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{{short description|Chinese martial art}}
{{italic title}}
{{Infobox martial art
| logo         =
| logocaption  =
| logosize     =
| image        = 250_Bagau016ChangChaoDong.jpg 
| imagecaption = Zhang Zhaodong, also known as Zhang Zhankui, performing Baguazhang
| imagesize    = 150px
| name         = Baguazhang<br />{{nobold|八卦掌}}
| aka          = Baguaquan or Bagua
| focus        =
| hardness     = Internal (''[[neijia]]'')
| country      = [[China]]
| creator      = [[Dong Haichuan]] (attributed)
| parenthood   =
| famous_pract = {{ubli|[[Yin Fu]]|[[Cheng Tinghua]]|[[Ma Gui (martial artist)|Ma Gui]]|[[Liang Zhenpu]]|[[Fu Zhensong]]|[[Gao Yisheng]]|[[Jiang Rongqiao]]|[[Sun Lutang]]|[[Jet Li]]}}
| olympic      = No
| website      =
}}
{{Chinese martial arts}}

'''''Baguazhang''''' ({{zh|t=八卦掌|p=bā guà zhǎng|w=pa-kua chang}}) is one of the three main [[Chinese martial arts]] of the ''[[Wudangquan|Wudang]]'' school, the other two being [[tai chi]] and ''[[xingyiquan]]''. It is more broadly grouped as an internal practice (or ''[[neijia]]''). ''Baguazhang'' literally means "eight trigram palm", referring to the ''[[bagua]]'' "trigrams" of the ''[[I Ching|Yijing]]'', one of the canons of [[Taoism|Daoism]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Robert |date=2017-05-22 |title=An Introduction to Chinese Martial Arts Styles |work=ThoughtCo |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/chinese-martial-arts-styles-2308295 |access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref><ref name="Lie, Zhang 1995">{{cite book |surname=Lie |given=Zhang |title=Classical Baguazhang |volume=V: Yin Style Baguazhang |translator-first=Joseph |translator-last=Crandall |location=Pinole, California |publisher=Smiling Tiger Martial Arts |year=1995}}</ref>

==History==
The creation of ''baguazhang'' as a formalized martial art is attributed to [[Dong Haichuan]], who is said to have learned it from Taoist and Buddhist masters in the mountains of rural [[China]] during the early 19th century.<ref>{{cite book |surname1=Yintao |given1=Fei |surname2=Yuliang |given2=Fei |title=Classical Baguazhang |volume=IV: Wudang Baguazhang |translator-first=Joseph |translator-last=Crandall |location=Pinole, California |publisher=Smiling Tiger Martial Arts |year=1994}}</ref> Many Chinese authorities do not accept the Buddhist origin, instead maintaining that those teachers were purely Taoist in origin, the evidence lying in ''baguazhang'''s frequent reference to core concepts central to [[Taoism]], such as [[yin and yang]] theory, ''[[I Ching]]'', and Taoism's most distinctive paradigm, the ''[[bagua]]'' diagram.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Liang |first1=Shou-Yu |url=https://archive.org/details/baguazhangemeiba00lian |title=Baguazhang: Emei Baguazhang Theory and Applications |last2=Yang |first2=Jwing-Ming |last3=Wu |first3=Wen-Ching |last4=Jwing-Ming |first4=Yang |date=1994 |publisher=YMAA Publication Center |isbn=978-0-940871-30-4 |url-access=registration}}{{page needed|date=July 2019}}</ref> The attribution to Buddhist teachers came from the second generation teachers, i.e. Dong Haichuan's students, some of whom were Buddhist. There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practised in the region in which Dong Haichuan lived, combined with Taoist circle walking that emulates the cyclical patterns found in nature. Through his work as a servant in the Imperial Palace he impressed the emperor with his graceful movements and fighting skill, and became an instructor and a bodyguard to the court.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite book |last=Green |first=Thomas A. |year=2001 |title=Martial Arts of the World}}</ref>{{fcn|date=February 2025}} Dong Haichuan taught for many years in [[Beijing]], eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.<ref>{{cite book |surname1=Jingru |given1=Liu |surname2=Youqing |given2=Ma |title=Classical Baguazhang |volume=II: Cheng Shi Baguazhang (Cheng Family Baguazhang) |translator-first=Joseph |translator-last=Crandall |location=Pinole, California |publisher=Smiling Tiger Martial Arts |year=2001}}</ref>

