Baguazhang

Histoire

Baguazhang, "eight trigram palm", is an internal Chinese martial art made famous in Beijing by Dong Haichuan in the 19th century. Its main training is walking in a circle while turning the palms toward the centre.

Bagua fighters move around the attacker with spiralling steps and use open-hand strikes, throws and joint locks. Dong's students, such as Yin Fu and Cheng Tinghua, created the main lineages.

Le saviez-vous ?

• The name comes from the eight trigrams of the I Ching.
• Circle walking can be practised for an hour or more as a moving meditation.
• Bagua has special weapons such as the deer-horn knives.

Glossaire des techniques

Zhuan zhang

circle walking

Tang ni bu

mud-wading step

Dan huan zhang

single palm change

Armes et équipement

Lu jiao dao

deer-horn knives

Bagua dao

large broadsword

⚔ In the Arsenal

JianFacas chifre de veado

☯ Philosophy and quotes

Ki / QiYin e yangSee all →

Figures clés

• Dong Haichuan (c. 1813–1882) — founder of baguazhang
• Yin Fu (1840–1909) — student of Dong, bodyguard at the imperial court
• Cheng Tinghua (1848–1900) — student of Dong

Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica