Book: Baguazhang

Incorporating both Daoist and Buddhist practices, commonly used as the subject of Chinese novels, movies, and operas, Emi (pronounced ermay) is one of the best known martial arts inside of China, but until now has remained largely an oral tradition little known by Western martial artists. This comprehensive text offers an Introduction to the philosophy, theory, and practice of the Emei style known as Baguazhang - one of the most effective Chinese internal martial arts - and stresses the essential differences between Bagua and other internal styles such as Taijiquan and Xingyiquan.

In addition, Bagua emphasizes circular movements, employs both defensive and offensive strategies, and trains at all three fighting rangers - short, middle, and long. Describing all the essential forms - including the Eight Basic palms Fighting Set, the Swimming Body Sequence, and a sequence using Bagua's special weapon, the Deer Hook Sword, this book offers both beginners and advanced students a multitude of fighting applications, backed up with more than 900 action photographs, and explains the theories and principles that form the basis of Bagua practice to enhance and speed your training.

AUTHOR(S)

Liang, Shou-Yu was born on June 28, 1943 in the city of Chongqian, Sichuan Province, China. When he was six he began his training in Qigong, the art of breathing and internal energy control, under the tutelage of his renowned grandfather, the late Liang, Zhi-Xiang. Mr. Liang was taught the esoteric skills of the Emei Mountain sect, including Da Peng Qigong. When he was eight, his grandfather made special arrangements for him to begin training Emei Wushu (martial arts).

Yang, Jwing-Ming Ph.D., is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught Taijiquan, Qigong and Chinese martial arts for over forty-five years. He is the author of over thirty books, and was elected by Inside Kung Fu magazine as one of the 10 people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years." Dr. Yang lives in Northern California.

Wen-Ching Wu was born in Taiwan, China in 1964. He loved Wushu and many othe sports since a young age. During high school he was on the school's basketball an softball teams. He graduated from high school as a salutatorian. He came to the U.S. in 1983 to study Mechanical Engineering and in 1988, he graduated with honors from Northeastern University, with a BSME degree.

REVIEWS

Joi Eden, New Age Retailer. July/August 1997

"...This introduction to the theory, philosophy, and practice of the emei style of bagua...is comprehensive and packed with information...Well thought out and accessibly presented, Baguazhang-Emei Baguazhang carries the outstanding tradition of its authors and is dense with knowledge. This book is suitable for the knowledgeable and beginners who wish to sample this art with deep thought and delight."