WHAT IS BAGUA?

Bagua is an internal martial art, a type of self defence, circular exercise, and lifestyle. Bagua short for Baguazhang; is a completely circular martial art and system of movement. Every movement in Bagua contains some type of circle. It is an internal martial art, working with energy similar to the internal energy work of Yoga. It is very new in the West and while it has been one of the main forms of training for imperial bodyguards in China.

The last 20 years has seen an IT Technology Revolution, while most people may or not be aware, many believe we are currently within a security technology revolution. We no longer live in an industrial age or perhaps even an IT age. The increase of closed circuit television, GPS based technologies and surveillance cameras in points of transit in the last 10 years has been phenomenal. Due to stress and discomfort, many people choose not to think about the current change in global security levels. Self defence is the most basic personal security system available to all people. It is a basic need, cannot be lost or stolen and protects the most important asset we all own; our body, mind and soul.

In the future many people may need to develop systems for personal safety and security that do not require aggression or a fight or flight response. With an increase in rapid technological change people will also need techniques for stress reduction and healing amongst higher levels of tension. Bagua employs self awareness, defence, and relaxation to help individuals adjust to the rapidly changing environment. It does not require strength or athletic ability. Bagua utilises the internal energy system of the body (similar to the internal aspects of Yoga) as a base for movement and strength. Bagua also helps to heal the body while you train. Movement is gentle and the pace of training can adjusted to fit individual needs. It can be a great workout and can be also used for self healing. Practicing Bagua helps to increase increase energy, focus and self-discipline. Classes at Bagua Academy are graded and goal oriented, offering people a structured approach to learning.

THE FOUNDER OF BAGUA

Dong Hai Chuan was the first public teacher of Bagua. There is very little clear information about his past except that he had trained in many different martial arts, prior to creating Baguazhang. There are many different stories about his past and very few of them are clear; it would best to say that nothing much is known for sure. It is believed that he was taught internal energy work from Taoists; fusing his martial arts experience with circular energy work. He became famous in Beijing for his skills and worked in the Imperial palace in security, as well as a trainer of high level security guards. Originally, Bagua was only taught as a type of post-graduate art to people who had mastered different types of martial arts; integrating many aspects of the Chinese martial arts into one complete whole.