V O L . 02 NO. 03

JULY QUARTERLY AUGUST JOURNAL OF SEPTEMBER IN AUSTRALIA Wushu Herald 2014 ISSN 2202-8137 (Print) ISSN 2203-6067 (Online)

What’s inside Australian Our community news Wushu Calendar events Community From the Board Portal World news

The Wushu Herald is our Golden Dragon, Hong Kong contribution to the Wushu community in Australia.

We hope that it will continue to be the source of information Wushu * * * and education about Wushu, in all its forms. As a platform for Dear Wushu and Tai Chi practitioners, sharing thoughts, ideas, Welcome to the third issue of the second volume Following our discussion of Wushu in the experiences and achievements (2014) of The Wushu Herald! Olympics, we have briefly covered the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games 2014 where a Wushu it will foster open discussion, tournament was held. facilitate the finding of common Our journal aims to share with you the most Qigong practitioners from all over the world had current Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong news from ground and help us all grow an opportunity to upgrade their skills by Australia and overseas. participating in the annual exchange and stronger together. The current issue is available to members online tournament organized by the International from the website (www.wushu-council.com.au) Qigong Association. This year it was held in and printed copies can be purchased. for the first time near the Jiuhua Mountain famous for the Temple on top of it attracting By joining the state associations of the Wushu pilgrims wanting to make “A Big Wish” under the Council Australia as members and subscribing special tree. Our Australian team was there too! you will be helping the non-for-profit organisation See the report on page 10 for more details and and contributing to the publication of this journal. photos. More and more people have become aware of In addition, we publish reports on local and our organisation and publication and offered to international competitions and workshops. contribute and write about their Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong experiences. Our readers are Finally, our Editorial team is always in pursuit of excited to have an opportunity to see the big interesting Wushu, Qigong and Tai Chi stories picture of what is happening and feel a part of and experiences. So friends and fellow the Australian Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong members, subscribe to The Wushu Herald to community. receive fascinating stories and sharing of experiences from Wushu and Tai Chi travelers, We are always grateful for the support and competitors and seasoned practitioners. encouragement from our readers who read our journal from cover to cover and share with their You can contact us or simply send in your friends. contributions and photos to In this edition, we focus on the beauty and joy of [email protected]. The ancient art of Wushu - one of the three internal Chinese Watch this space! that translates as “Martial Martial Arts (the other two being Taijiquan and Xing Yi that were covered in the previous On behalf of the Editorial Board, Arts”, is being practised in issues). You will find out what attracts people to all its forms such as Tai Chi, Bagua and why it is one of the best exercise systems for all ages. We have included Traditional and Competitive references and reviews on the best resources available for those who are interested in Wushu, Qigong, Bagua, Xing undertaking this art. Dr Khoo Cheng Choo Yi, Weapons Play (Sword,

Broadsword, Sabre, Cudgel,

Spear etc.) and many others. 2 WELL DONE! The last three months saw quite a few events both in Australia and overseas. Here we cover some of them by publishing reports from various organisations and individuals. We Our congratulations to are proud of the achievements of our fellow Australians and as always, encourage the recent recipients of everyone to share their experiences, thoughts and success stories. various levels of Duan Wei awarded by the Chinese Wushu Association! WTQA Competition (Melbourne 31 August 2014) took place at Monash University and once again, it was a great success due to the efforts of the organising committee, volunteers and athletes. WTQA (formerly known as WTPA) has more than 15 years of experience organising this annual event. This time the spectators enjoyed great performances by the athletes from different states and invited guests such as the Hung Gar Yao Shu Lion Dance and Drum Performance teams, Laoshi Bill Law CMC demonstration, Sifu Chin Min Lian Classic Phoenix Fan, Sifu Michael Agar One Finger Shooting Zen Gong Fu Set & Sifu Lilei Lin Enright performing the 42 Forms Tai Chi.

Melbourne Wushu & Taijiquan Competition: a rewarding experience … The latest group of Wushu practitioners from Australia that My visit to Melbourne in August this year to compete in the 16TH WTQA Wushu took part in the International & Taijiquan Competition was an amazing experience. It was held at Monash Wushu grading was organized by University Clayton Campus. I competed in the Traditional Tai Chi division and I Master Tang Lai Wei from Tai surprised myself to receive a gold medal. I had attended two of the Chi For Life (Melbourne). The competitions in 2011 and 2012 as a spectator and with some strong persuasion participants of the course were from my fellow club friends decided to compete. I have been practising Tai Chi graded at different level - from with the Macquarie University Wushu and Tai Chi Club for a few years. As a Golden Eagle to Silver Dragon slow and impatient learner, I would not have achieved where I am without my (see our article on the overview instructor’s encouragement whose training is exceptional, showing years of of the Duan Wei System in The experience, demonstrations and professionalism in every way. I am very much Wushu Herald Vol.2 No.1). looking forward to the 2015 Competition! Master Tang himself (pictured) Katherine Raper, Macquarie University Wushu and Tai Chi Club has received the 8th Duan - the long deserved recognition of his The WTQA event in Melbourne this year was again an excellent chance skills, knowledge and to catch up with friends and share our experiences over the past year. achievements. The competition level was of a high standard with some new first timers as well. A combination of Qigong, Wushu and Tai Chi allowed a diverse Melbourne Uni Tai Chi & Wushu Club range of events to be presented. The age group varies from the young at the competition to very old showing you are never too old to start Wushu and Qigong.

