the entire surface of the foot makes contact with the ground; another is to first place the toes then the rest of the foot, the third is to place the toes down and then continue gliding forward in a kind of pushing motion. I have never seen one make contact with the heel first, because that is the second form of the technique known as the 'lion-step'.
The lion, or rolling step, is utilized heel to toe. It is very similar to proper regular walking. The entire body remains relaxed, and the lower legs act as 'shock absorbers'.
The third variation of stepping is known as the crane step, and in the best way I have heard it described, is like stepping like a chicken.
Essentially it is like the first step, but one raises the foot to knee level before replacing it on the ground.
One walks in a circle in Baguazhang, though the pattern can very. The figure eight or infinity sign is also popular, and beneficial toward meditating while circle walking.
The foot placement essentially follows, but again, there are many variations.
The most difficult stepping pattern is the small step, where one essentially one walks heel to toe with each foot in a 90 degree angle. It is very hard to control, but it awesome when it comes to hand to hand.
I have found this martial style very beneficial; when one is utilizing it while fighting, they walk in a circle around their opponent, and when they attack, attempt to get behind the person to control them through the back. It is like a wolf circling its prey, or a fox; one gradually gets closer and closer and then bursts in.
This martial art style is incredibly useful, and very much comes outside of the box in terms of martial arts. It utilizes circular movements to generate energy. And as an added plus, it is one of those arts one can learn without necessarily having to have a master. It is pure meditation turned into martial practice. Give it a try, you will find it wonderful. And it will change how you fight and approach situations. The straight and forward path is wonderful, but the circular channeled through the line is powerful.
The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.
-Stephen McCranie
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