#cheng bagua

[dresdencodak]

Kung Fu facts with Xiaoling (from Dark Science #153)

As you may guess, these old Kung Fu grannies are the ones that taught Ling Baguazhang ("Eight Trigram Palm"), more specifically Liang-style Bagua. Its beginner form is the Eight Fixed Palms, eight postures held while walking in a circle.

In the panel above, Ling is practicing that form, specifically "Lion Holds Ball," the fifth posture in the set. However she's incorrectly arching her back, hence why she's getting poked by one of the grannies.

Bagua is probably best known for its circular footwork while training (and also being the basis for airbending in Avatar), but in my opinion what makes it so unique is its ability to synthesize and integrate other martial arts into its system. In fact, the creator of Bagua in the late 19th century tasked his top students with developing their own versions of Bagua using the different styles they'd previously mastered.

For example, Cheng style Bagua was created by a master who integrated Bagua into his wrestling, Yin style integrates that master's Shaolin techniques, and Liang style integrated that master's kicking-focused style into Bagua. So there's quite a bit of diversity!

Edit I forgot to also mention that the reason I chose Lion Holds Ball is specifically because it's the first posture of the Fixed Eight to have an asymmetrical hand position, which offers unique ways to Ling to explore coordination with her prosthetic arm.

[imthepunchlord]

Marinette's Elemental and Miraculous Matches (Bagua)

Wu Xing, Zodiac

Being tied to Wood and Metal, of the Bagua, Marinette is set to thrive with Lion, Turtle, Deer, and Mantis.

Lion plays off her independence and efficiency. Having a power to make herself a hero with any sort of power, it's something she'd utilize well, even with that five minute timer, having a good idea on what power would be needed, and it is canon that she does well under pressure. Uproar can also work off her expressing her thoughts, to truly get her voice out there. It is something she doesn't need as much as she will speak her mind, but she has been easily silenced and dismissed (largely seen with Alya).

With Valrr, he toes a similar line between Plagg and Tikki. Valrr is one to build up his humans, re-evaluate that they can and WILL succeed by their own greatness, they just need to realize it and embrace it. With any doubt, Valrr is charismatic and confident enough to bat it away. In spite of this, Valrr is also lazy, and is aware that other people actually exist and they're also fully capable of doing things on their own too. If Lion's power or his human's skill isn't truly needed, then he often votes to let other people deal with it. Kings/queens are only here to solve big problems, not every petty little thing. He also cherishes leisure and enjoyment, and encourages his humans to do the same (actually no matter how many busy body humans he meets, he's always baffled why they feel they must always be productive). Through this aspect, similar to Plagg, Marinette can learn that not everything needs her solving it, and can ease up in her involvement and how much she piles on.

Turtle easily plays off Marinette's nature to help, provide, and secure the lives of others. It can work off her willing to take (calculated) risks, even with her own personal safety. Shellter would easily be a favored power, working off generating shields, force fields, and domes and using them however she desired, this is a power she can get creative in how it can be used, could even be a means of semi telekinesis (which can work off Mantis' potential with her). It's also a big plus that this power isn't meant for offensive use, backing up her route of working around her opponents, using their own energy against them and moving with their flow. And between her quick eye for detail and quick reflexes, she can use it well to secure as many lives as possible, as well as her own and her allies (as there's no limit in Shellter's generation). Withdraw is another power I can see her using a lot, especially in times of stress. It's a safe space for her alone, one that's been cultivated and adjusted by each previous Turtle, granting Marinette her own chance to alter and manage this space as she desires (like delving into gardening), and can make use of what's previously established, as previous Turtles have set up tools for future generations (like a meditation pond in the garden). Withdraw is also set to allow users to detransform and unwind as themselves, and can talk to Wayzz if desired.

