(also spelled "Pakua Chang")
Just Out! #KE015 The Eight Animals of Bagua Zhang (Book +DVD)
Ted Mancuso
(Book) 141 Pages, (DVD) 35 minutes
$39.95 Plum introductory price $27.95 ( over 30% off)
until April 16
(all copies autographed until Apr 16, also!)
Bagua Zhang is exotic, effective, beautiful and practical; it shows the grace of Tai Chi with the skill of Kung Fu, incorporating the best of martial and health practices with philosophy.
There are over 150 branches of this great art, but it is commonly acknowledged that "The Eight Animals" is the core practice for Bagua. The Eight Animals routine combines Bagua's signature circle walking with eight special Qigong postures.
Plum's book and DVD provide a complete introduction through simple instruction mixed with higher level practices. Originally developed as the text for introductory seminars, the book combines photos and text to clearly show the breakdown of each movement. And the companion DVD offers the complete set plus fundamentals, including demonstrations of pole work rarely seen. Ted Mancuso's signature style of narrative teaching is evident in both; as one reviewer commented, "It's like having a teacher right at your elbow."
Ted Mancuso is the author of the popular book "Learning Bagua Zhang: The Martial Art of Change," which is a companion to his best-selling DVD series "Bagua: The Art of Change." He has been teaching Chinese martial arts for more than forty-five years.
Click picture to see larger version.
KT057 Taiji, Xing Yi and BaguaQuan by Way of Our Modern Masters
Mark Small
103 pages, $29.95, oversized
Sifu Mark Small brings the teachings of many instructors together in what might be called a book of comparative principles. Having studied over a forty year period with various instructors such as Chang Tsung-Sheng, “The Butterfly King”; Liang Shou-yu, a Shuai Jiao champion; JouTsung-Hwa, Chen Yun-Ching and Choy Kam Man, he can legitimately claim to know something about his subject.For instance, here is one important and powerful example: Small shows that the basic fighting posture of all these arts is essentially the same. Further, he demonstrates that this meta-posture can be applied to many throws. He then goes on to enumerate the use of different energies in throwing, including well-known concepts like Warding, Pressing and Plucking. He also offers us a wealth of comparisons between the arts and the styles uncovering key principles used by the various methods. There are so many ideas tucked away in the middle of paragraphs and side notes that the reader will have to be attentive to break them out to apply them. This is a good text for intermediate and advanced martial students.
New! #KB015 Bagua Circle Walking Nei Gong
Tom Bisio
249 Pages
$28.95 Plum PRICE $25.95 ( over 10% off)
Here's another significant book by Tom Bisio. He is probably doing more than anyone else in English to chronicle a consistent style and approach to Bagua training, especially within the Gao branch of the style. This book concentrates on the Ding Shi, the walking palms with stationary upper body positions. These form much of the core of Bagua.
Drawing on his own knowledge as an acupuncturist, conversations and lessons from Zhao Da Yuan, along with notes taken from the famous Li Zi Ming, Tom has produced a book not only of tips on how to walk the Ding Shi (the same as in his DVDs) but also which meridians correspond to which animals. There is much information about the cycle of energy in the body and its relation to Bagua. There is a lot of information here and this can only be a valuable supplement to any Bagua student's training. Topics include the Channels, Micro-cosmic orbit, the functions and locations of the channels, walking the Bagua posts and "the rarely taught Bagua Energy Accepting Palm, in which vital force (qi) is absorbed from the natural environment."
Click picture to see larger version. Note, the inside pages are shown at half size for samples.
click for Bagua Concepts series with Tom Bisio
#KL008 Learning Bagua Zhang:
The Martial Art of Change
Ted Mancuso
225 Pages
$28.95 Plum PRICE $22.45 ( over 20% off)
See some reviews of this book
From the back cover...
"
Some people don't believe that you can learn Bagua from a book. But they don't have over forty years experience teaching martial arts. Ted Mancuso has created a step-by-step process for learning Bagua, based on what he calls "narrative instruction." In this book, you will first learn the key hand motions, followed by Bagua's distinctive circle-walking and foot patterns. Next, hands and legs are joined into core Bagua movements, which are then applied to partner practice and self-defense. Finally, he shows the technique of the Bagua poles, Bagua's own special Qigong practice, and the never-before-explained Dragon Fighting."
