The opinions expressed below are merely one account of the great and mysterious art of Baguazhang. Others may have different things to say, and this is perfectly fine. We mean no offense to anyone with this presentation.
Baguazhang the martial art, is based in part on the Ba Gua (8 trigrams) from the I Ching. The Bagua theory seeks to explain the nature of the universe and the relationships between the energies therein. The theory is often seen expressed as a diagram with the 8 trigrams encircling the yin yang. Internal martial arts in general attempt to use the knowledge of the nature of Qi (or Chi, used here interchangably) to increase speed, power, effectiveness and health benefits of their art. Baguazhang uses Taoist based qigong techniques and philosophy merged with a circular style of twisting martial techniques including evasive footwork and palm changes. The original name is said to have been Zhuan Zhang or turning palms, but since the 8 directions of the Bagua as well as the Bagua theory are applied, the name eventually became Baguazhang. When and who actually originated Baguazhang is not known. It was in its heyday between 1821 and 1881. At this time it was popularized by a man named Dong Hai Chuan . He was a Bagua master who may have learned his circle walking from a Taoist in the mountains. Most present day masters trace their style to to Dong Hai Chuan. Dong Hai Chuan (1813-1882) taught many students. One of the best known was Yin Fu (1842-1911), his first disciple. Yin Fu modified what he learned to form Yin style Baguazhang. He also taught many students. One of them was Gong Bao Tian who wrote a book on Baguazhang. The last of Gong Bao Tian's disciples was Grandmaster Liu Yun Chiao (1909-1992). He instructed thousands of students in Taiwan until 1991. The exact origins beyond this are unclear and probably unimportant. As Grandmaster Liu once said, "Some people prefer to spend their energy quibbling over terminology. They make critical statements based on vocabulary instead of investing time practicing." Baguazhang includes both barehanded forms and numerous weapons.These include the traditional staff, spear, broadsword, and double-edge sword, as well as a few weapons unique to Baguazhang such as the Deerhorm Knives (ZiWu YuanYang Yue) and the spinning steel needles (DianXue Zhen). Double weapons are common due to the dual handedness of attacks. Open hand forms are fluid and always moving. There is little emphasis on static stance training. The energy is derived from "walking the circle" with the waist twisted and the hands open. The types of energy commonly spoken of in Baguazhang are gun, zuan, zheng, and guo for the arms; qi, luo, bai, and hou for the legs; and ning, xuan, zou, and zhuan for the body. With proper instruction and diligent practice Baguazhang through its fusion of philosophy, qigong, and martial art can be both a highly effective means of self defense and promote physical and spiritual well-being.