Famous disciples of Dong Haichuan to become teachers were [[Yin Fu]], [[Cheng Tinghua]], [[Ma Gui (martial artist)|Ma Gui]], Song Changrong ({{lang|zh-hant|宋長榮}}), {{ill|Liu Fengchun|it|Liu Fengchun}}, Ma Weiqi ({{lang|zh|馬維棋}}), Liu Baozhen ({{lang|zh-hant|劉寶珍}}), [[Liang Zhenpu]], and Liu Dekuan ({{lang|zh|劉德寛}}). Although they were all students of the same teacher, their methods of training and expressions of palm techniques differed.<ref name="Lie, Zhang 1995" /> The Cheng and Liu styles are said to specialize in "pushing" the palms, Yin style is known for "threading" the palms, Song's followers practice "Plum Flower" ({{lang|zh-hant|梅花}} ''[[Prunus mume|Mei]] Hua'') palm technique and Ma style palms are known as "hammers". Some of Dong Haichuan's students, including Cheng Tinghua, participated in the [[Boxer Rebellion]]. In general, most ''baguazhang'' exponents today practice either the Yin ({{lang|zh|尹}}), Cheng ({{lang|zh-hant|程}}), Liang ({{lang|zh-hant|梁}}) styles, although Fan ({{lang|zh-hant|樊}}), Shi ({{lang|zh|史}}), Liu ({{lang|zh|劉}}), Fu ({{lang|zh-hant|傅}}), and other styles also exist (the Liu-style is a special case, in that it is rarely practiced alone, but as a complement to other styles). In addition, there are sub-styles of the above methods as well, such as the Sun ({{lang|zh-hant|孫}}), Gao ({{lang|zh|高}}), and Jiang ({{lang|zh-hant|姜}}) styles, which are sub-styles of Cheng method.

==Modern styles==
*[[Yin-style baguazhang|Yin-style]] developed by [[Yin Fu]]
*[[Cheng-style baguazhang|Cheng-style]] developed by [[Cheng Tinghua]]
*[[Liang-style baguazhang|Liang-style]] developed by [[Liang Zhenpu]]
*[[Gao-style baguazhang|Gao-style]] developed by [[Gao Yisheng]]
*[[Yin Sect Gao-style baguazhang|Yin Sect Gao-style]] developed by [[Gao Ziying]]
*[[Jiang-style baguazhang|Jiang Style]] developed by [[Jiang Rongqiao]]
*Shi-style developed by Shi Jidong ({{lang|zh|史計棟}})
*Song-style developed by Song Changrong {{lang|zh-hant|宋長榮}} and Song Yongxiang ({{lang|zh|宋永祥}})
*Fan-style developed by Fan Zhiyong ({{lang|zh-hant|范志勇}})
*Liu-style developed by Liu Baozhen ({{lang|zh|劉寶珍}})
*Ma-style developed by Ma Weiqi ({{lang|zh|馬維棋}})
*Ma Gui-style developed by [[Ma Gui (martial artist)|Ma Gui]]
*Gong Baotian-style developed by Gong Baotian ({{lang|zh|宮寶田}})
*Sun-style developed by [[Sun Lutang]]
*[[Fu-style baguazhang|Fu-style]] developed by [[Fu Zhensong]]
*[[Yin-yang-style baguazhang]] developed by Tian Hui ({{lang|zh|田廻}})
*[[Ho Ho Choy-style baguazhang]] developed by He Kecai ({{lang|zh|何可才}})
*Lu-style developed by Lu Shuitian (盧水田)

===Common aspects===
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 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.<ref>Lie, Zhang. ''Classical Baguazhang Volume V: Yin Style Baguazhang.'' Trans. Joseph Crandall. Pinole, California: Smiling Tiger Martial Arts 1995.</ref> For a beginner, the circle is six to twelve feet in diameter.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> 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.