Speaking of Wayzz, he has a lot of the similar perks as Nooroo, and a bit of Trixx, securing him as a promising match with Marinette. Much like Trixx, Wayzz is able to adapt and adjust to the humans he's with, making sure he can bond with them quickly and share their interests,. But he's also grounded and level headed, and can help ground Marinette whenever she spirals. By set up, he's going to help her achieve her goals and work off who she wants to be, and focus more on dealing with anxieties and doubts.

Deer works off Marinette's expectations of promises kept and her preferring to bring up the good memories and reminders of who people are. And similar appeal to Cat's shadowmancy, traveling through reflections, seeing them, and slipping into a reflected world can play into her want to explore, learn what she can, and unravel what's before her.

Sillva is a regal and stoic kwami who appreciates sharp awareness and quick action, and would work to help improve these skills in Marinette, and is extra delighted that Marinette has a good social skills and is able to work off others. With this, he would help shape her to be a leader. Not one for the front lines, but someone who can direct others. He would focus on helping Marinette learn self-control, to calm herself and be more aware of what is the reality of things instead of spiraling out of control.

Mantis works off Marinette's perception and cognition. It feeds into her preference to predict and work off what's coming, and would appreciate the knowledge of having an idea of highest probability can allow her to thrive. Telekinesis not only works off her intellect, but works off her multitasking and how quickly her brain works. In Mantis' user history, she's going to be one of the best telekinesis users.

Savvy has the big appeal of working off Marinette's intellect and perceptiveness, allowing them to work off each other and these skill sets, she often takes delight in setting small challenges for Marinette and seeing how she thinks and what she notices, making her a tad coy as she notices so much more and likes to see how humans deal and solve problems. Savvy is an interesting counter, as Savvy is a kwami who dislikes tolerance of pettiness and maliciousness, and would think Marinette should deal with problematic people straight away. Can lead to Marinette learning what is tolerable and when she needs to put her foot down. Savvy will also push to make Marinette more self-reliant and independent, and for her to learn to be calmer and more collected.

Of Bagua, Marinette's viable matches are: Bee, Songbird, Eagle, and Bear. There are no subpar matches due to her core elements tied to the other three.

Bee is a Miraculous I've always found is one of those were everything clicks, symbolism wise. Marinette matches bees in being hardworking, a team player, a promising leader, likes to garden and invest herself in the life and welfare of others, and there is a certain point she has enough of being pushed around or something that bothers her. Manipulating plants and opening her mind to others to work with them opens up her leadership skills and team working, though the latter power may throw people off in how complex her planning is and how she jumps through hoops. That's probably the biggest factor that makes Bee viable instead of best, it's so natural a fit with how she is, there's not much more growth opportunity for her.

Pollen will be sweet and sassy, and being warm, open minded, and having strong values for productivity, dedication, teamwork, fellowship, and serving a purpose that helps the majority and allows you to thrive as who you are, Pollen and Marinette would get along splendidly. She would help build up Marinette's strengths, and help her learn to be firmer and harsher, as needed, when push comes to shove with those that disrupt or sabotage her. Especially as Pollen has no tolerance for disorder.

Songbird plays off Marinette's curiosity and desire to keep her ears and eyes out, to keep others informed, and to be aware of all the facts. Songbird also plays off her want to provide and help, to reinvigorate those in need and build them up. Similar to Bee, it's like an instant click that does offer additional growth or means to expand herself.

Arria is expressive, bubbly, and incredibly nosy, biggest gossip of the kwamis. Similar to Pollen, Arria has an appreciation for hard work and artisan skills, and would love and adore Marinette's craft. She would feed into Marinette's strengths (communication skills, helping others, and observation), but also weakness as Marinette can become even nosier and even more meddling.

Bear has potential as it's about broadening your horizon, using what's around you, and making use of your own personal power and reflexes. Only thing to keep it from clicking is that it is meant to be a more direct offense based Miraculous and to be a powerhouse in a fight. That's not Marinette initial style so it's something she'd have to learn to work with or work around.

