Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang: Foundation Practices, Volume One (Paperback)

by Zhang Jie (Author), Richard Shapiro (Contributor)
Key Phrases: dan tian, kun gua, ren yuan, Bagua Zhang, Twenty-Four Movements of the Eight Animals, Shuai Jiao (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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 In addition to illustrations of the Bagua movements, the book contains previously unpublished historical photographs.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

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: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #263,727 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 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 (REAL NAME)

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 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:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good reference book, well written, June 26, 2009

By	tao man (Framingham, MA United States) - See all my reviews

The unfortunate truth is that you can't learn ba gua, or any martial or internal art, from a book. However, this is a good book and is a good supplement to what you might be learning from a class or private lesson. The author has an engaging, clear writing style and the book is full of interesting and useful stuff.