Helen Rivett, Wushu & Tai Chi NSW

The 13th World Chin Woo Martial Arts and Culture Festival - August 2014 (Shanghai)

This event included Wushu, Calligraphy, Dragon and Lion Dance competitions and was attended by athletes from 15 countries, such as the USA, Australia, Germany etc., and from many China regions such as Hong Kong, Tianjin and Shanghai with a total of over 400 participants from 32 Chin Woo Associations. The Australian Chin Woo Team of 20 members led by Alice Dong, three team coaches (masters Wilson Chan, Chen Zhi-Cheng and Boun Lee), and students from the Pei-lei Wushu and Da-Hung Kung-Fu Academy attended the event and achieved outstanding results with a total of 4 gold, 4 silvers and 4 bronze medals for the individual Wushu and dual sparing competitions. Among the new and upgraded Duan Wei holders are well known Master Tong Low of International Health Qigong Tournament and Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong Exchange Australia (WTQA), Tyler Rowe (Chizhou, China August 2014) from Melbourne, Terri Shilston from the Central Coast, NSW The event was organised by the International Health Qigong and many others. Association - first time in China. It was attended by many Qigong

groups from all over the world. There were individual The full report on this trip is competitions, group performances, training sessions for available from the WTQA instructors and referees, public lectures and Duan Wei grading. website. See the full report on page 10.

3 EYE ON IT International Wushu Judges Course (Shanghai, China) Upcoming Events

Wushu Originated in China and Belongs to the World… in Australia This was the slogan of the event designed to professionally train as

many judges as possible. Many countries used this opportunity to keep

their judges in the know (which was especially important now when new routines and changes in the rules were introduced) and sent significant NSW numbers of their officials. Sadly, Australia sent only ONE. Ironically, people who were willing and capable to attend this course were denied access by the current Australian administrative body.

Nanjing Olympic Youth Games - August 2014 (Nanjing, China)

A number of selected Wushu athletes from different countries had an opportunity to display the sport of Wushu at the Tournament and the so-called SportLabs together with other sports that are competing for their place in the Olympic family. The public and officials could participate in their activities and try and learn some new skills.

Our readers write to the Editors about various events that are happening across Australia:

Tai Chi Fitness Australia invites you to The “Get Active Bankstown” event, 2-5pm, on Saturday 25 October 2014 at Carysfield Reserve, Johnston Rd, Bass Hills.

Tai Chi stage demonstration will be from 4:25pm – 4:40pm. Bring your friends and For more details contact family members. Join us and enjoy the Saturday in the reserve. For more information [email protected] write to: [email protected]

Stephen Ramsdale from Queensland (Ramsdale’s Tang Soo Tao) reports on the free Tai Chi sessions organised in the seniors week.

He is going to visit China again for training with Liu Zhen Wei. VICTORIA

Sydney Vision invites you to join them at The Blue Mountains Health and Wellbeing Expo on Sunday October 12th 2014 in Springwood. Master Alex Galvan will be joined by Renata Bros and Fiona Hayes

More information on: http://www.sydneyvisiontaijigong.com.au/blue-mountains-health-wellbeing-expo/

Sydney Vision organizes one-day workshops in Qigong in NSW on the following days: Sunday 11 January – at Springwood; Sunday 18 at Ingleburn and Sunday 25 – at Enmore Park

Tai Chi Australia is organising a yearly Tai Chi tour in China. The dates are to be confirmed.

Enquiries: [email protected]

Tai Chi Fitness Australia is going to host the seminar by the renowned Tai For more details contact Chi Master Zhao Youbin from China who is visiting Sydney. [email protected] Come, meet and learn from Master Zhao in person on 12-15 December 2014. Experience the power of Tai Chi and the secrets of internal martial arts and develop your Tai Chi skills directly from Master Zhao.

Instead of going to China, find the master you can meet in Sydney. 4 WE RECOMMEND

A Course in Bagua

with Kang Ge-Wu

Professor Kang Ge-Wu is one of the world’s leading experts in Wushu and, particularly, Baguazhang. In 1980, Kang Ge-Wu began working on a doctoral dissertation on the origins of Baguazhang, and in 1981, the Baguazhang Research Institute was established under the auspices Beauty and Joy of Baguazhang of the Municipality by Fong Lee

