www.Longfei-Taiji.co.uk	Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain
		Longfei Newsletter Volume 7 Issue 2

Master Wang's Autumn Visit: Xingyi Quan and Bagua Zhang

Master Wang returned on 3, 4 & 5 November 2006. Interest in these lesser known internal arts is growing in the Longfei membership and all three of these workshops were well attended; our perseverance has been rewarded. The Friday session was a continuation of the theme developed in the spring.

This was a fantastic workshop on xingyi, a veritable master class for the development and generation of "Internal Power". The emphasis was on correct principles, understanding structure and developing technique. Master Wang introduced only four of the many internal energies that can be found in the art of xingyi. These are "Pi Zhang", "Zuan Quan", "Beng Quan", "Pao Quan". The training of these techniques was applied and practised in stationary postures to enable attendees to focus on the essential detail of each individual skill. Correct function and generation of power was the theme. We also looked at some other energies found in the xingyi arsenal. The most important of these was the technique "Tiao Lin" which employs the use of vertical power (extremely difficult to execute). The imparted information was full of important detail and useful information. The three-hour session passed very quickly leaving plenty to practice.

Bagua zhang was the subject of Saturday and SundayÕs workshops Ð a fascinating subject. Saturday dealt with basics and was aimed to accommodate the beginner, while giving those with some bagua knowledge the opportunity to hone and perfect basic skills. The main thrust was to revisit the "Eight Big Palms", working to correct footwork, stepping methods, and body posture and functions. Sunday was geared around improving and moving on from the spring. In April we were introduced to "Single and Double Palm Changes"; today we reviewed the previous training and added one new "Palm Change".

The workshop included some partner work and Master Wang demonstrated many applications from the bagua arsenal. The applications included grappling and sticking (Qin Na), throws and kicking techniques. We were also introduced to some of the energies to be discovered in bagua, "Zhuang Zhang" and "Gai Zhang" (fascinating material). Master Wang is a gifted and extremely generous teacher with a rare ability to "perform and teach". This was a great opportunity to dip the toe in the waters of the other two internal arts.

The November seminars were over subscribed especially the bagua zhang. Walking the circle requires so much more room than linear forms. Next yearÕs seminars will follow the same formula. Continuity will be observed. To avoid disappointment please book early. Dates for Master WangÕs visits can be found at the front of the newsletter or on the website.

Simon Watson

Longfei Newsletter Volume 7 Issue 2 Table of Contents