We at PLUM consider this the most direct route available today to learn Bagua. It companions with our very popular DVD, Bagua Zhang: The Art of Change, filling in strategy and background information, complementing everything shown in the video. This text takes core movements and builds them into a complete Bagua practice that will aid ANY form of Bagua Zhang. This art is so versatile that all, from rank beginners to black belts, can immediately gain from its practice. Plum guarantees that you will make progress by engaging in The Art of Change.
See the Table of Contents
KD004 Dragon Stretches its Claws
An illustrated training manual of BaGua Zhang
by Liu JingRu & C.S.Tang
$24.95
A book in English by the very famous Liu JingRu and his co-author C.S.Tang.In this generously illustrated volume they share their deep knowledge of BaGua Zhang with the general reader. Simply and accurately they explain its origins and development. The basic forms, postures and applications of this seemingly difficult art are illustrated step-by-step in a comprehensive series of photographs. All photographs are accompanied by Liu and Tang's own clear and expert explanations.
Origin and historical development
Main characteristics
Brief description of various palm routines
BaGua and health
Ten important points and eight methods
Names of the Palm Postures and Routines
Eight Palm Changes illustrated
also, applications of the movements
Duets and partner routines
To many people Liu JingRu is one of the reigning masters of the Cheng Ting Hua branch of BaGua. We are happy to announce we have become co-publishers in this book and carry one of only two exclusive stocks of this title in the world. Consequently, this is the place to get Dragon Stretches Its Claws.
Other
Links for Liu JingRu: BaGua VCDs also DVDs
Translation of an earlier text by Liu
KB013 Bagua Swimming Body Palms
by Wang Shu Jin
Translated by Kent Howard and Chen XiaoYen
This is the second in Wang Shu Jin's well known series of books on Bagua Zhang...
Wang Shu Jin is "the man" to many practitioners especially from the Taiwan group where his presence as a teacher is still highly honored. This is ONR OF the first English translation by Kent Howard and Chen Xiao Yen. Topics covered include some introductory material on Wang's teachings, The Eight Character Secrets of BGZ, the 9 Palaces Returning to One; BGA Hand Forms, Post Standing Methods, 13 Prohibitions, Basics Principles and the Swimming Body form shown from Wang's own photos and restated by Kent Howard in sequence.
Others Resources:
Wang Shu Jin's Swimming Body in English another version
Chinese edition: Swimming Body book
#KP022 Pa Kua Chang Journal
The entire
run of all 38 issues all on CD-ROM
with a table or contents to allow access to each issue and
article.
Over 1000 pages of great information.
Edited by Dan Miller.
PC and MAC compatible--in PDF format
PA KUA (BaGua) CHANG JOURNAL edited by Dan Miller is a real treasure for the martial arts enthusiast. Published between November 1990 and February 1997 the Pa Kua Journal was without a doubt one of the best martial arts periodicals in the English language. It lasted 32 excellent and interesting issues combining high quality reportage with a wide ranging series of internviews and articles by top notch practitioners of the art of BaGua. For those of us who subscribed to it in the paper form the total price for the entire run cost $130.00. Now it's all available, without advertisements, for $34.95. and you don't have to wait a month for each issue.
Filled not only with great articles, the Pa Kua Journal has historical and famous photographs of major practitioners. Here, for instance, are some of the many topics covered...
The first major writings in English of Xie Pei Xi on the requirements of BaGua
A complete breakdown of the teaching method of Grandmaster Liu Yun Chiao's BaGua by Adam Hsu
Tim Cartmell's experiences learning BaGua in Taiwan
Vince Black's study with Li Zi Ming
And entire issue on the Single Palm Change as pracitced by major schools
Excellent articles on Ba Gua Weapons
and many more...
The Pa Kua Chang Journal is now available in this excellent format where all issues are perfectly accesible and will not yellow or fade. This full run of articles, photos, interviews and reviews is a truly great deal for anyone interested in the martial arts, especially BaGua, T'ai Chi and related arts.