Many distinctive styles of weapons are contained within ''baguazhang''; some use concealment, like the "judge's pen" ({{zh|t=判官筆|p=Pànguān Bǐ}}) or a pair of knives (the most elaborate, which are unique to the style, are the crescent-shaped [[deer horn knives]] ({{zh|t=鹿角刀|p=Lùjiǎodāo}}). ''Baguazhang'' is also known for practicing with extremely large weapons, such as the ''bagua'' sword ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=八卦劍|p=bāguà[[jian|jiàn]]}}) and the ''bagua'' broadsword ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=八卦刀|p=bāguà[[Dao (Chinese sword)|dāo]]}}). Other weapons are also used, such as the staff (''[[Gun (staff)|gun]]''), spear (''[[Qiang (spear)|qiang]]''), cane (''guai''), and hook sword (''gou''). Baguazhang practitioners are known for being able to use anything as a weapon using the principles of their art.

''Baguazhang'' contains an extremely wide variety of techniques as well as weapons, including various strikes (with palm, fist, elbow, fingers, etc.), kicks, joint locks, throws, and distinctively evasive circular footwork. As such, ''baguazhang'' is considered neither a purely striking nor a purely grappling martial art. ''Baguazhang'' emphasizes circular movement, allowing practitioners to flow, harmonize and evade objects and opponents.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Bagua for Beginners 1: Eight Palms |date=2019 |type=DVD |publisher=YMAA |place=USA |people=Yang, Chenhan}}</ref> This is the source of the theory of being able to deal with multiple attackers and find solutions to seemingly complicated scenarios, within training or in daily life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang) |url=http://www.brisbanekungfu.com/ba-gua/ |access-date=2017-06-01 |publisher=Brisbane Kung Fu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=FAQ 3) Martial arts |url=http://maguibagua.com/faq-3-martial-arts/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522223348/http://maguibagua.com/faq-3-martial-arts/ |archive-date=2017-05-22 |access-date=2017-06-01 |publisher=Magui Baguazhang Promotion Center}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=INNER SECRETS - Martial arts and Health |url=http://www.innersecrets.at/bagua.3.html#bagua |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301074223/http://www.innersecrets.at/bagua.3.html |archive-date=2014-03-01 |access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref> ''Baguazhang'''s evasive nature is also shown by the practice of moving behind an attacker, so that the opponent cannot harm the practitioner.

Although the many branches of ''baguazhang'' are often quite different from each other (some, like Cheng-style, specialize in close-in wrestling and joint locks, while others, like some of the Yin styles, specialize in quick, long-range striking), all have circle walking, spiraling movement, and certain methods and techniques (piercing palms, crashing palms, etc.) in common.

''Baguazhang'''s movements employ the whole body with smooth coiling and uncoiling actions, utilizing hand techniques, dynamic footwork, and throws. Rapid-fire movements draw energy from the center of the abdomen or [[dantian]]. The circular stepping pattern also builds up [[centripetal force]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Baguazhang {{!}} 八卦掌 |url=http://taipinginstitute.com/courses/internal-arts/baguazhang |access-date=2017-06-01 |publisher=Taiping Institute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Su Dong-Chen |date=July 2008 |title=Spiral Body Ba Gua Zhang |url=http://www.essenceofevolution.com/10internal%20mas/ep0pakua.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107140302/http://www.essenceofevolution.com/10internal%20mas/ep0pakua.html |archive-date=2016-11-07 |access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dan Huan Zhang |date=2017-03-13 |title=SINGLE PALM CHANGE |url=http://www.zeigua.com/baguazhang/baguazhang_singlepalm.html |access-date=2017-06-01 |archive-date=2020-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010043236/http://www.zeigua.com/baguazhang/baguazhang_singlepalm.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> allowing the practitioner to maneuver quickly around an opponent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ba Gua Zhang |date=2012-05-07 |title=AN INTRODUCTION TO BA GUA ZHANG |url=http://www.shenwu.com/bagua.htm |access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-13 |title=Baguazhang: 8 trigrams palm |url=http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/Baguazhang.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326024616/http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/Baguazhang.htm |archive-date=2023-03-26 |access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Paul |date=2013-11-29 |title=Bagua-a fighting art designed for multiple attackers |url=http://www.wing-chun-schools.com/bagua-fighting-art-designed-for-multiple-attackers/ |access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>

