Seminars on Wang Shujin’s Bagua Zhang, by Kent Howard



Our Mission:

Very few qualified instructors are still teaching Wang Shujin’s authentic Bagua Zhang to the general public. Much of Master Wang’s traditional curriculum has been diluted or is being taught only in private organizations with limited membership. It is our hope that these teachings may reach a wider audience through open instruction to all who are interested. It is in that spirit of unfettered access that we offer these seminars with the aim of preserving Master Wang’s teaching for posterity.

Our Seminar Philosophy:

Most seminars and workshops teach too many things that are quickly forgotten, so the entire experience becomes more of a participatory demonstration. Our goal is to teach nothing that cannot be understood, assimilated, and retained within the time frame of the training. It is expected that all participants will take home the knowledge and the muscle memory to be able to establish a home practice.


Location:

All seminars will take place on site at a facility arranged by the sponsoring group. Seminar times, dates, and subject matter will be determined by the sponsor after consultation with the instructor. The only exception will be an annual week-long retreat and workshop that will be offered in Chico, California each Summer beginning in 2010.

Seminar Curriculum:


Bagua Zhang Basic Training (one to two days)

Basic Training includes all aspects of Bagua Zhang primary instruction including: stretching, breathing, conditioning, qigong, stepping, circle walking, forms training, and combat theory and practice. This seminar is perfectly suited for those looking for a basic introduction to a lifetime practice of Bagua Zhang.

You will leave this seminar knowing: Basic Bagua movement and body principle theory; a daily conditioning routine; several sets of movements (forms) that will be able to remember and practice at home.

Wang Shujin’s First Form: Bagua Linked Palms (two days)

Wang Shujin’s basic form as taught in his book, Bagua Linked Palms. This is one of the clearest, most direct, and easiest to learn Bagua forms ever taught. The set is relatively short and offers unique movements in each form without the repetition found in other styles. All basic Bagua Zhang principles of movement are found within this form.

You will leave this seminar knowing: basic warm up, qigong, and conditioning exercises; basic body principle and energy development exercises, stepping and circle walking practice; all eight gua (sets of movments) of Bagua Linked Palms from Single Palm Change to Whirlwind Palms; at least two self defense applications for each form.

Wang Shujin’s Second Form: Bagua Swimming Body Palms (two days)

Master Wang’s second form was taught to advanced students, and to some not at all.

Swimming Body builds upon the foundation learned in Linked Palms by freeing the movements and teaching how to flow smoothly and change more spontaneously.

There is a good bit more spiraling and spinning in this form, and free flowing footwork is essential to its proper application. Striking and controlling while in motion are two of the elemental principles taught throughout the set.

Wang Shujin’s Bagua Weapon Forms: Staff, Double Sword, and Cane (one to two days)

Master Wang taught several distinctive weapon forms. The cane seemed to be his favorite, and he always carried one with him even as a relatively young man in his forties. The staff form utilizes an eyebrow-height stick that is wielded while walking a circle. Double swords are less common in Bagua Zhang. Wang used two jian or double edged blades that were similar to taiji quan swords.

You will leave this seminar knowing: How to perform the selected weapon forms; the theory of weapon use in Bagua; how the principles of Bagua body movement extend through the weapon; self-defense applications for each form taught.

Costs:

The fee for instruction will vary according to number of days, hours per day, subject matter, distance traveled. Travel and accommodations may be figured into the overall cost of the seminar depending on the distance from our Chico, California base to the training site. The instructor will provide written instructional material and a complimentary T-shirt to all attendees. The instructor will also provide copies of his book, Bagua Linked Palms, by Wang Shujin, and DVD of the book at a reduced seminar price for optional purchase.

Availability:

Year round. Depending on distance and time of year: One-day, Weekend (Sat-Sun), Long Weekend (Fri – Sunday), and week-long seminars will be considered.

Contact: infobagualinkedpalms.com