KA012 The Attacking Hands of Ba Gua Zhang
by GaoJi Wu and Tom Bisio
large photos by Valerie Ghent
This new book is a fine presentation built around the core defensive movements of the Gao style of Bagua. It contains 72 techniques and 64 Hands passed down from the famous boxer Liu De Kuan. It all breaks down like this: the 72 Techniques are single action maneuvers such as a throw or strike. Each of them is accompanied by a couple of pictures and they are basically straight forward moves though performed with a Bagua manner. Next is the 64 Hands. These are the same movements on Gao Ji Wu’s three part VCD series. There are eight lines each with eights “hands” and generally more than eight counts since some hands take a few counts. Each of these hands and its basic application are shown in the book with very good photography. The Hands are a little more involved than the “Techniques”. Along with some historical notes, especially pertaining to Gao style, this is the bulk of the presentation. Definitely a good resource for this method of showing applications.
Gao Ji Wu's VCDs Tom Bisio's Bagua DVDs
KS051 Strategy and Change
An Examination of Military Strategy, the I-Ching and Ba Gua Zhang
by Tom Bisio
This is an in-depth contemplation on the meaning of strategy with a wealth of examples from both Western and Eastern Military history. Using such sources as Sun Zi, Liddel, Francoise Jullien, and our own Kang Ge Wu, the author shows many correlates between martial arts and the wide ranging application of strategy in both war and daily life. We share many of Mr. Bisio's views and also have had Bagua instructors who see little correlation between the I Ching, for example, and the concepts of Bagua in actual practice. However, we feel there is a wider activity here than one may first suspect. Asians, long familiar with these sources, already think along these strategic avenues. But as Kung Fu becomes a shared art in the world, the original source materials bear investigation. It's not a matter so much of keeping alive the thoughts of previous generations as examining the underpinnings of the most basic ideas. Tom Bisio supplies many examples from famous military histories: Hannibal to Cao Cao, then correlates them to martial arts examples which add life and immediacy to the concepts. Like Musashi, we can see the connection between beating one man and employing ten thousand troops. He takes these examples and correlates them to that mysterious and perennial source of wisdom, the I Jing. Should start some people thinking and the stories, mostly unknown to non-Asians, are the very stuff of the martial inheritance.
Gao Ji Wu's VCDs Tom Bisio's Bagua DVDs
Just Out !! KF006 Fu Zhen Song's Dragon Bagua Zhang
by Lin Chao Zhen
Edited by Wei RanLin and Rick L. Wing
see special offer below.
All we need on this much awaited book is to show you the blurbs (and the names) from the backcover...
Dan Miller. Publisher and editor, Pa Kua Chang Journal
The Chinese martial artof Bagua Zhang has a long and illustrious history of training manuals, and Fu Zhen Song's Dragon Bagua Zhang carries on this grand tradition. Lin Chao Zhen was a direct student of Fu Zhen Song, and his closeness to that renowned teacher is reflected in the detail shown in the various techniques in the book. I highly recommend this i mportant and informative training manual.
Brian L. Kennedy co-author of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey "
All we can add is that for a primary and first major English text on a martial subject this is a gem, filled with history, instruction, analysis. A great introduction to the unique style created by the master Fu Zhen Song.
Others Resources:
Fu Bagua in VCD
Brian Kennedy's Martial Arts Training Manuals
Joseph Crandall's translation of Fu style
Pa Kua Journal: The Complete Run
PLUM special offer:
Include any or all of the other resources mentioned
in this section above and receive an additional 10% discount on those
items.
KB009 Bagua Linked Palms
by Wang Shu Jin
Translated by Kent Howard and Xiao Yen Chen
All we need on this much awaited book is to show you the blurbs (and the names) from the backcover...
Wang Shu Jin is "the man" to many practitioners especially from the Taiwan group. This is a new translation by instructor Kent Howard. This edition also has expanded information, in the time tested traditon of commentary on the text, by co-translator and long time Bgua practitoner Kent Howard. It has notes on Wang Shu Jin's life and his spiritual teachings. Some really intriguing notes on Bagua's history including special information on Dong Hai Chuan and Bagua's relation to I Ching philosophy. Step-by-step breakdown of the Eight Linked Palms.
