Product Description

This comprehensive guide explains the principles and practices essential for Bagua training.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #308104 in Books
• Published on: 1994-05-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Customer Reviews

Emei Baguazhang
Never write reviews, don't have the time, but this book was simply outstanding. I have practiced Wudang Tai Chi Chuan for over 10 years, & have fought in the san shou circuits throughout Europe; basically I have a bit of an interest in martial arts. As a fighter I loathe the way many Nei Jia Arts have been watered down to appeal to the lazy new age group.
This book is complete with the Bagua classics, a great compliment to the Tai Chi Chuan classics. A commentary follows each verse from the classics, that explains in a clear fashion the principles and practicalities being conveyed by the passages.
The book's explanations on conditioning, Gung training and applications are direct and practical, devoid of any flowery mystical approach, i.e. the authors know what they are talking about. I have rarely heard of Ba Gua Practitioners walking the circle on up turned bricks with blocks supported on their arms. Yet I have often heard them speak of sure footedness and balance, and using the arm as a platform for locking throws. The authors here demonstrate these gung practice methods and their benefits are immediately obvious to anyone who has seriously trained in the Nei Jia Arts.
Many books on Nei Jia leave me disappointed; this on the other hand was a breath of fresh air.
Inspirational!!

The Best
Absolutely THE BEST book (AND DVD) on the market on the subject of Emei style Baguazhang. I study under Mr. Wen-Ching Wu at The Way of The Dragon in Rhode Island and believe me he knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to Chinese Martial Arts. I rate this book a BEST BUY if you are interested in Baguazhang!!!!!!!

Most comprehensive book on Baguazhang
After further reflection, and being a little bit older and presumably wiser; I would rate this book 5 stars for being so comprehensive and having so many translations. This book along with the video tapes or DVD has the broadest coverage of Baguazhang.

(I would change the rating to 5 stars, but the Amazon editor won't let me.)

I have found this book to be the most comprehensive book on Baguazhang. It includes:

* Baguazhang lineage.
* Hundreds of pictures showing different forms and steps.
* Demonstrates applications.

As good as it is I had trouble following the forms. It would have been better if there had been a circle marked on the floor to show orientation. Frequently the pictures are taken from different angles and this causes confusion as to which direction the practitioner is turning.

I would also strongly recommend getting the first two video tapes that go along with this book. Get the third after you have mastered the first two. Without the video tapes it is impossible to comprehend the fluidity and motion of Baguazhang.

I don't believe that it is possible to learn Baguazhang from a book alone, but this book makes a good compliment to lessons.