This is the third and final part of my “no - smoking sign”, a circle with a easy but the whole system is account on my journey into the straight line across it. mindboggling! My supporters were Chinese internal martial arts. This and still are really my main source of one is about Baguazhang (八卦掌). I am so pleased and excited to learn inspiration as without them I would that Baguazhang is now widely not have achieved so much - a win- The other two - Taijquan (太极 拳) spreading around the world. As a win situation. I find Baguazhang and Xingyiquan (形意拳) - were matter of fact, in 1999 I put an article both exciting and a very enjoyable already covered previously in The Wushu Herald. Wushu (which includes both Baguazhang and Taijiquan) embodies the whole of Chinese culture and is considered rich cultural heritage. It touches upon a wide range of areas like medicine, health and fitness, an art form - esthetics with beauty and grace, philosophy, Surprisingly and interestingly self - defense, performing art, sport competitions, a means of socializing and much more! enough, my involvement in these Unfortunately, most people and particularly Chinese themselves (not all of course) have three internal styles follows the been sitting on this gold mine (Wushu) for too long without paying much attention to it. same order as listed above. That is, They consider Wushu unworthy because most of these people are viewing it as a fighting I first learned Taijiquan, then system and nothing more! They don't realize it is gold nuggets and not rock pebbles! Let Xingyiquan and finally Baguazhang; us hope the Wushu created by our resourceful ancestors will not vanish from our genera- tion. We, martial artists, should shoulder our responsibilities to educate and instruct the from soft (Taijiquan) to hard art and its benefits to a wider public. (Xinyiquan) and then back to soft again (Baguazhang). in a local newspaper called The one to learn and practice. North Shore Times, saying that Baguazhang will be the art of the People are taking up Baguazhang new millennium! And now it does for different reasons. Mine was seem that way, heading towards simple - I just loved its beauty and every corner of the world because It unusualness! is such a fascinating art to learn, to practice and to watch due to its Before attempting Baguazhang unique movements! twenty years ago, I have already studied and taught the following Martial Arts Association. In my case, following the study of systems such as Wing Chun, both Taijiquan and Xingyiquan, Changquan, , Taijiquan, Baguazhang seemed a natural Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and others In Volume 1 of this course, progression. The timing and but in less details such as Kang Ge-Wu introduces the circumstances leading me to Shaolinquan, Praying Mantis and principles of Bagua, hand Baguazhang was just as exciting as . positions, explains postural the other two arts, if not more. I am requirements of Bagua with still in awe of this unique art... I am Following much study of both right and wrong examples forever feeling grateful and blessed Baguazhang however, I now They are all very interesting, very and demonstrates both the Old for the right sort of materials become interested in some different in outlook and techniques. Big Eight Palms and the “New” presented and available to me over (or Qigong, this term I personally Taijiquan and Xinyiquan are mostly Palms. the past twenty years, and I am detest) training such as Ba Duan Jin executed in a linear fashion but forever indebted to all my followers; and Baguazhang Neigong. Baguazhang is practiced in circles, it In Volume 2, Kang Ge-Wu if not for them, I would not have is only on rare occasions that linear teaches “Eight Powers” Bagua learned so much and got so much I think because of my age, I no routines were created by some as well as demonstrates a excitement out of learning the longer wish to do or perform famous Bagua masters. I call it the number of applications for each routines. Learning a few routines is vigorous techniques any more such change.

5 as Changquan and Nanquan for feeling makes me even more hungry Yin styles although other styles are EYE ON IT example! However, I can still do to learn. slowly getting popular as well each them and able to teach them but in a of them having their own flavour, of Upcoming much softer and safer ways. I have I still consider myself a beginner in course. To me, Cheng offers all I to listen to my body and keep in Baguazhang even after more than ever needed. I love its flowing events in mind my limitations in order to twenty years of continuous learning movements, often called “swimming Australia benefit fully from my training, no and practicing it. This does not stop dragon”. matter how much I love my Wushu me from writing about it and I would routines. This may apply to those not miss an opportunity such as to Prior to my actual learning and who are either too impatient or over write about my experience for The training in Baguazhang, I have enthusiastic in their approach to Wushu Herald. Hopefully, every already read about and seen Wushu training too. minute of my little effort in writing Baguazhang in books, this article will be worth of it for documentaries and movies. I was These days you can see a lot of those who would be learners. not too sure why I had no intention of learning it even though I loved what I have read and seen before. However, I became interested in learning it only after I bought my first ausWushu, a partner of Baguazhang instructional video from Wushu Council Australia, Sydney's Chinatown. This video from China was my first "break into” offers the following the art, so to speak, featuring a workshops in 2014: University Wushu professor demonstrating a now very famous Xing Yi Five Fist and popular routine. You can say that this professor was my first Linked Form Baguazhang instructor! Someone • was right, saying that when "the situation presents itself to you, you Traditional Sword and best believe you are the best person Techniques people performing Baguazhang - on to handle it"! I was destined to learn YouTube, for example. They are I sincerely hope my article will shed this art! That was some twenty years • showing off their hard earned skills some light on this art and inspire ago! Yang Style but some are done badly. However, and encourage more people taking it most of them are nevertheless up and giving it a go. If not Following this first video, I had Traditional useful and of excellent value. Please Baguazhang, perhaps other accumulated more Baguazhang Broadsword and do keep an open mind; even bad Chinese Wushu systems? A materials and now have learned up ones can offer you food for thought! treasure island is waiting to be to a dozen sets of so called "mother Basic Skills explored... palms" as well as a large number of • Most importantly though, more and empty hand and weapon routines. more people are practicing and Baguazhang is not like any other Baguazhang generally consists of Tai Chi Fan promoting this art. Think of this: martial art. Its main weapon is the eight major palms, the so-called • something that might look bad to palm, not the fist which the majority eight "Mother Palms" and linking Introduction to Bagua you may also turn up to be of are relying routines generated from them. beneficial because you can think of on and it is perhaps one of the most • it as "bad" but it might simply be exotic martial art styles in existence Some have names like "Swimming Wushu Cudgel another way of doing the same today. Body Bagua Linking Palm" or thing! They can trigger us to new "Dragon Form Bagua Palm". Even • heights of understanding. Nothing is Its contents are rich and colourful; the names of Baguazhang Competition Routines wasted! there is definitely something unique techniques are exotic and about it that no other martial arts interesting, a vivid description of • I started learning Baguazhang in systems have. Baguazhang, like all their movements as well - another and more 1995 - after a string of Wushu styles other arts, improves both our health credit to the genius of our ancient that I have taught myself since the and physical fitness, enriches our masters, their thoughts and early seventies. lives and prepares for self imagination. protection. For some, it will help to I have spent a major part of my life achieve certain level of spirituality as Arriving home after I bought my first Saturday 27 September 2014 in searching, training and passing well. As already mentioned above, it Baguazhang video, I could not wait Saturday 13 December 2014 on the arts of Wushu as a hobby. I is also very enjoyable to watch and to watch it, and while viewing it a 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm am very happy with my efforts and practice. random thought came to me: "This have indeed influenced a lot of looks like the routine in the book I All dates and times are people along the way. As for my An interesting fact is that got in my library". I took off at once own progress, I am never satisfied Baguazhang is considered the looking for the book and, tentative. with what I have achieved so far youngest ancient martial art style surprisingly, it was, but with slight For full training programme, because there is so much out there ever created in China - about two variations. I could not believe my that I don't know. I can not help but hundred years ago. Its founder, as luck, even to these days. I was further information and cost feel that the more I know the more I generally accepted, is Tung (Dong) thrilled and felt wild with excitement. please visit discover I don't know! I am sure lots Hai Chuan. Today, there are That started my Baguazhang of people feel the same but such a numerous styles in existence and journey! www.auswushu.com.au. the most popular are the Cheng and Bookings essential ! Continued on Page 6 6

