Ba Gua Zhang Perform Film

The creation of Baguazhang, as a formalised martial art, is attributed to Dong Haichuan (董海川) in the early 19th century, who apparently learned from Taoist, masters in the mountains of rural China.There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practised in the region in which he lived, combined with Taoist circle walking. Because of his work as a servant in the Imperial Palace, he impressed the emperor with his graceful movements and his skill at martial arts and became an instructor and a body guard to the court.Dong Haichuan taught for many years in Beijing, eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.

The practice of circle walking, or "Turning the Circle", as it is sometimes called, is baguazhang's characteristic method of stance and movement training. All forms of baguazhang utilize circle walking prevalently as an integral part of training. Practitioners walk around the edge of the circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms.For a beginner the circle is six to twelve feet in diameter.Students first learn flexibility and proper body alignment through the basic exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics. Although the internal aspects of baguazhang are similar to those of xingyiquan and tai chi, they are distinct in nature.

Mr. Chang in the film is one of most famous Neijia(Internal) Martial Arts master in Taiwan. He is still teaching Neijia(Internal) Martial Arts in Taipei. This film is made in 30 years ago, so it's not clear. But it's show out a typical Ba Gua Zhang form.