What is Baguazhang?
Baguazhang: A Clear Definition
Baguazhang (八卦掌), literally “the palm techniques of the eight trigrams,” is a Chinese internal martial art developed in the nineteenth century by Dong Haichuan (ca. 1813–1882). It is characterized by circular walking, spiralling body movements, and the use of palm techniques to apply force and change direction dynamically.
Baguazhang is a complete martial system that combines self-defence, internal body training, and health cultivation. Its defining feature is the continuous movement around a circle, through which the practitioner learns to adapt to changing situations, apply techniques in all directions, and transform internal and external force.
Origins and Development of Baguazhang
Research conducted in China by Dr. Kang Gewu and in the West by Prof. dr. Dan K.J. Vercammen has shown that Baguazhang was developed in the nineteenth century by Dong Haichuan and later shaped into different styles by his disciples. Rather than emerging fully formed, the system was composed using older self-defence techniques from Dong’s native region, elements from other martial traditions such as Shaolinquan, and Taoist training methods.
A central element of Baguazhang is circular walking. The practitioner moves in circular and spiralling patterns according to the principles of taiji (yin and yang), while applying self-defence techniques corresponding to the eight cardinal directions, symbolised by the eight trigrams (bagua). These trigrams are not only conceptual references but are also embodied in the movements themselves, stimulating internal processes that can be described using trigram terminology.
The practice of walking the circle originates from the Taoist Quanzhen (Complete Authenticity) tradition, where it functioned as a religious ritual and a method to combat fatigue. Dong Haichuan adapted this practice into a martial context, integrating it with combat techniques and health-oriented goals. In terms of intellectual background, Baguazhang draws heavily on ancient self-defence traditions and on the Zhouyi (Yijing), the Book of Changes, together with its Confucian and Taoist interpretations.
What Baguazhang Is Not
Baguazhang is often misunderstood due to its circular walking practice and its association with Taoist philosophy. It is not a ritual walking exercise, nor is it a purely meditative or symbolic practice. While its movements are informed by Taoist concepts, Baguazhang was developed as a functional martial art with clear self-defence applications.
Baguazhang is also not merely a health exercise. Although regular practice can improve balance, coordination, and overall physical condition, these effects are secondary to its martial purpose. Simplified walking practices or isolated palm movements that lack martial structure do not represent the system as it was originally conceived.
Finally, Baguazhang should not be regarded as an abstract philosophical system. References to the eight trigrams and the Zhouyi (Yijing) provide a conceptual framework, but understanding Baguazhang through theory alone is insufficient. Without embodied training, these ideas remain intellectual constructs rather than functional principles.
Baguazhang as an Internal Martial Art
Baguazhang is classified as an internal martial art because it emphasizes whole-body integration, internal coordination, and the transformation of movement rather than isolated muscular force. Circular walking trains the practitioner to remain mobile, responsive, and adaptable, allowing techniques to be applied fluidly in all directions.
Training traditionally includes stance work, single techniques, structured sets, unarmed and armed practice, and partner exercises. Daoist daoyin exercises are often incorporated to support flexibility, breath regulation, and internal conditioning. Through these methods, practitioners develop the ability to change direction smoothly, issue force efficiently, and maintain balance under dynamic conditions.
As an internal martial art, Baguazhang requires long-term practice and gradual refinement. Its effectiveness lies not in spectacle or speed alone, but in the practitioner’s ability to integrate movement, intent, and structure into a coherent whole. This combination of martial function, internal training, and adaptability defines Baguazhang as a complete and demanding discipline.
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