WE Continued from Page 5 RECOMMEND Soon after viewing the video I began was sitting on the side bench learning the routine. Then it did not together with some of his students surprise me that more and more overlooking the lesson) to give me The Bagua books and DVDs on Baguazhang some advice for a couple of started appearing in the shops. The movements I was trying at the time. Teachings timing and arriving of these That was unexpected but felt good resources could not have come at a because I was the only one he came

better time! They all seemed to say to… Maybe he thought I was Tang's by Sun Zhijun. to me that "here you are, go for friend or maybe I have shown some

them"! I was on the cloud Nine and potential or what!

felt so blessed with all those gifts. Master Sun was born in 1933 and My third and final "break" (a giant grew up in Cheng village of From then on, I purchased whatever leap) came in year 2000, when a have a sixth sense in martial arts or province, home town of Cheng I could find to further my young Australian man wanted to my past life must have been some Ting Hua, founder of the Cheng understanding of the style. They learn some basic Changquan (長拳) kind of a warrior! How else can one style of Baguazhang also known were my guiding angels, my explain the quickness that I have as "You Shen Ba Gua Lian Huan from me before he headed off to Baguazhang teachers. To these learned Wushu for myself and seem Zhang". Beijing to study Wushu. Months later days, I have not learnt from any after he went to Beijing he sent me a to learn so much, seem to living Baguazhang masters, except couple of videos on Baguazhang, understand and absorb materials so from attending an introductory performed by one of China's leading, fast! Or maybe (so I was told) my seminar (my first ever), conducted by famous and lineage holder of the mum's father was a good martial the Beijing Wushu team in artist. I have never met him! Cheng (程式) style. Those videos Melbourne in 1996, by the invitation boosted my spirits sky high. They of my friend Tang Lai Wei. I do feel grateful and fortunate to were and still are very helpful for all Unfortunately, little did I learn in such have thousands of books and DVDs my Baguazhang development. a short time. However, I was grateful with the right sort of relevant

for such a short introduction into the information in my library - even the In year 2004, my wife and I went to art of Baguazhang and needed to famous 's first coach had a China on my sixtieth birthday trip. thank Tang Lai Wei too, I am forever shock when he saw my collections! Again, with the help and introduction indebted to him as that was my That was over ten years ago when by Tang, I met this Baguazhang he and his wife came to my place. grand master Sun Ji Jun (孫志君老 师) himself at his home. I performed Apart from being able to get the right some of his routines in his tiny room sorts of information on martial arts, I and Master Sun also signed his own also seem to have the right Besides practicing the art of Baguazhang book I brought with me- connections too. For instance, Baguazhang, Master Sun also an excellent book indeed - a great meeting the right people in Wushu - practiced which treasure among many books in my famous or otherwise - was very helped him to develop speed and library. useful and helpful for me. Definitely, strength with different martial reading books and learning routines movements. Another Baguazhang master came is a fantastic way to keep my brain to Sydney about ten years ago by busy and active into old age! No Tang Lai Wei, Wu Bin and Fong Lee Like his teachers, Masters Sun invitation of some organization that wonder martial artists in Australia soon became a top Baguazhang held a banquet for him where I was nicknamed me "a man of a thousand practitioner. second big "break" in my invited as a guest performer of forms"! Baguazhang study! Baguazhang. I did a Baguazhang Master Sun continued to practice straight sword routine which I have I feel so special and blessed with throughout wars and internal I took a couple of days off work to learned from master Sun not long such a good memory to store all turmoil of the Cultural Revolution attend an one day seminar on before the banquet. I have shown those Wushu routines including all the while studying to become a Baguazhang. I went along as a way him and others that we do have Baguazhang and my chances of civil engineer. In 1964, Master Sun of support and appreciation of Tang's people in Australia who can do meeting all those famous martial started competing in the national efforts for bring the team to Australia! Baguazhang! Since then my artists in the world as well. I am games. Unfortunately, the seminar was too students and I have performed forever grateful to Wushu; it's my short so I did not learn much. But Baguazhang and other forms of source of enjoyment and a way of life In 1982, Master Sun started luckily I had already learned some Wushu in many charity shows and for me. coaching. His disciples range from Baguazhang basics from the book banquets held in the Chinatown National to International gold and video prior to the seminar. I areas. What a way to polish up our I hope it can help you to start your medalists and are now masters could therefore understand and pick routines and gaining experiences for own journey. Good luck! up a few movements to come home themselves. With over 60 years of ourselves and at the same Wushu gave me hope and meaning to live practicing the art Master Sun has with. It is a pity that no video entertaining others! after the passing of my dear and beloved wife recording was allowed during the a few years ago. Of course my own children earned the titles of National are important but they are all grown up now seminar and hence I did not Treasure and Representative of One thing I found fascinating was and have their own family and life. So Wushu the Art of Bagua Zhang . remember much afterwards. that, in all my learnings and is now my only companion and best friend. I experiences, it was like I was steered found comfort, solace and peace within Wushu as without it my life would not be the same! In his seventies now he is mobile, A funny thing happened during the and guided by some mysterious fluid and flexible. His knowledge of seminar though! A Bagua champion forces! Hard to imagine and ______Fong Lee can be found each weekend in not only hands but weapons forms was instructing the group and while I somewhat hard to explain my Eastwood where he is practising with his was practicing some moves, the seemingly lucky breaks. This leads to is remarkable and he is students. considered by some to be one of famous Wu Bin approached me (he some people saying either that I the best Cheng stylists. 7 PROFESSIONAL What is Baguazhang DEVELOPMENT by Fong Lee