Bamboo the "mama bear" of the kwamis, Bamboo is all the perks of Tikki's support and affection, without the pressure. Marinette I see thriving from her support, affection, and encouragement, and Bamboo would be there to work with Marinette's anxieties and help her emotionally to find her foundation. She is naturally protective of child users, so would be eager to help Marinette in anyway she needs, and may take matters into her own paws when push comes to shove. Marinette would truly thrive and appreciate having someone in her corner, though may struggle with Bamboo taking things to the extreme.

Eagle plays into Marinette's mobility, reflexes, want to help and provide, and her resourcefulness. Honestly, the biggest issue here is that Eagle is meant to be a lot more direct offense base, which Marinette prefers not getting into offense and if she does, prefers indirect. It's viable as she can work with it and be indirectly offensive, but it's not quite a true click. It is better than Bear as Eagle comes with more mobility and diversity in use than direct offense.

Allma can match with Marinette in being righteous, eager to help and stand up to bullies, quick action, and eye for detail. Allma is also for trying new things and exploring all options, so Marinette's open mind and thinking outside the box would delight Allma and something she'd encourage. Biggest thing to clash is that Allma would vote Marinette to be more direct and fight back more, especially against any form of oppression, but Marinette isn't entirely one for confrontation. It is something she can learn and may not be bad for her to learn, it's just not an immediate click.

[sifu-kisu]

A Brief Discussion of Cheng Style Baguazhang

by Liu Jingru

Wuhun Magazine, 1999 vol. 1 no. 127

translated by Joseph Crandall

Baguazhang is one of the more famous of the traditional Chinese martial arts. It has distinctive practice skill methods and its palm method changes unfathomably. It has a good balanced reputation in the martial community. From the time of Qing Chengfeng (1851-1862), when Mr. Dong Haichuan introduced it until today, it is daily practiced and enjoyed by martial artists in China and overseas.

Mr. Dong Haichuan had many disciples. Yin Fu, Ma Weiqi, Shi Jidong, Song Changrong, Cheng Tinghua, Liang Zhenpo, Liu Fengchun, Zhang Zhankui, Fan Zhiyong, and Liu Baozhen were very famous. In terms of skill, achievements, dedication, and fame, Mr. Yin Fu and Mr. Cheng Tinghua come to the forefront. Although the principles and methods of their skill in Baguazhang was the same, after many years of training and teaching, each one gradually developed their own special style. These have become known as Yin Style Baguazhang and Cheng Style Baguazhang.

Mr. Cheng Tinghua, also called Yingfang was from Shen County in Hebei. He was born in 1848 and died in 1900. He was 52 years old. In Mr. Cheng’s early years he practiced Shuaijiao and Shaolin. As a result of someone’s recommendation, he asked to join Dong Haichuan’s school. He deeply got the pure essence and spirit of Baguazhang. Mr. Cheng was a large and strong man. He had an eyeglasses shop in Beijing. Therefore people all called him “Spiritual Strength Eyeglasses Cheng”.

In 1900, the Eight Countries Allied Armies invaded Beijing. Mr. Cheng wanted to stop a unit of the German army who were bullying the peaceful populace. He engaged the German army unit and was shot and killed.

Mr. Cheng had many students. The most famous were: Feng Junyi, Zhang Yukui, Kan Lingfeng, Li Wenpiao, Zhou Xiang, Zhang Yongde, Sun Lutang, Yang Mingshan, Guo Tongde, Liu Bin, Cheng Yougong, Cheng Youlong, and Cheng Youxin. They all made outstanding contributions to the development of Cheng Style Baguazhang.

