The Pa Kua (BaGua) body

The most notable characteristic of motion in this art is that motion is constant. There are no fixed stances in the art of Pa-Kua. Everything is done while the practitioner remains in motion. This trait, when executed properly, allows tremendous derivation of power through the dynamics centrifugal force and acceleration. This simply means that Pa-Kua simultaneously employs constant circular movement to both deflect the enemy arsenal and generate enormous power gained through the perpetual momentum of the palm changes.

The mechanical aspects of generating force in Pa-Kua are considered by many to be the most difficult of the Neijia arts to undertake in study. The combination of continuous motion and articulated force mechanics do present special problems to be sure. But the study of Pa Kua is study worthwhile all the same. And if taken step by step, like most things, is attainable.

All things in Pa Kua begin with the walking of the circle. From this walking, all the art's concepts and strategies proceed. And, of course being so important, even the way in which the practitioner walks is governed. There are three main stepping patterns in Pa-Kua. They are as follows:

Shun Pu (Toe Forward)(sometime called the T footwork).
Kou Pu (Toe Inward)(sometime called the V footwork).
Pai Pu (Toe Outward)(sometime called the Y footwork).

From these basic ways to step, all the complex and amazing foot changes that are the hallmark
of the art are possible.

Pa Kua contains eight primary palm shapes as follows:

Lo Shuan Chang (Drilling Palm)
Pi Chang (Spitting Palm)
Yang Chang (Upward Palm)
Shu Chang (Outward Palm)
Fu Chang (Downward Palm)
Tiao Chang (Enticing Palm)
Pao Chang (Embracing Palm)
Liao Chang (Seizing Palm)

Together, the basics yield some truly astounding combinations of motion. I have listed the names of the postures found in the Lung Hsin (Dragon Heart) Pa Kua form below for the reader's edification.

Lung Hsin Pa Kua

First Kua
Beginning
Leaning Against Horse To Ask Questions
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock
Purple Swallow Fanning Tail
Close The Door To Push Out The Moon
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaving The Flock

Second Kua
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock
Purple Swallow Fanning Tail
Close The Door To Push Out The Moon
Fierce Tiger Leaves The Cage
Pheasant Throwing Wings
Transplanting Flower To The Tree
Removing Helmet From Behind Head
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock

Third Kua
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock
Purple Swallow Fanning Tail
Close The Door To Push Out The Moon
Hawk Whirling Into Sky
White Snake Wrapping The Body
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Jade Maiden Handing In Book
Tai Shan Pressing Down
Black Bear Turns Over On Its Back
Yellow Eagle Ripping The Body
Monkey Picking Fruit
Monkey Sitting In Cave
Unicorn Spits Out The Book
Swallow Skimming the Water
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock

Fourth Kua
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock
Purple Swallow Fanning Tail
Close The Door To Push Out The Moon
Pheasant Throwing Wings
Transplanting Flower To The Tree
Removing Helmet From Behind Head
Clouds Crossing Szechuan Road
Pheasant Throwing Wings
Transplanting Flower To The Tree
Black Dragon Wrapping Waist
Reigning The Running Horse
Walking To Open The Robe
Push The Mountain Into The Sea
Bat Flying Down To The Ground
Swallow Skimming the Water
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock

Fifth Kua
Monkey Steals The Peach
Monkey Offers The Fruit
Big Pong Spreads Its Wings
Crossing Arms To Remove And Embrace
Yield And Push The Clothes
Sweep One Thousand Soldiers
Hawk Turns Over
Pheasants Fighting
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Monkey Steals The Peach

Sixth Kua
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock
Purple Swallow Fanning Tail
Rhinoceros Looks At The Moon
Heavenly Ruler Holds Up The Pagoda
White Snake Spits Out The Mushroom
Fierce Tiger Leaves The Cage
Pheasant Throwing Wings
Transplanting Flower To The Tree
Removing Helmet From Behind Head
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock

Seventh Kua
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Lion Embracing The Ball
Lion Rolls The Ball
Lion Pouncing On The Ball
Lion Opens Its Mouth
Lion Turning Its Body
Lion Embracing The Ball

Eighth Kua
Heavenly Horse Walks In The Sky
Mount The Horse And Draw The Bow
Golden Snake Coils Around The Willow Tree
Wild Horses Crash Through The Corral
Golden Snake Coils Around The Willow Tree
Wild Horses Crash Through The Corral
Liu Hai Plays With The Toad
Big Python Turns Over On Its Back
Black Bear Thrusts Its Paw
Fierce Tiger Leaves The Cage
Pheasant Throwing Wings
Transplanting Flower To The Tree
Removing Helmet From Behind The Head
Embracing Moon At The Chest
Hiding Flower Under Leaf
Wild Goose Leaves The Flock

The practitioner will complete the full training of one or more circular forms in an effort to cultivate a flexible, fluid yet springy type of movement. At first the training will be very fixed and methodic in terms of going through the various palm changes. As skill is gained, the structures will become more dynamic in terms of fluidity with the practitioner attempting to move the intention swiftly from one shape expression point to another. Eventually, free form practice will be emphasized so that the practitioner is more spontaneous in the execution of the changes. This skill will then be coupled with free form partner practice to escalate the practitioner's sensitivity to minute changes in the opponent's center point in turn creating opportunity for exploitation tactically.