To me, Baguazhang is, in some Baguazhang is unique, exotic, (Palm facing upward), Fu Zhang Duan Wei Grading way, like a human washing machine unusual and very different from (Palm facing downward), Shu Zhang in Shaolin (a tumbler one, in fact!). Just other martial arts. Its original name (Upright Palm), Pao Zhang consider our body as a tumbler was "Turning Palms", referring to the (Embracing Palm), Pi Zhang machine and our internal organs as way the art is practiced. Later, the (Chopping Palm), Liao Zhang (Up- dirty cloths. The tossing, spinning name was changed to "the art of Swing Palm), Tiao Zhang (Prick Shaolin International and twisting movements of walking the circle" and now it is Palm) and Zhuang Zhang (Spiral Wushu Festival 2014 Baguazhang is like a washing commonly known as Baguazhang or Palm). machine in action! When we are “Eight Trigram Palms”. According to 18 - 22 October 2014 practicing Baguazhang we are books, "it features swift body Baguazhang is now widely practiced Zhengzhou, China and spread around the world. As a matter of fact, in 1999 I wrote an article for a local newspaper saying The home of Chinese Martial that Baguazhang will one day surpass Taijiquan and will become Arts, Shaolin Temple, this year the art of the new millennium. Now it welcomes over 1500 athletes is definitely going that way. It is now widespread and growing rapidly from more than 60 countries and throughout the world. we are invited too! I have often heard martial artists saying that Baguazhang is very Expect plenty of performances difficult to learn and understand. Personally, I don't agree as I found it from shaven-headed, costumed to be the easiest to learn! Only later kids and scary looking adults I realised that it is because I have already learned a lot of other engaged in hundreds of Chinese Martial Arts styles and matches. therefore accumulated a lot of knowledge along the way to help my own learning of Wushu! exercising all the organs, similar to movements, flexible footwork and Baguazhang to me seems simple washing the dirt off our clothes! constant changes of directions. and easy! But, of course, this is only Baguazhang emphasizes on Often a [“shadow”] boxer walks in a on the surface because to really walking: all sorts of walking; in crisscross manner in all directions understand it (in fact, any system) circles, straight lines, curves and "s" with a slow and sometimes blinding well enough, one may still need a shapes etc. with eight major hand speed to confuse the enemies. Its life time of studying in order to techniques. It is often referred to as trade mark movements are circular completely grasp its original a "swimming body Baguazhang" - and techniques are often delivered meaning. We must keep this in Besides Wushu competitions like a swimming dragon weaving while walking the circle". mind: no matter what we are among the clouds! learning or pursuing, once we and performances in Tai Chi and In Baguazhang there are eight understand the principles, the rest modern traditional Wushu, there basic palms such as: Yang Zhang will be simple! will be an opportunity for technical training and participation in grading (standard Chinese Wushu Duan

Creating Baguazhang or The eight-diagram palm, as a formalised martial Wei Exam), finding out about the art, is often attributed to Dong Haichuan in the early 19th century, who apparently learned from Taoist masters in the mountains of rural China. latest research done. You will be

Dong Haichuan’s disciples (, Cheng Tinghua, Song Changrong, Liu welcome to attend the greeting Fengchun and Ma Weiqi) used different methods of training and expres- ceremony in Dengfeng, will be sions of palm techniques and these ways became known as various styles of Bagua Zhang that differ by their focus, for example the Cheng and Liu shown inside Shaolin Temple styles are said to specialize in "Pushing" the palms, Yin style is known for "Threading" their palms, Song's followers practice "Plum Flower" (Mei and will see Zen Music Shaolin Hua) palm techniques and Ma style palms are known as "Hammers." Grand Ceremony. In general, currently most Bagua practitioners practice either the Yin, Cheng, or Liang styles of Bagua, although Fan, Shi, Liu, Fu, Ma and other styles also still exist.

