Baguazhang – 程氏八卦掌
“Boxing Style of the Eight Changes”
The Baguazhang of Lotus Nei Gong
Bagua Zhang (Eight Trigrams Palm) is a dynamic and transformative internal martial art, deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy and the energetic principles of the Yi Jing (I Ching). At Lotus Nei Gong, Bagua Zhang is taught as both a martial discipline and a powerful tool for internal cultivation, offering practitioners a unique way to develop physical vitality, energetic balance, and meditative focus. Central to Bagua practice is the foundational circle walking method, where practitioners move continuously along a circular path, cultivating a profound connection between the subtle energetics of the body and the space around it.
This practice not only enhances grounding and balance but also opens the body’s joints and tissues, promoting the free flow of Qi through the channels.
In this way, classical Baguazhang is a seamlessly integrated system of Nei Gong and Chinese martial arts.
Yang Taijiquan in Las Vages, USA in 2024
Lotus Nei Gong’s approach to Bagua emphasizes the art’s internal mechanics and spiraling energetics, which are key to unlocking its deeper potential. Through precise structural alignment, opening of the inner spaces of the body, and awareness of internal movement, students learn to harmonise their physical form with the flow of energy within. These spiraling movements, which are characteristic of Bagua Zhang, are not only integral to its martial applications but also act as a profound method for developing fluidity and balance in the body-mind connection.
In addition to the physical and energetic benefits, Bagua Zhang serves as a living expression of Daoist alchemical principles. Each movement and technique reflects the interplay of Yin and Yang, as well as the transformation patterns symbolised by the eight trigrams of the Yi Jing. Under the guidance of Damo Mitchell, students are introduced to the meditative and alchemical dimensions of Bagua, exploring how its practices can open the eight extraordinary vessels, refine the Dan Tian (energy centre), and harmonise the body’s internal systems. This integration of movement, energy, and Daoist philosophy allows Bagua to serve not only as a martial art but also as a profound spiritual and meditative practice.
Whether approached for its martial applications, its physical health benefits, or its deeper energetic and meditative dimensions, Bagua Zhang at Lotus Nei Gong offers practitioners a pathway to self-mastery and an embodied understanding of Daoist wisdom. With a focus on both traditional teachings and modern accessibility, Lotus Nei Gong provides a detailed, structured approach that allows practitioners to uncover the layers of this timeless art.
Palm Changes
Baguazhang is an unusual art form in that, unlike other more conventional martial arts, it doesn’t include ‘forms’ in the normal sense. Instead, it is based upon the practice of various, short ‘palm changes’ which have the following qualitie:
- Circularity: All changes are performed while walking the circle, emphasizing continuous and uninterrupted motion.
- Spiraling Energy: Each palm change incorporates coiling and twisting movements, generating internal power and fluid transitions.
- Body-Mind Integration: The movements train coordination of the whole body, breath, and focused intent (Yi).
- Martial Application: Each change includes striking, deflecting, and evading techniques that emphasize Bagua’s unique adaptability and unpredictability.
Baguazhang Palm Practice
Damo Mitchell & Bagua
Damo’s first encounter with internal Baguazhang came through the Bagua Qigong of Shen Hongxun, which made him realize that his previous training had focused only on the external aspects of the art. By this point, Damo had already developed a solid foundation in external Baguazhang, having studied the Liang system to a proficient level and gained some experience with the Sun and Gao methods. However, Shen did not teach the martial side of Baguazhang, and this realization motivated Damo to seek out the inner dimensions of the practice. His journey took him to China and Southeast Asia, where he trained with various Bagua masters in Beijing’s parks before committing to study under Master Wang Haitao. Under Wang’s guidance, Damo delved into the Cheng system of Baguazhang and its complementary Hebei Xingyiquan, focusing on the Wu Xing methods and the internal mechanics of circle walking and single palm changes. Wang’s teaching helped Damo refine his outer frame while developing the internal “engine” of his practice. Further studies with other masters in Taiwan introduced him to the Gao system, a cousin to Cheng, which broadened his perspective. The focus of Lotus Nei Gong’s approach to Baguazhang and Xingyiquan lies in developing efficient internal mechanics that quickly guide practitioners toward the subtle energetics of the system. To bridge his martial arts training with Nei Gong, Damo also incorporated the Xian Tian Bagua circle walking methods of Daoist alchemists, which are considered the foundation of Baguazhang. These practices became integral to his training and teaching, forming a key component of the Lotus Nei Gong system, where students first learn circle walking before progressing to forms and drills.
Discover the eight changing palms of Baguazhang:
- Single Changing Palm – (單換掌)
- Double Changing Palm – (雙換掌)
- Taking Advantage Palm – (順勢掌)
- Behind the Back Palm – (背身掌)
- Turning Body Palm – (轉身掌)
- Grinding Body Palm – (磨身掌)
- Overturning Body Palm – (翻身掌)
- Double Embracing Palm – (雙抱掌)
The video in the right is a short talk on the principles of the Baguazhang body method. This is the key to making Baguazhang work as more than simply a set of choreographed movements.
At the current time, Baguazhang is taught through the academy which can be found here: