Brothers of Baguazhang

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BT’s Q&A: A Technical Analysis of the Forward Piercing Palm Technique in Yin Baguazhang Martial Arts. While responding to several emails, I would like to demonstrate a fundamental technique from the yin Baguazhang system of martial arts. Specifically, I will be practicing a forward piercing palm, commonly referred to as the hand technique or palm method. This action is straightforward, similar to a boxer's jab, with the key difference being the incorporation of a downward movement while attacking forward. Consequently, if an opponent's force interacts with your forward force, you will deflect their attack while simultaneously striking them. Following this, I will execute a cutting palm attack targeting the opponent's temple, which I will attempt to finish with a forward thrusting kick to the midsection. It is essential to possess good imagination, or rather, effective shadowboxing techniques, as this is precisely what you should be practicing through drill repetition until it becomes second nature. Many individuals mistakenly perceive the forward piercing palm as a long-range technique; however, in reality, it is a mid to short-range technique that can be highly effective if executed with stealth and unpredictability. The primary objective of the initial attack is to target the eyes or throat of the opponent. The secondary technique aims to attack the upper portion of the opponent, specifically the area near the eyebrows or temple. Finally, the kick is intended to target the area just above the hips line of the opponent, striking dead center. Check out my downloadable instructional Yin Bagua video -https://payhip.com/b/SjP9

BT Q&A Yin baguazhang basics. I will provide my honest opinion. The most important aspect of Yin Bagua is the first palm change, as it is the fundamental movement that defines this style, which utilizes a piercing type of energy, similar to thrusting through an object. This movement is combined with circular footwork, where the practitioner walks along an imaginary circle and then traverses it using a piercing palm action, which is designed to target the eyes or throat of an opponent. In some cases, the practitioner may simultaneously raise their knee, which can be used offensively or defensively, depending on the situation and the individual's creativity, particularly when practicing this routine in a shadowboxing context. However, the thrusting of the fingers is one of the most critical techniques in Yin baguazhang, as it can be used for both attack and defense. This characteristic is distinctive of the Yin Bagua style. In my opinion, the piercing palm technique serves as the foundation for all other techniques, much like a boxer relies on their jab to set up subsequent combinations. Similarly, the Yin Bagua practitioner primarily utilizes the piercing palm to establish the optimal position for executing other techniques, based on their footwork and the ability to effectively apply the piercing palm technique.
My school of thought-
Novell Bell
AKA/BlackTaoist

BT Q&A Baguazhang kicks. Several individuals have emailed me inquiring whether Bagua incorporates kicks, and the answer is indeed affirmative. It is essential to understand that Bagua's potential is limited only by the restrictions practitioners place upon themselves. Consequently, there are numerous kicks within the Bagua system. The crucial aspect is that practitioners must practice kicks that suit them and are effective. The kick I will demonstrate is based on the pushing millstone posture, specifically the ax kick technique. Mastering this technique requires practice, but with regular training, it can be highly effective in free fighting situations. Imagine being in a physical altercation and landing this kick, even while wearing regular shoes or boots, on an opponent's head or the base of their nose; the outcome could be devastating. This technique is not only effective but also potentially deadly when executed correctly, with precise timing and setup, to neutralize an opponent in hand-to-hand combat. Therefore, consistent practice is necessary to achieve desired results. The kick that I will practice is better known as the ax kick technique .

BT Q&A Standing Meditation Practice. This training involves intense mental focus and can strengthen the entire body by maintaining stationary postures for extended periods. Concurrently, focus on natural breathing, inhaling and exhaling through the nose; some schools instruct exhaling through the mouth. The demonstrated exercise encompasses various postures rooted in the Bagua school of martial arts. This exercise is beneficial as it involves holding positions for extended periods, strengthening both mind and body. Over time, improved fitness is noticeable. In my experience training individuals with Parkinson's, these standing exercises have significantly enhanced their health and fitness. Although I make no claims as a medical professional, my experience-based opinion is that these exercises are highly beneficial for overall health improvement.

Yin Bagua Forward Triple Piercing Palm technique is a highly effective drill for mid-range attacks. The primary objective of this technique is to target the eyes or throat while executing a kick to the enemy's belt line. To execute this technique, initiate with two forward piercing palm attacks, followed by a forward stomping kick to the belt line, and conclude with a piercing palm attack to the eyes or throat. Repetition is crucial to master this technique; therefore, practice it repeatedly until it becomes second nature. To achieve the required speed and accuracy, dedicate several hours to practicing this drill, starting with 50 repetitions per day and gradually increasing to 250 or even 1000 reps. Ultimately, the key to mastering this technique is consistent practice to develop proficiency. Once familiar with this technique, you can explore its application in various scenarios and free fighting. When executing the forward piercing palm, focus your energy on the fingertips, maintaining a natural curve of the fingers and avoiding straightening them, which may cause injury. Tuck your thumb into the center of your palm as you strike, targeting the eyes or throat. The forward stomping kick should aim for the lower crotch area, no higher than the belt line. Finally, conclude with a third forward piercing palm as your opponent collapses from the kick, targeting the eyes or throat to neutralize the threat. Bagua is often referred to as the art of overkill, and this technique exemplifies this notion when practiced and executed correctly. - Novell Bell, also known as BlackTaoist

BaGua Dan Cao is a fundamental, straightforward linear form that encompasses both offensive and defensive techniques, emphasizing forward movement, covering distance, and utilizing fingertip and palm-edge strikes to target vulnerable areas, including the eyes and throat of an opponent, while also incorporating a singular lower palm technique designed to attack the lower portion of an adversary's body, ultimately rendering it a highly effective shadowboxing routine once a practitioner has mastered the techniques and developed the ability to adapt and apply them in unpredictable, dynamic situations. Check out my downloadable instructional JRQ BaGua -https://payhip.com/b/wIVM

BT Q&A - I'd like to share my perspective on the offensive techniques employed in BaGuaZhang, Tai Chi, and Xing Yi Quan. These thoughts are purely my own and are being shared with Brother Wiz. This is not a personal critique, but rather my perspective on the current state of internal martial arts. My viewpoint is based on my observations of practitioners today, who often lack offense techniques due to their limited participation in free fighting. Many individuals travel to China, study, and then return to the States, where they may appear proficient in forms and shadow boxing routines. However, when faced with free fighting, they struggle significantly, much like a fish out of water. The analogy I use is that they are lost in the forest, uncertain of how to attack their opponent, as they were never properly taught. This is evident in their practice and is why numerous videos on YouTube depict kung fu practitioners struggling in sparring matches, as they lack the knowledge of how to attack and, in some cases, even defend. Unfortunately, many of these individuals still regard themselves as skilled masters of kung fu. This is truly a concerning state of affairs. check out my combat manual

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