Bagua Zhang or eight-diagram palm is also known to be called called Youshen Bagua (roving eight-diagram), Longxing Bagua (dragon-shaped eight-diagram), Xingyi Bagua (Xingyi eight-diagram Chuan), Yinyang Ba- pan Zhang (positive-negative eight palm), etc.

Nathan Patrick at Macquarie University, Sydney, 2010 Please do not hesitate and contact us for more details at

[email protected]

8 WE RECOMMEND Thoughts on Baguazhang Margaret River by Paul White HIPPIE WINES Baguazhang is one of the most At the highest level the Bagua staff. Cheng Ting Hua was, unusual and beautiful of the practitioner moves with great speed, according to legend, killed by “It’s not what you are, but who traditional Chinese styles of Wushu. grace, balance and fluidity making it marauding German soldiers while you are… it’s a way of life. It belongs to the so-called internal a most artistic form of self defending a village with the whirling family of martial arts along with expression. Because the forms of his elbow knives. The Margaret River region Taijiquan and Xingyiquan. Indeed, it practitioner is encouraged to (Western Australia) is famous shares very many principles with become “free form” it also promotes The combat skills of Bagua may these sister arts but it has its own what the Japanese call mushin or take some time to develop but the for its free spirited people. Not unique training methods and no-mind where spontaneous action health benefits are apparent from everyone hangs out in a daisy patterns of movement. While Xing and reaction become hot-wired into the first lesson. The relaxing and Yi appears linear and Tai Chi is the nervous system. twisting of the body provides painted kombi or grooves out linear and circular, Bagua is most something akin to a chiropractic to psychedelic rock, but definitely circular. Its foundation Depending on the style, Bagua massage, leaving the practitioner forms are performed whilst walking teaches eight fixed forms called feeling a wonderful sense of energy in a circle which makes it unique in and calmness. The bent leg position the world of Wushu. gives the legs a terrific workout and the mild aerobic effect of walking The most common story of its the circle opens up the lungs and origins tells of an imperial servant promotes better circulation. At first called Dong Hai Chuan who the circle walking feels unusual so it developed the art after learning the takes a while to become circle walking patterns from Taoist accustomed to this new way of priests. He then went on to walking and moving but the benefits incorporate other fighting and health are certainly worth perseverance. movements into the circle and teach For years I had recurring lower back others such as Yin Fu and Cheng problems but after some months of Ting Hua this hybrid style. Each Bagua my back was pain free and new student of Dong added their infinitely more flexible and strong. own skills and styles so that Bagua today has many different versions. In combat the Bagua practitioner More importantly, Bagua is a style seeks to outflank the opponent and based on principles rather then attack from the side or back rather dogma and the advanced student is than meet the attack head on. encouraged to experiment and Bagua teaches soft, relaxed blocks innovate with the ultimate goal of and strikes with rapid and accurate freedom and spontaneity of footwork placing the practitioner in movement. the best possible position tactically. It follows Sun Tsu’s advice in his The genius of Bagua lies in the fact famous book The Art of War to that it combines excellent health outflank and outthink the enemy benefits with fitness, flexibility, with deception and speed and to strength, meditation, qigong and move away when the enemy efficacious fighting skills. Its circling, mother palms, eight changing palms attacks and to advance when the twisting movements open the joints, called the old eight palms, constant enemy retreats. At the heart of the create a flexible spine, improve turning and twisting palms called self defence capability is Bagua’s balance and provide the physical cascade palms or swimming dragon training of fluid moment and and tactical basics for effective or swimming body, linear forms and spontaneous action rather than set combat. The Bagua student learns a combination of linear and circular patterns of movement that are suffice to say, it is near to walk the circle performing various forms such as the 64 palms. It also premeditated and ultimately useless impossible to find grape changes of direction called palm has an arsenal of weapons, some in a fight. changes that move the body to quite exotic, such as the heavy pickers or vine pruners when promote circulation and energy flow. sabre, sword, deer horn knives and the giant surf is pumping. The Margaret River wines have the

same free spirited nature and The eight-diagram palm is based on the old Chinese philosophy of eight combi- nations of three whole and broken lines used in divination. While practising, the purity of purpose.” practitioner moves according to the eight diagrams. There are eight basic palm www.hippiewines.com.au positions. A total of 64 palm changes and moves come from the original eight basic palm changes. Apart from solo practices, there are also sparring and fighting with weapons.

