Ba Gua Zhang / baguazhang / Eight Trigram Palms : A Complete System of Martial Arts, Meditation, Fitness and Healing Based on Taoist Principles

BAGUAZHANG
	ba		gua		zhang
eight		trigram		palms

Also Known as "Eight Directional Boxing," Bagua is a Complete System of Martial Arts, Meditation, Fitness and Healing

Internal Energy Art Based on Ancient Taoist Principles from the I Ching

Dynamic System Of Seeking Stillness Within Movement Using the Method of Circle Walking Meditation

TAO
is the Natural Way and Truth of the Universe.

TAOISM
is not a religion, rather, it’s a spiritual philosophy based on Nature, originally practiced by the ancient Chinese more than 8,000 years ago.

TAOIST
are self-motivated spiritual seekers who follow and respect the way of the TAO.

Above, is a photo of Joseph Zeisky at the Morro Fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, holding a posture from Dan Huan Zhang (Single Palm Change) form, considered the signature guard stance associated with the internal martial art of Baguazhang

The internal martial art of Baguazhang is a living tradition of martial arts forms, health maintenance exercises and spiritual self-cultivation practices that are rooted in the principles and philosophy of Taoism (the natural way and truth of the universe) as expressed in the I Ching (sacred book of changes and divinations).

Baguazhang is a complete system of self-defense that teaches one how to simultaneously develop fighting skills alongside health maintenance and spiritual self-cultivation skills, in a balanced and sustainable way. A unique method of fitness and body strengthening greatly influenced by the time-tested Taoist practices meditation and qigong, which have also reliably demonstrated their cost-effectiveness as an energy science for self-healing. It shares many of the same qualities and philosophy of the more popularly known Tai Chi Chuan (The Supreme Ultimate Fist/Boxing), but is a more physically dynamic and challenging training. Its one of China's major three internal martial arts styles, though it is rarely taught or practiced in the west.

Taoist principles and philosophy come to life when one practices baguazhang's unique spiraling movements and forms. The practitioner may spontaneously experience pleasurable sensations throughout the whole body after doing a few of the routines, because the bagua movements resemble the natural rhythm and flow of Nature. More joy and happiness is possible when one harmonizes with the natural cycles rather than fighting against them and trying to dominate it. And therefore, one's life energy is better preserved and more available, leaving one more inspired to choose a healthier lifestyle and to incorporate a disciplined exercise routine with much less effort or willpower.