John Hine is a Chinese Internal Martial Arts Master who has been training for over 45 years, and runs one of the longest established and successful chain of Tai Chi schools in the UK.
Baguazhang is one of the three internal martial arts, the others are Tai Chi and Xsingyi.
The movements of Pa Kua are not as forceful as Hsing Yi or as soft as Tai Chi.
Spiralling and whip-like power emanate from Pa Kua techniques.
Always circular in appearance,its footwork is lightning fast, complex and evasive, patterned on the imaginary movements of a dragon.
The dragon was thought to be as light as a bird,with the elusive quality of a snake.
More defensive than Hsing Yi, a circular defence is quickly followed by a powerful circular attack with one of a vast array of hand, foot or body attacks, or throws.
Pa Kua strategy is to move to the side or rear of an opponent and attack the aggressor in their most vulnerable position.
Throwing manoeuvres are used extensively, while striking techniques are aimed at vital points.
Pa Kua has many kicking manoeuvres hidden within the pa kua chang form (72 in total). Occasionally kicks are aimed at the head,usually when the attacker least expects it and with lightning speed.
The internal martial arts are somewhat different to others in that relaxation and mental focus are featured.
Bagua or to use its full name Baguazhang, meaning Eight Diagrams Palm looks amazing to watch, featuring constant twisting and turning, which are great for keeping fit and losing weight.
Its movements are based on the mythical dragon, which is thought of as a snake with wings.
The constant turning massages the internal organs and stimulates your energy bringing good health and mental calm.
When practising Bagua you walk in a circle and perform the exercises in a unbroken flow.