Bagua Zhang features dexterity and agility. When moving around it is like walk- … Even the Yin-Yang ing in a muddy place, with foot steps changing all the time like running water. Palms and body movements follow one after another. When moving it is like a symbol there does not roaming dragon in the clouds; when squatting it is like a sitting tiger; when looking around it is like a monkey on the lookout; when roving it is like a circling have a dark side! eagle. 9 PROFESSIONAL My Experience of Baguazhang DEVELOPMENT

by Bela Nemeth Duan Wei Workshops in Much has already been written about have liked, and once again I found ter by the name of Dong Haichuan Sydney Baguazhang, and it seems presump- myself digging deeper. There was a was highly responsible for the art's tuous to just repeat what others have lot more literature available by then popularity, as during the 19th century said. I will therefore try to tell of my and I soon found that there were he worked as a servant in the Imperial own experience. more styles available. An investiga- Palace in Beijing, eventually impress- tion into these increased my interest ing the emperor while practicing the

in the importance of understanding art to the point that he became body- the underlying principles of proper guard to the court. There is significant bodily alignment and correct move- evidence that Haichuan learned the ment. practice from Taoist and possibly

even Buddhist teachers in the moun- By this time I was reading a lot more tains of rural China, though the history about the so-called “Internal” arts is cloudy. Thus, Dong Haichuan is family; Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua, and widely given credit for formalizing the my interest was aroused. However, art form, if not inventing it. “ while Taiji schools abounded, I could find no Bagua teachers in my area. (If Because Haichuan only taught people The Wushu Council Australia you live outside the Capital cities, it’s already proficient in other martial arts, has adopted the guidelines of not easy.) their training emphasised applying Bagua principles to what they already the Chinese Wushu Eventually, as a side effect of my knew, resulting in a wide variety of Taiji studies, I discovered a Bagua Association and the Duan Wei styles today, and a less formalized teacher about an hour’s drive from structure than say, Taiji. grading system as an indicator home, and so began a study which has lasted for the last five years or so. What have I gained from Bagua? of the professional level of all Wushu and Tai Chi Unlike taiji, Bagua practice consists of Posture improvement from the re- a lot of repetition of basic steps, pos- quirement to align shoulders, hips etc. practitioners in Australia. WCA tures and turns. There are linked while walking in the unique stepping encourages everyone to get forms, which will vary depending on movement, usually while facing into the school. an imaginary circle. familiarized with this system My first experience of Martial Arts was of Japanese Karate, learning a Depending on the style, Bagua teach- Stronger legs. The bent leg position and invites readers to attend Shotokan style for some years. Once es eight fixed forms called mother throughout the forms is a powerful the following workshops: my interest has been aroused, I usu- palms, eight changing palms called exercise. ally start to search for literature on the the old eight palms, constant turning subject. (This was well before the Internal organs- the twisting and spi- and twisting palms called cascade ralling movements massage the major Internet, so I was limited to books and palms or swimming dragon or swim- internal organs. magazines). I soon found that many ming body, linear forms and a combi- Duan Wei Yang and of the Japanese styles had their ori- nation of linear and circular forms Discipline- the movements require Chen Style Tai Chi gins in China. The book “Asian such as the 64 palms. It also has an constant practice to do well. There Level 1-4 Fighting Arts” by Donn F. Draeger arsenal of weapons, some quite exot- are times when it is frustrating, as and Robert W. Smith was a valuable ic, such as the heavy sabre, sword, movements refuse to “come togeth- Single and Dual source of information . Morihei Ueshi- deer horn knives and staff. er”, but eventually, with persistence, Routines ba, the founder of Aikido, was known success can be achieved. At this point I should make some to have studied in China, and there is good reason to believe that his art comment on the origins of the art . At 67 years of age, I hope to keep practicing well into the future, to keep was greatly influenced by Bagua- “No one truly knows who invented my body as fit and flexible as possi- zhang. Baguazhang. That said, it appears ble. Circumstances eventually led me to that the art reached its height in popu- Taiji, firstly with a modified Yang style, larity between the middle period of Saturday 13 December 2014 focusing on relaxation, which I soon Qing Dao Guang (1821-150) to found did not go as far as I would Guang Xu sixth year (1881). Docu- between ments appear to indicate that a mas- 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Bagua Zhang is one of three so called internal martial arts, other two being Taijiquan and Xing Yi, As with Xing Yi and Tai Chi, the practice of Bagua generates vital energy for both health and combat purposes. The Zhang means “Palm” and Bagua practitioners use the open palm techniques as it creates a better energy flow within the body that can be directed for spiritual, martial, or healing purposes.

Bagua Zhang is sometimes called “The Whole Body Training Exercises” as the movements used are all intended to increase the body's vital energy. The basics of Bagua are a series of movements done while walking in a circle (Taoist Walking the Circle) and changing direction using quick footwork together with twisting and spiralling moves called Changes. The All dates and times are tentative. movements become faster and more intricate with turning and twisting once this practice is consistent, for practitioners can move the body in all possible angles and directions for fitness, centring and agility. Baguazhang contains an extremely wide For further information and cost variety of techniques, including various strikes, low kicks, joint techniques, throws, and distinctively circular footwork. please visit www.auswushu.com.au. Bookings essential ! 10 WE RECOMMEND Report from “Jiuhua Big Wish Cup” 1st China International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange The Power of Internal (August 2014, Chizhou, Anhui Province, China) Martial Arts and Chi by Bruce Frantzis The Australian Qigong team went for the Health Qigong Exchange to the place known as “The Country Bruce Frantzis began his of Lotus Flowers”. This annual event organised by the martial arts training in 1961. International Health Qigong Association took place in China for the first time. After earning advanced black belts in judo, karate This is what the participants told us: and aikido in America and A wonderful warm and friendly group of Japan, he spent more than a international attendees welcomed us. We were decade following the Taoist among the first groups to come to the resort path of warrior/healer/priest village hosting the exchange. in China where he was trained by some of the After registration groups began their practice and training. In the programme there was the greatest masters. training course for the international referees with lectures, presentations, explanation of the rules and demonstration of the new standardised routine. Four major sets were explained by the experts from various universities in China and the ways of enhancing the therapeutic effects of exercises discussed. We learned the correct teaching methods of the various Qigong forms along with our colleagues. At the end of the course, the participants of the seminar had to sit exam. The best results were shown by the Australian Dr Larissa Koroleva who was asked to join the team of the international referees.

