Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One: South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style [Paperback]

Zhang Jie (Author), Richard Shapiro (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 2008

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 In addition to illustrations of the Bagua movements, the book contains previously unpublished historical photographs.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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Professor Zhang teaches Chinese culture, calligraphy, chi gung, martial arts, and Tui Na massage in Seattle. He has published many previous books in Chinese. This is his first English-language publication. Richard Shapiro lives in Mesa, AZ, where he practices and teaches Bagua Zhang and Tai Chi, and practices Tui-Na bodywork. With a master’s degree in sports science/sports psychology, he has been training in martial arts since 1992.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (August 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583942181
• ISBN-13: 978-1583942185
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #215,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A philosophical and historical review on one of the advanced forms of Chinese internal martial arts, August 27, 2008

By 

Darren Chang "darren the good bad boy" (beijing, china) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One: South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars liu bin's zhuang gong bagua zhang:foundation practices,volume one, September 18, 2008

By 

john Round "John" (Liverpool England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One: South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style (Paperback)

This is an excellent first book on Ba Gua. The authors clearly have a sincere and humble approach to the subject,backed with obvious mastery.A great book for the beginner or experienced artist.The chi gong and chilin forms,with the single palm change are a welcome addition to one's knowledge.Overall a brilliant start which augers well for the follow up book(s).Let's hope the second book is not long coming.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Bagua Book, November 26, 2009

By 

S. Bryant - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One: South District Beijing's Strongly Rooted Style (Paperback)

This book was an enjoyable read for a Bagua enthusiast. I doubt anyone who doesn't practice Baguazhang would like it. The history and stories were entertaining and I enjoyed the pictures from the old days. The forms presented in the book were foundational forms that would make a good introduction to the Baguazhang body method. I would have like to have seen more realistic combat, but that's possibly just me. Overall, I would recommend it to any Baguazhang practitioners out there who like to read about their art.