The exact history of Baguazhang is unknown and many legends have grown up as to its founder. It is generally believed to be Tung Hai Chan (1796-1880) a mysterious and gifted martial artist.

There are many stories as to how he learned the art of Bagua. It is widely believed that he mixed in somewhat dishonest company and was a wanted man.

One story suggests that during a confrontation with three imperial guards on the open road he was seriously injured and left for dead. (The imperial guard were the elite of ancient China’s fighting forces and a three to one confrontation would always end badly).

The story then relates that Tung was found by a Taoist hermit who cared for his injuries and nursed him back to full health. Many Taoist hermits lived in the mountains and were highly skilled in the internal martial arts.

This particular hermit taught Tung his art that would eventually become Baguazhang. How much of the original art was the hermit’s is unknown, as Tung Hai Chan continued to modify his art throughout his life.

It is said that Tung would modify the art for his students to match their level of ability and so many versions were born.

Tung’s Ability.

A famous story concerning his skill was when Tung was a servant in the emperors palace. He was a wanted man and his past was catching up with him, so he took quite an extreme decision, to hide inside the imperial palace. Logically where was the last place the authorities look – in the most heavily guarded place in China.

Unfortunately with hundreds of the emperors concubines inside the palace only eunuchs were allowed to work there. Tung became a eunuch (my eyes water just thinking about it) and was employed as a servant. One evening the emperor was holding a banquet and there were so many guests the servants were finding it hard to move around to deliver the food.

Tung climbed up onto the beams and raced across holding a large tray of food, deftly crossing the room high above the banquet.

He did this several times before the emperor spotted the nimble Tung. If he wanted to keep a low profile the beam walking was not the way to do it.

The emperor demanded that Tung should come down and demonstrate his skill for his guests. Tung duly obliged and gave a dazzling display of what is now known as the “circling dragon” form.

It is said that he was spinning and turning so fast that his sash constantly extended horizontally from his body. The emperor was very impressed by his martial arts skill and Tung eventually became the emperor’s personal bodyguard.