Others Resources:
See a clip of Kent Howard performing Wang's style
Wang Shu Jin's Swimming Body in English another version
Chinese edition: Swimming Body book
NEW!! K#010 64
Hands of Bagua Zhang
Fighting Techniques of Liu De Kuan
by Gao JiWu and Nigel Sutton
We have hardly had time to review this one but we were anxious to make it available. This book brings the 64 "straight" techniques of the Gao sttyle of Bagua to the reader. Many people consider this the very foundation of understanding how Bagua "works". As with many of the books Nigel Sutton works on, the information is given with an eye to detail. In addition there are pieces on Gao's family background, the key principels of the art, solo and applied versions of the moves and much more. A good text to start understanding the application of Bagua Zhang.
Resouces
see VCDS by Gao Ji Wu
See a sample of Gao Ji Wu's form
KL007 Liu Bin's Zhung Gong Bagua Zhang
South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style
by Zhang Jie & Richard Shapiro
This new book by is a nice edition to the Bagua corpus. Not only is the writing good and clear but the introductory sections have many stories, anecdotes and history told from a decidedly different perspective (Bi Cheng Xia created "traditional" Bagua, Dong Hai Chuan wasn't a eunuch but a Daoist adept who could "retract"). Zhang Jie was exposed to many Bagua practitioners before coming to America and his insights and perspective shows deep dedication. The instructional content of the styles, a branch of the Cheng Ting Hua family, shows 16 standing exercises and a 24 movement series based on the eight animals. Our only disappointment, which happens with Blue Snake Press, is that the outside of the book is beautiful but the photos we find a bit on the dingy side and smaller than we would like.
KL011 Liu Bin's Zhung Gong Bagua Zhang
South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style
by Zhang Jie & Randy Chung, Richard Shapiro , William Baller, Mark Wigzell
This second book in the series is peppered with personal stories of Bagua masters, three open-hand forms and two weapons sets never documented in English before. Since the author has had personal contact with many of the people described he adds a liveliness and intimacy that is unique. These two books form a nice overview of a style including the history, impressions, culture and challenges of this branch of the Bagua family. Bagua, being a relatively new style, has the advantage of growing not only into the modern age but also through a time when documentation and human memory is still fresh. Unlike so many styles that must half-believe what they know, the Bagua framework allows for a very rounded picture of the style's development.
KW003 Walking the I Ching
The Linear Ba Gua of Gao Yi Sheng
by Allen Pittman
Photos and illustrations, softbound
From the back cover:
"After an overview of Ba Gua's history and philosophy, author Allen Pittman presents eight chapters corresponding to the eight 'houses' of B Gua theory—elemental groupings that match the eight foundational trigrams of the I Ching. Each of these houses manifests a distinct underlying dynamic and martial arts principle, and each chapter begins with an introductory survey of the symbolism and cultural, anatomical, tactical, and spiritual ramifications of the house. Detailed and extensively illustrated directions for performing the eight linear sequence forms of each house follow.
This combination of practical instruction and philosophical insight make Walking the I Ching not only an authoritative guide to hands-on practice, but also a pathway to a deeper understanding of Ba Gua Zhang and its traditional roots. "
KE011 The Essentials of BaGua Zhang
by Gao Ji Wu and Tom Bisio
Photos by Valerie Ghent
This
is "a unique portrayal of the power, effectiveness and beauty of the art of Ba Gua Zhang. The essential principles and training methods of BGZ are presented by Master Gao Ji Wu, inheritor of Beijing Gao Family BGZ. Chapters cover the basic principles of Ba Gua Zhang, nei gong, footwork, standing postures, fixed posture circle walking, the eight basic palm methods and the Ba Gua linking form, as well as kicking and seizing methods, pushing hands and BGZ's 36 songs and 48 methods. With over 570 photographs."Gao Ji Wu began study of traditional Chinese martial arts at age seven under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. Today, Gao Ji Wu carries on his family's martial arts tradition. His expertise and understanding of BGZ and the 64 Hands is extensive and unique. This book and those to follow will expand on this previously filmed VCDs.Tom Bisio has been involved with martial arts since 1973. He teaches Xing Yi and Ba Gua and heads a Chinese medicine clinic in New York. He is the author of A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth.
