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
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:
Baguazhang Sequences
The Lotus Nei Gong training syllabus for Baguazhang is divided into four main sections. Each section includes a different set of palm changes which are linked together into a specific sequence. These four sequences are not ‘forms’ in the conventional sense but rather, a set of ways of mobilising the various internal changes of Baguazhang whilst walking the circle.
Each of these four stages of the syllabus is comprised of the sequences. plus associated Nei Gong drills and training as well as partner work and combative training where appropriate.
Please note that due to the synergistic nature of their relationship, we often teach Xingyiquan and Baguazhang together as one combined system.
1. Ding Shi Ba Zhang (定式八掌)
The Eight Fixed Palms
Training begins with Ding Shi Ba Zhang (定式八掌), the Eight Fixed or Static Palms. This is not just a beginner’s exercise, but a core practice for learning to align and awaken the body’s internal mechanics. Each posture is held while walking the circle; this is Baguazhang’s equivalent to Taiji’s static, standing-post training.
This training is the basis of Baguazhang and a great deal of time should be spent here for those who wish to master Bagua training.
2. Ba Mu Zhang (八母掌)
The Eight Mother Palms
Building upon the structural integrity of Ding Shi, the next stage introduces the Ba Mu Zhang (八母掌), or Eight Mother Palms. These dynamic changes form the nucleus of Baguazhang’s movement system, embodying the key forces and internal principles which underpin the art.
The eight mother palms taught within Lotus Nei Gong are a fairly fundamental version of the Cheng method. They serve as a basic method for training the paknm changes without the student bogged down with overly intricate choreography.
3. Cheng Shi Zhuan Zhang (程式转掌)
Cheng Style Turning Palm Form
The classical form of Cheng Shi Zhuan Zhang (程式转掌), or Cheng Style Turning Palm, represents the most mature expression of the art as transmitted through the lineage of Cheng Tinghua. This form synthesizes the internal foundation of Ding Shi with the dynamic expression of the Mother Palms.
This is a very advanced and complex form of internal martila arts training and certainly not a beginners apsect of the training.
4. Lu Jiao Dao (鹿角刀)
Deer Horn Knives
Weapon training in Baguazhang is not separate from the internal art—it is an extension of it. The Lu Jiao Dao (鹿角刀), or Deer Horn Knives, embody the hooking and circular principles found in the empty-hand forms. These crescent-shaped blades enhance close-quarters control and redirection.
The deer horn knives help the practitioner to locate and awaken deeper spirals of Yin Qi within the body which then translate out into the rest of their Baguazhang training.