Feng Junyi, was good at using the leg method. Men called him “Flying Legs Feng Junyi.” Zhang Yukui, was from a miller’s family. Men called him “Miller Zhang”. Kan Lingfeng men called “Kan Eight”. Zhang Yongde, sold boots. Hedid not know how to write, and often asked people to write letters for him. He never brushed pictures, only boots. Men called him “Boots Zhang.” Zhou Xiang’s face had pockmarks. Men called him “Pockmarks Zhou”. Guo Tongde sold steamed buns to make a living. Men called him “Steamed Buns Guo.” Yang Mingshan first studied with Mr. Cheng to make eyeglasses. Then he asked his teacher if he could also study Bagua. Liu Bin was Mr. Cheng’s youngest disciple. The above men all had very pure skills and were famous in the martial community.

Li Wenbiao, also called Guangpu, was among Cheng Tinghua’s most outstanding students. He was big and tall. His eyes were bright and his spirit was awesome. He was burly with enormous strength. He deeply got the pure understanding of Baguazhang. Li first followed Supervisor of the Military Xu Shichang and went to the Northeast. In Fengtian he was appointed to seek out foreign spies. At that time, many martial artists, like Warlord Li, Spiritual Wrestler Ji Si, Pigua Li Baorong, and Mr. Cheng’s nephew Cheng Yougong in the troops under his command. Later he held office with President Cao Kun in Beijing. Within his troops there were no less than ten of his Baguazhang classmates and some juniors, like Miller Zhang’s student Cui Yugui, Cheng Youlong’s student He Jun, Zhu WenBao’s student Liu Zhigang, and Cheng Tianhua’s student Liu Zitai. When Feng Yuyang rebelled against President Cao Kun, Li was killed in the confusion and looting. Master Li was famous for his depressing palm (ta zhang). No man dared to lightly test him. At that time, the martial community universally praised him.

Mr. Sun Lutang followed Guo Yunshen’s student Li Kuiyuan and studied Xingyi Quan. Then he asked Mr. Cheng Tinghua to teach him Bagua. Later he met Hao Weijin. Because his knowledge was already comparatively deep, he thereupon studied Taijiquan. Mr. Sun purely studied these three styles of martial art. He deeply got every nuance and fused them together. He authored The Real Meaning of Fighting, The Study of Xingyi Quan, The Study of Baguazhang, The Study of Taijiquan, and The Study of Bagua Sword, to be left for future generations. Mr. Sun held a teaching post at the Nanjing Central Kuoshu Institute. He was famous all over, and was one of the great martial arts teachers of his time.

Cheng Yougong, also known as Xiangting, was Mr. Cheng Tinghua’s nephew. When he first practiced Baguazhang, he would get up when the rooster crowed and practice assiduously. One time, in the Eyeglass shop, the disciples were all walking. Eyeglasses Cheng was in the central room drinking tea. Mr. Yougong was in the courtyard practicing the Turning Palms. Mr. Cheng not speak and Yougong was not allowed to stop or pause. In three years Yougong progressed greatly. When he followed Master Li Wenbiao in Fengtian looking for spies, he would practice the palms with a ten pound iron staff. He was never idle. Daily, by himself, would go out and arrest bandits. At that time, the bandits without a doubt all heard his name and lost their courage. He had a position in Headquarters Indoctrination Hall of the Northeast Army of Zhang Zuolin. He taught Baguazhang to Zhang Xueliang.

Cheng Youlong, also called Haiting, was Mr. Cheng Tinghua’s oldest son. When he was young he received Eyeglasses Cheng’s parental teachings. After he lost his father, he practiced his skills even more diligently. He later studied Taijiquan with Mr. Yang Jianhou and blended the two arts to make “Bagua Taiji Quan.” He was fair-skinned, and his nature was forthright and frank. He had a scholar’s air. He was pure in Baguazhang. He was also an expert in drawing and calligraphy. He extensively researched the principles of fighting. He also researched every nuance of the Paired Baguazhang Method and Bagua Meridian Mandarin Duck Axes. He died because he smoked too much. All of his classmates deeply mourned him.

