CompleteMartialArts.com - Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang: Foundation Practices, Volume One

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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 796.815 EAN: 9781583942185 ISBN: 1583942181 Label: Blue Snake Books Manufacturer: Blue Snake Books Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 264 Publication Date: 2008-08-19 Publisher: Blue Snake Books Release Date: 2008-08-19 Studio: Blue Snake Books
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Editorial Reviews: One of the three major orthodox internal styles of Chinese martial arts (along with Xing Yi Quan and Tai Ji Quan), Bagua Zhang (or Ba Gua Zhang) is also one of the most ancient and revered. The first volume in a series of two on the form, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One, is written from the perspective of a wise master who gives equal attention to Bagua’s historical evolution and to the art and practice itself. A disciple of famous master Liu Xing Han and one who honed his skills for over 20 years under the same trees in Temple of Heaven Park as the originators of Bagua, Professor Zhang Jie is ideally suited for the task. He presents the fundamental theories of Bagua simply and clearly, in such a way that they comprise both a martial arts manual and a guide for everyday living. The idea of balance in all things is stressed throughout, as is the ancient Chinese philosophy that underlies Bagua. In addition to illustrations of the Bagua movements, the book contains previously unpublished historical photographs. Equally useful for novice and seasoned practitioners, as well as students of Chinese culture and history, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang immerses readers in all aspects of this important martial art.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: A philosophical and historical review on one of the advanced forms of Chinese internal martial arts Comment: Baguazhang is one of the three major styles of Chinese internal martial arts (the other two being Taichi Quan and Xingyi Quan). I love this book because it not only shows the reader the forms and moves of Baguanzhang, but also tells a fascinating story behind the origin and development of the martial arts. Dr. Zhang Jie took this uniquely philosophical and historical approach to martial arts for he has a broad and deep understanding of the Chinese culture and philosophy. He obtained his bachelor degree in Chinese Literature from Peking University and his master degree from the Chiense Academy of Arts. Therefore this book presents to its readers something more than just the physical aspect of Baguazhang, like most other book do; it explains and interprets the metaphysical meaning of Baguazhang, which is just as intriguing, if not more, as the physical moves. On the other hand, as an authentic fifth generation successor of the Beijing South District Baguazhang branch, Dr. Zhang's sequences (kata) are beautiful and true to the origin. It took him years of research, including numerous visits to the surviving old masters in Beijing, to collect in this book many sequences that cannot be found anywhere else. For the readers who are interested in learning the martial arts itself, this book is a good starting point. For advanced practitioners, this book might add to their existing knowledge and ability. More Reviews