BAGUA
If you are looking for training in Bagua system, Siu Lum Academy is the place for you. The instructors at Siu Lum provide training in Yin Fu Bagua, as a more complete system. This would include basic body mechanics, the Eight Animals, circle walking, straight line as well as circular movements. If this is of interest to you, maybe Siu Lum would meet you needs.
BAGUA Class
Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Access additional Bagua information.
Curriculum Yin Baguazhang
It is a combative “art of striking while moving” with precise theoretical and technical qualities. The fighting theory and usage, technique, and internal development methods all originate from and accord with an ancient Chinese classic of philosophy known as the Book of Changes. It is this philosophy which gives us the rules of the circle and square. Drawn from the symbolism and meaning of the Eight Trigrams in the Book of Changes, Yin Style Bagua has eight distinct systems within the art. Each of these systems, represented by a trigram and particular animal, stands on its own as a complete martial art with unique developmental methods and fighting strategy.
These animal systems each use a distinct type of strike force developed by power training different parts of the body: Lion uses full body power generated from the waist; Snake uses a binding, constricting force; Bear uses a short force from the upper back; Dragon uses a long force generated from the legs; Phoenix uses the shoulders to swing strikes with a circular force; Rooster uses the elbows to deliver short, crashing strikes; Unicorn uses the waist to remove an opponent’s attack force; and Monkey uses the legs to kick and attack. The developmental methods of this art are divided into four main areas: isometric strength postures which develop muscular strength and improve circulation; circle turning training which improves fighting skill by developing coordination, balance, footwork, and full-body strength; fighting technique which includes striking, kicking, throwing and grappling, and finally changing which encompasses the training of altering force and technique to skillfully manipulate an opponent. During training, Yin Style Bagua places particular emphasis on single and combined strike practice paired with various types of footwork. A practitioner will coordinate all parts of the body when executing attacks, with the use of precise footwork and leg technique being particularly important. Bagua leg techniques are said to be “heavy” — heavy not only in their power, but also in the heavy emphasis placed on their usage. Proper positioning of the feet while moving and attacking is considered essential in being an effective fighter. It allows the practitioner to gain advantageous position on an opponent while at the same time helping to maximize the power and effectiveness of techniques. Yin Style Bagua is well known amongst Bagua styles as the “hard palm,” as its movements are fierce and strong, emphasizing direct force and shocking power while its defining characteristics in fighting are “cold, crisp, and fast.” Training Yin Style Bagua can increase strength and flexibility while improving reaction time and speed of movement. It can also improve musculoskeletal structure, nervous system and internal organ function. It will improve your fighting ability, make you more resistant to attack, and improve your overall state of mind. In all, Yin Style Bagua is beneficial for self-defense, health and athletic performance.
Bagua
Dong Haichuan
HISTORY OF BAGUA ZHANG
In the majority of Chinese martial arts systems there are questions as to the origination of the systems. As early martial arts and philosophical training was based on an oral tradition so the stories, over time, could become distorted. The origin story of Bagua is slightly different. Though there is discussion as to whether the modern Bagua is a descendant of Yin Yang Ba Pan Zhang, there is a consensus on the role of Dong Haichuan as the dominant source of Bagua Zhang.
Dong is believed to have been trained in the Taoist as well as Shaolin and Buddhist traditions in the mountains of Hebei Province. He was a member of the Quanzhen sect of Taoism, which practiced a method of circle walking while chanting to quiet the mind and focus the intent as a practice which would lead to enlightenment. It is also believed that he had been trained in the martial arts of his region such as Ba Fa Quan, Hong Chuan, Xing Men Quan and Jin Gang Quan. This training would be merged with the circle walking of his Taoist training which Dong called Zhuangzhang (Turning Palm).
In the mid 1800’s, Dong was hired to train the household servants of Prince Su in martial arts. The servants would protect the household, including the Prince’s family, from outside attacks. In time Dong was sent out with his student Yin Fu, to Mongolia to collect taxes from the populous for approximately 9 years. During these times, Dong continued the training in Yin Fu in his system of Bagua. When he returned to Hebei Province, Dong began teaching outside individuals in his art full time. During this time of training the general population it became known as Baguazhang (Eight Trigram Palm). After teaching in Beijing for a number of years, Dong was appointed a guard at the Imperial Palace and he remained in this position for a number of years.
Yin Fu continued as one of Dong’s primary students and received training in the entire system. Yin Fu in turn also has students. Others who were Dong’s longest students were Cheng Tinghua, Song Changrong, Lei Fengchun, and Ma Weiqi. A student of Yin Fu was Men Bhaozen who taught a young boy who was a neighbor named Xie Peiqi.
Yin Fu
Xie Peiqi
Li Bao Hua
Bagua Instructors
W. C. Bey
Sifu Bey began studying martial arts at age 13 under a Judo Master. At age 26 he began studying Shao-Lin martial arts with Master Sigu-Ho. From Master Ho he learned Northern Shao-Lin Long Fist. He continued his studies with the Senior Disciple of Sigu-Ho, Samaad Haaq of Montclair, New Jersey. He studied Yin Fu Bagua under Dr. Xie Peiqi and currently studies Magua Bagua under Li Baohua.
Sifu Bey was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1998, 2014, 2016 and was honored by being named a Master by Grand Master S.L. Martin in 2015.
Sifu Bey teaches advanced Tai Chi styles and Bagua at the Academy. Sifu Bey is as highly respected martial artist with many honors and a great depth of martial arts skill and knowledge.
Michael A. Newman
During his 40 years of studying and participating in martial arts, Mike has studied Wrestling, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kuntao Kungfu, Tai Chi Chuan and Baguazang. Mike received multiple black belts in Tae Kwon Do studying under both Grandmaster Chea T. Goh and Master Neal Phalen. He studied Shaolin Kuntao for 3 years under Sifu Ken Doyle, which emphasized combat training. Mike then switched to the internal martial arts with Dr. Steve L. Sun and Shifu W. C. Bey. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Tai Chi.
Mike is 63, married, and has 3 daughters. His daughters have participated in martial arts, along side of their dad, over the years.
