Fundamental Principles of Jiulong Baguazhang

Jiulong Baguazhang helps one learn how to deal with unexpected and, potentially, disastrous changes in a natural and advantageous manner. The study of Jiulong Baguazhang is the study of momentum. Methods of generating, curving, redirecting, and unleashing one's own and one's opponent's momentum are derived almost entirely from mastery of footwork. Intention, or Yi, is the commander that directs one's actions and desires. Intent must be trained to be clear, focused, and flexible for one to act spontaneously. The essential expression of Jiulong Baguazhang is found in the concept of Xin, or Heart-Mind, or Attitude. The appropriate palm is unconsciously revealed as the most appropriate by the forces inherent in the moment of conflict. This requires a clear mind and the ability to act naturally and without thought.

 

Designed specifically for dealing with multiple opponents, Jiulong Baguazhang uses the entire body for striking, locking, throwing and controlling attackers. Baguazhang is famous among Chinese martial artists for precise, fast and unpredictable footwork. Baguazhang is easily distinguished from other martial arts by the signature circle walking training method it employs.

 

The outer trappings of Jiulong Baguazhang are the circle walking, the eight element palms, agile directional changes, the posture of the body, and the grace of unceasing movement. Baguazhang practitioners are famous for unpredictability in tactics, rapid footwork, unusual angles of attack, being difficult to hit, and freedom of motion. Multiple opponent tactics are built seamlessly into every facet of the system. 

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The Nine Dragon Eight Trigram Palm curriculum taught at Orchard Kung Fu is a carefully researched presentation of the essential principles of the art. Shigong Painter has spent over 50 years refining his insight into its principles and improving the execution and explanation of those principles wherever science has revealed deeper understanding.

 

Dr. Yancy Orchard is committed to preserving the traditional principles ofJiulong Baguazhang while bringing to bear his considerable anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological expertise in explaining how it works to new students. Three levels of Jiulong Baguazhang are taught at Orchard Kung Fu.

 

Daoqiquan Kung Fu Basics

*Beginner Course

Kung Fu Basics: Embracing the Pearl is Orchard Kung Fu’s foundation course in martial arts. There are students at Orchard Kung Fu who have successfully used the methods taught in this course to survive real-life street encounters after only 6 months of instruction.

 

Bagua I

*Prerequisite: Kung Fu Basics

Jiulong Baguazhang I: Rolling the Pearl​ is Orchard Kung Fu’s intermediate course in martial arts. This program develops the required strong physical and mental foundation for later in-depth study of Jiulong Baguazhang.

 

Bagua II

*Prerequisite: Bagua I

Jiulong Baguazhang II: Meeting the Dragons introduces the eight mother palms of Jiulong Baguazhang. This course uses the mechanical foundation built in the previous two programs to explore the “mind shape,” or Yi Zhang, of each of the eight trigram archetypes.

​​The Martial Art of ​​​Jiulong Baguazhang