This new book is nicely formatted, with big clear pictures and direct translations of many Ba Gua key points from the "songs". A very good effort for anyone interested in any branch of the Ba Gua tree.
KB002 BaGua
You Shen Zhang
Eight Trigram Swimming
Body Palm
by Wang Shu Jin
Translated by Marcus Brinkman
and Bradford Tyrey (1950's text)
This translation of Wang Shu Jin's famous book is accompanied by surprisingly clear photos (all things considered). The translation by messrs Brinkman and Tyrey starts with Wang's preface which tells of practicing subjective (understanding, discipline, etc) and objective (standing, progressive actions, etc.) methods. Next is a section on BGZ's "8 Character Poems" . Then we read of the "9 Palaces Returning to One". "Shapes of the Palms" follow. BG "Single Hand Standing Methods" comes next. The Preparations section is followed by Standing practices and Basic Principles. The set of Swimming Body Bagua follows. After this we have a biography of Dong Hai Chuan, BG's founder, with some information rarely seen elsewhere. The final piece is a portrait of lineage holder: Zhang Zhan Kui. According to the translators this second edition has improved binding and overall quality.
Resources
See Wang Shu Jin in old film
read
an excerpt from this book
KW008 The Whirling Circles of Ba Gua Zhang
by Frank Allen and Tina Chun Na Zhang
Back Cover: "Illustrated with over 500 photographs, the training sections teach a complete warm up followed by a step-by-step program for learning the essentials of the practice such as the classical Cheng style Basic Eight Palm Changes and the Cheng Style Deer Horn Knife Set of Grandmaster Liu Jing Ru. These chapters also include combat strategies, theory of ba gua fighting techniques, and a complete account of the unique weapons of ba gua zhang.
Much more than just a technical manual, Whirling Circles shows how bagua zhang developed from Daoist ideology and tells of inspiring historical accounts and legends of the ba gua masters. The final section explains how to use mindfulness, breathing techniques and meditation to recognize and combine the essential eight trigrams of the Yi Jing, the Book of Changes. This book also includes a new, full translation of Dong Hai Chuan's Thirty-Six Poems and Forty-Eight Methods, with expert commentary on their meaning."
This oversized book is the first in English from He Jing Han . It contains a number of sections on general principles in almost philosophical language. There are also photos of basic BaGua style stretches and some illustrations with instruction on the Chang Palms. There is a section on BaGua applications with "spontaneous" responses recorded. Much correlated information on which meridian and what muscle group is involved in basic internal palms. We have to say that some of the information here, especially postural, should be scrutinized with a skeptical eye. There is the distinct feeling that He Jing Han is a better dancer than Bagua expert. His arched back and "vogueing" attitude may grate on you if you have traditional standards. He comes from the lineage of Gong Bao Tian and is therefore a Yin Fu branch member. The book itself is a very good presentation from Lion. Translation by Yang Ya Hui and Alex Kozma.
KP008 PaKua for Self Defense
An illustrated training manual of BaGua Zhang
Lee Ying Arng and Yen Te Hwa
We have literally been looking to handle this book for years. Originally published in English in 1972 it is a classic in the field, without a doubt. Lee Ying Arng, the vice president of the Hong Kong Kung Fu Association, was a pioneer in the field especially regarding English language publications. His was one of the first Kung Fu books ever in English, the first Iron Palm book, the first film strips (8mm in those days) to be available. His modified Yang style Tai Chi - almost completely ignored - is one of the best abstractions of the set ever done, with every move repeated ON BOTH SIDES yet structured in an elegant and asymmetrical set.