Cheng Youxin, also called Shouting, was Mr. Cheng Tinghua’s second son. When Cheng Tinghua left this world, Youxin was only nine years old. He really never got his father’s true teachings, but learned from Cheng Tinghua’s students. They all gave him instruction and he reached a very high level. As a result of this, the instruction that he received came from many teachers. He did not receive one formal Bagua transmission. Nevertheless his skill caught up to that of his older brother, though it did not surpass it. Mr. Youxin was short and small. He was expert in lower basin stepping. Men called him ‘Cuo Ye’ (Short Uncle). The sum of his studies was his 64 Palms, only he was closefisted in teaching it. Only Mr. Liu Tanfeng got his teachings.

Principle Characteristics of Cheng Style Baguazhang

When practicing, you must walk the circle. Each circle is made up of eight steps with the idea of the feet stepping on the eight trigrams. Walk using the mud treading steps. The inside step moves straight. The outside foot slightly hooks inwards. Walking is done along the edge of the circle and is divided into upper middle and lower basins.

When the hands go out, you must have one palm reach out to the front and one palm defend in the rear. The fingers of both palms point upwards. The thumbs are open wide. The tiger’s mouths are round and push out. The remaining fingers are slightly curved. The fingers can be slightly spread or you can have the fourth and fifth fingers sticking together. The palms face the front and are naturally concave. The form of the back of the palm is like a tile. The heel of the palm pushes out. The palm strength is vigorous. It is called “Dragon Claw Palm.” The basic palm formation above is from Mr. Dong Haichuan.

The steps in Yin Style Baguazhang are small, lively, and tend towards a natural step. In Cheng Style Baguazhang, the steps are slightly larger. They change and transform at many points. Cheng Style Baguazhang is especially good at using large swing and hook steps. This is because Cheng Tinghua practiced Shuaijiao in his early days. The gripping and throwing method was blended into his Baguazhang. The swing step and hook step are truly transformed to cause tripping.

The outgoing hand in Yin Style Baguazhang is direct, with particular attention paid to suddenness, crispness, firmness, quickness, and abundant springy shaking strength. Men call it hard palm. Cheng Style Baguazhang pays attention to the interplay of hard and soft, with a lot of spiraling energy. It often has touching, sticking, continuously following, neutralizing, issuing and releasing, all coordinated together.

Cheng Style Baguazhang mainly uses hidden legs. It is very good at using the tips of the foot. When doing piercing palm, the heart of the palm faces upwards. The five fingers point to the front. The pierce goes out under the front arm. The palm method has cloud, thrust between, pierce, and strike... only it mainly uses push, uphold, pull aside, lead, parry, hook, split and advance.

Cheng Style Baguazhang is very good at holding three forms concurrently: Walking like a dragon. Turning like a monkey. Changing postures like an eagle. Sometimes it is tight and compact. Sometimes it is big and open. It is nimble, circular, and lively. It stretches out everywhere. It is especially good at twisting, wrapping, drilling, and overturning. The turning palms are like twisting rope.

The Palm Method Routines of Cheng Style Baguazhang

Mr. Cheng Tinghua had many students. For the most part they all had skill before they sought instruction from the master. Some of the students only studied a few palms before they left the teacher. They gained considerable fame among their contemporaries. Consequently by the time we get to the fourth generation, the names of the practice methods of the basic eight palms, eight big palms and their routines are no longer the same. Cheng Youlong’s student Sun Xikun wrote Genuine Transmissions of Baguazhang. In it his Eight Big Palms are: Single Change Palm, Double Change Palm, Flowing Posture Palm, Three Piercing Palms, Grinding Body Palm, Overturning Body Palm, and Returning Body Palm. Mr. Cheng Youxin was Cheng Youlong’s little brother. His Eight Big Palms do not have Three Piercing Palms, but instead have Turning Body Palm. My teacher, Luo Xingwu, asked Cheng Yougong about this business. Mr. Cheng Yougong said, “The Eight Big Palms must contain Turning Body Palm, and do not have Three Piercing Palms. Maybe Sun Xikun only had seven palms. Maybe he kept one palm secret and used Three Piercing Palms as a substitute.” Saying this, he immediately demonstrated Turning Body Palm. Therefore my teacher’s Turning Body Palm is from Cheng Yougong’s tradition and not Li Wenbiao’s teachings.