==In media==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2024}}
* ''Baguazhang'' inspired the main basis of airbending in the 2005–2008 [[Nickelodeon Animation Studio]] TV series ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', [[M. Night Shyamalan]]'s 2010 [[The Last Airbender (film)|film counterpart]], its [[Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024 TV series)|2024 Netflix counterpart]], and its sequel series ''[[The Legend of Korra]]''.
* ''[[Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings]]'' features ''baguazhang'' being used by [[Characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: M–Z#Ying Li|Ying Li]], mother of the [[Shang Chi (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|title character]] and wife of [[Wenwu]] (the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe|MCU]]'s version of the [[Mandarin (character)|Mandarin]]).
* ''Baguazhang'' is used by [[Zhang Ziyi]] as Gong Ruo Mei and [[Zhang Jin (actor)|Zhang Jin]] as Ma San in ''[[The Grandmaster (film)|The Grandmaster]]''. 
* [[Jet Li]] uses ''baguazhang'' when playing Gabriel Yulaw in ''[[The One (2001 film)|The One]]''.
* ''Baguazhang'' inspired the Hyuga clan's gentle fist-fighting style in ''[[Naruto]]''.
* [[Ling Xiaoyu]] of the ''[[Tekken]]'' series of games is said to practice ''Baguazhang'' and ''Piguazhang'' styles.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/tekken/tekken-8/characters/ling-xiaoyu | title=Ling Xiaoyu | date=23 January 2025 }}</ref>
* [[Ashrah]] uses a variation of ''baguazhang'' in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]''.

==See also==
* ''[[Bagua]]''—the eight trigrams, used as guiding principles for ''baguazhang''.
* ''[[I Ching]]''—the Chinese Classic relied on by Taoist thinking. 
* [[Feng shui]]—the metaphysical system of interior design based on the ''[[bagua]]''.
* [[Tai chi]]—a similar ''[[neijia]]''.

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
* Robert W. Smith, ''Chinese Boxing'', {{ISBN|1-55643-085-X}}
* Bok Nam, Park & Dan Miller, ''The Fundamentals of Pa Kua Chang: The Methods of Lu Shui-T'ien As Taught by Park Bok Nam'', {{ISBN|0-86568-173-2}}
* Shou-Yu, Liang, ''Baguazhang : Emei Baguazhang Theory and Applications'', {{ISBN|0-940871-30-0}}
* O'Brien, Jess, ''Nei Jia Quan: Internal Martial Arts Teachers of Tai Ji Quan, Xing Yi Quan, and Ba Gua Zhang'', {{ISBN|1-55643-506-1}}
* Frantzis, Bruce Kumar, ''The Power of Internal Martial Arts: Combat Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Hsing-I'', {{ISBN|1-55643-253-4}}
* Wang Shujin, ''Bagua Linked Palms - Translated by Kent Howard and Chen Hsiao-Yen'', {{ISBN|978-1-58394-264-2}} (1-58394-264-5)
* Wang Shujin, ''Bagua Swimming Body Palms - Translated by Kent Howard and Chen Hsiao-Yen'', {{ISBN|978-1-58394-245-1}} (1-58394-245-9)

==External links==
<!-- Wikipedia isn't a link farm. A link should be here if it provides new info, not simply to promote business. Thank you!-->
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20021129220016/http://www.pakuachangjournal.com/ The Pa Kua Chang Journal]}}
* [http://www.chinafrominside.com/ma/bagua.html ChinaFromInside.com presents... BAGUAZHANG]
* [https://ba-gua.org/ Qiang Shan Ba Gua Zhang Association]

{{commons category|Baguazhang}}
{{Martial arts}}

[[Category:Baguazhang| ]]
[[Category:Chinese swordsmanship]]
[[Category:Chinese martial arts]]
[[Category:Neijia]]