Here is a BaGua book that is not only informative but charming. In the first section it presents the basic palm positions, gives an historical overview with pictures of famous masters, shows Lee himself doing applications. The next section if a translation into English of a famous text by Yen Te Hwa showing some of the neatest illustrations ever of Chinese fighting applications. The usage is Ba Gua to the max with some pretty twisty renditions but all fascinating. A fold out lineage chart is enclosed. A collector's item worth a lot of money if you could find it. This reprint is pretty much the original except for the hard cover and dust jacket. A must-have for any Ba Gua library.
 |
|
KF004 Fundamentals
of PaKuaChang Vol. 1
by Park Bok Nam
This
book continues the lineage of Lu Shui-Tien (1894-1978) through
his student Park Bok Nam. Lu was so well known during the Sino-Japanese
war as a fighter that the Japanese put a price on his head.
This book by his student of many years is chock full of hands
on BaGua training. Besides detailed instructions on walking,
it contains...
•
philosophical roots • two person exercises • power
issuing practice • Palm Training • Body Twisting Exercises
• Ch'i Kung method
The FIRST volume of a two part series it is a pretty comprehensive introduction to at least one method of BaGua practice.
KF005 Fundamentals of
PaKuaChang Vol. 2
by
Park Bok Nam
This
book continues the lineage of Lu Shui-Tien (1894-1978) through
his student Park Bok Nam. Lu was so well known during the Sino-Japanese
war as a fighter that the Japanese put a price on his head.
This book by his student of many years is chock full of hands
on BaGua training. Besides detailed instructions on walking,
it contains two person exercises, power issuing practice and
Ch'i Kung training. The second volume of a two part series it
is a pretty comprehensive introduction to at least one method
of BaGua practice.
The SECOND volume of a two part series, this is a pretty comprehensive introduction to at least one method of BaGua practice. This text adds more to the overall picture of BaGua while introducing information about leg locking and elbow attacks, hidden moves in most BaGua forms.
 |
|
|---|
Robert W. Smith & Allen Pittman
Pa-Kua
(just another spelling for Ba Gua and pronounced the same) is
a Chinese martial art that emphasizes "soft" movements
not dependent on strength. It's secret lies in the cultivation
of Ch'i, intrinsic energy, through a series of gentle exercises
which are practice while walking in a circular fashion. Both
a fighting and living art, Ba Gua is considered by many to be
related to the soft, circular motions of T'ai Chi. This book
outlines the history of the style which is based on the 8 basic
trigrams that were the inspiration for the I Ching- one
of the most important books fundamental to Chinese philosophy.
Fully illustrated are the basics, the eight palm shapes and
the eight traditional circle walks with changes. Robert Smith
is considered a "dean of Chinese martial arts", one
of the first people to write about it in the West. Allen Pittman
has studied for extended time in Taiwan.
KB003 BaGua Zhang Emei style
Theory
and Application
Liang
Shou-Yu &Yang Jwing-Ming
In
our opinion one of the best books produced by the prolific Yang's
Martial Arts. The historicity of "Emei" BaGua is negligible
imparting a confusion between BaGua the style and BaGua the
philosophy. Nonetheless this is a big and fairly comprehensive
edition. It contains many general notes on martial arts with
ample Chinese language quotations and accompanying translation.
It also has a section on BaGua Chi Kung, General Concepts, the
Jings (Powers) involved in BaGua, Eight Mother Palms with applications,Swimming
Body BaGua with applications, and a small Deer Horn set with
applications. Liang Shou-Yu, ostensibly the author with a credit
to Yang Jwing Ming, is known for his Shuai Jiao expertise and
the applications take on some of this flavor. But overall this
book of more than 350 pages is a strong addition to one's BaGua
library.
KL005 Liang
Zhen Pu 8 Trigram Palm
Edited by Li Zi Ming:
Translated by Huang Guo Qi
Compiled & Edited by Vincent Black
"(BaguaZhang)
Master Li Zi Ming was the last living representative of the
third generation in Dong Hai Chuan's lineage when he wrote this
authoritative book. This in-depth exposition explores all of
the ramifications involved in performing and unitizing this
sophisticated fighting system.
Having begun his life long study of Eight Diagram Palm in 1918
with his teacher Liang Zhen Pu, Master Li drew from over 60
years of experience in writing this work.
Never before has a treatise by a Master of such long term experience
and insight been made available to those outside the Chinese
community."
Good photos, illustrations and the essential section, "Formulae Handed Down from Dong Hai Chuan" with comments by Li Zi Ming himself.