“This book has become a The training for the international judges martial arts classic. It continued the next day when other participants reveals how the fighting were taken to the Cultural Gardens to see the strategies and development performances and join exercise groups. There were presentations of Qigong in large groups of chi - energy within the dressed in wonderful costumes that were internal martial arts - ba gua, spectacular to watch, and excursions to local tai chi and hsing-i - can give attractions such as the Buddhist Plaza, Temple them a powerful edge over Fairs and Buddhist Ceremonies. such external martial arts as judo, tae kwon do, karate The competition started with the oaths from the and kung fu. Never before athletes and judges. Dr Larissa had the honour has a lineage master to read the oath on behalf of the judges. During provided such in-depth the competition there also were lectures by information about nei gung distinguished scholars, demonstrations by (neijiaquan) - the masters, discussions between the practitioners sophisticated Taoist system and there was not enough time to do anything else! from ancient China for cultivating and moving chi- The Congress of the International Association energy in the body.” saw important decisions made and plans discussed for the next year gathering which will In this book you will take place in France and Portugal. discover: When the tournament came to an end, all the  How chi-energy can participants were invited to join the banquet increase speed, endurance and what a gathering it was – a lot of laughter, and strength in any martial karaoke, singing, dancing and of course art; delicious food! People did not want to finish the  How chi-energy can day and continued celebrating into the night with old and new friends. improve health, reduce stress and balance The last day of the exchange was reserved for emotions; the grading and it was exciting to see how  Similarities and many people wanted to promote Health Qigong in their countries and went through the differences between the exams to make sure that they are doing their internal (ba gua, tai chi and routines correctly. hsing-i) and external martial arts; Before departure, we climbed the famous  How the internal arts Mount Jiuhua (one of the four sacred Mountains) to the Buddhist Shrine at the very enhance the external top for a spectacular view and “A Big Wish”. martial arts such as tae kwon do, karate, kung fu etc. 11 WE RECOMMEND Australians love to travel. Some of them take their Tai Chi practice with them. Here we continue our collection of pictures of globe-trotting Tai Chi-ists in action. Far Far Away Tai Chi THE KUNG FU MASTER Shuai Zheng, The Grand Canyon, USA “Ba Gua Zong Shi“ The originally named “Bagua Master” Zhengzhou Business District The creation of Baguazhang as a formalized martial art is attributed to Dong Haichuan, who is said to have learned from Taoist and Buddhist masters in the mountains of rural China during the early 19th century. In this 2012 movie you can view some interesting Bagua combat techniques.

Dr Larissa Koroleva, Jiuhuashan, China Helen Rivett, Jiuhuashan, China

Did you know?

The origins of the Yin-Yang symbol The correct orientation of can be purely physical the Yin-Yang symbol

An interesting explanation is offered at (http://www.fengshui-magazine.com/taichi.htm) http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/yinyang.htm Looking at the different internet sites, books, A shape remarkably similar to the traditional Yin-Yang symbol magazines, logos of clubs and schools, we can see a can be constructed by observing the cycle of the Sun. If we lot of different versions of the Yin-Yang symbol – put a pole at the right angle to the ground, record the rotated, inverted and mirrored. The movie is loosely based on

(maximum and minimum) length of the shadow during the the life story of Dong Haichuan, year and then plot them in polar coordinates we will obtain the the founder (or, as some following diagram: suggest, the first “promoter”) of the Baguazhang style of Wushu. The foundations of this

style are the ancient principles The natural question then arises: which one is correct and is there the correct orientation of the symbol? of “The Book of Change” (“I To answer this question, we have to refer to the Ching”). Dong Haichuan connection between Yin-Yang and seasons traditionally receives this book as a gift from prescribed by the Chinese philosophy. The Highest one of his teachers. Yang is associated with Summer. The Chinese compass is oriented differently from Western one – with South located at the top. We can easily see that the He had been studying Wushu only consistent orientation satisfying these requirements since he was young, however, is the one that is displayed here: at some point had to flee his

home town because of a conflict with authorities.

In his wanderings, he continues

practicing Wushu, meets different teachers and learns from them. Later he starts The longest shadow would be found on the day of Winter Any other orientations and versions are still good as working as a chief security Solstice which has the least sunshine in the year. The shortest they correctly reflect the unity and balance of Yin and shadow and the maximum of sunshine would be found on the Yang but they are not consistent enough with the Cycle officer for one of the highest day of Summer Solstice. These days can be considered as of Seasons and the Compass Directions and therefore Chinese officials and the moments when Summer and Winter, respectively, start do not properly represent the philosophy behind the participates in the tournament emerging and marked on the diagram by two small circles symbol. It is a challenge though to prove that the defending his country against which makes it almost identical to the contemporary image of traditional Chinese concepts developed in the Northern the Yin-Yang symbol. hemisphere are still valid in the Southern hemisphere. foreign fighters. Eventually, he The books say they are but we always have a right to opens his own school. question the books. 12

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