The Palm Method Routines of Cheng Style Baguazhang are:

Basic Eight Palms: Fierce Tiger Leaves the Mountain, Big Peng Spreads it Wings, Lion Opens it Big Mouth, White Ape Offers the Peach, Embrace the Moon to the Center of the Chest, Black Bear Searching Arms, Point to Heaven Insert to Ground, and Green Dragon Searching Claws.

Each palm has its own special energy and strength. Each palm has its own functional method. These are not just sections of Bagua’s palm method, but they are also the foundation of the Eight Big Palms and the 64 Palms. Therefore they are called the Basic Palms.

The Eight Big Palms: Single Change Palm, Double Change Palm, Flowing Posture Palm, Behind the Body Palm, Turning Body Palm, Grinding Body Palm, Overturning Body Palm, and Returning Body Palm.

The Eight Big Palms are not only the core routines for practicing Baguazhang skills, but they each also possess eight distinctive striking methods.

Single Change Palm is the outgoing hand already striking. All of a sudden it appears and it is over. Double Change Palm is a continuation of Single Change Palm, doing two or three strikes in a row. Flowing Posture Palm goes in the same direction as the opponent’s incoming hand. The energy and strength flow with the posture and yet strike. Behind the Body Palm goes contrary to the opponent’s incoming hand’s direction, contrary to energy and strength and yet strike. Turning Body Palm is turning to the left and right in front of the enemy. It has the left rotating and right turning striking methods. Grinding Body Palm uses toeing in and toeing out stepping in place in front of the enemy. It uses close-in striking. Overturning Body Palm uses suddenly turning over the body to strike in adverse circumstances. Returning Body Palm uses striking and then immediately walking away. Suddenly you turn back and strike again. Thereby defeating your opponent by a surprise move. Thus, the saying: “If you have Single , then you must have Double. If you have Flowing then you must have Behind. Turning Body Palm rotates left and turns right. Grinding Body Palm is not far from the enemy’s body. Overturning Body Palm is like the overturning body of a python, it defeats ones opponent by a surprise move. Returning Body Palm strikes and then walks away, walks and also returns. It is like a sparrowhawk turning back its head to grips its body.”

64 Palms: Though not included in the Eight Big Palms, each palm again adds seven palms. Together they are called Single Change Eight Palms. These are eight kinds strikes having the outgoing hand striking suddenly and being suddenly done. Double Change Eight Palms continues from Single Change Palm. It has eight types of strikes done two or three times in succession. Flowing Posture Eight Palms has eight types of strikes moving in the same direction as the opponent’s incoming hand’s direction. Behind the Body Eight Palms has eight types of strikes that go contrary to the opponent’s incoming hand’s direction, energy, and strength. Turning Body Eight Palms has eight types of strikes done now to the left and now to the right in front of the enemy. Grinding Body Eight Palms has eight types of strikes toeing in and toeing out in place close to the body in front of the enemy. Overturning Body Eight Palms has eight types of suddenly overturning the body to strike in adverse circumstances to defeat the opponent by a surprise move. Returning Body Eight Palms has eight types of striking and walking away, walking and also returning to strike.

The 64 Palms is a complete summation of the practice methods that Master Cheng Youxin learned from Master Cheng Tinghua and all of his classmates. truly is second generation, third generation and master Cheng Youxin’s 50 years painstaking training. By practicing the 64 Palms, not only can you strengthen your skill, but you can enrich the palm methods, and it can even help you to grasp the skills and essentials of Baguazhang.

Swimming Body Connected Palms: Swimming Body Connected Palms consists of the Basic Palms, Eight Big Palms, and the 64 Palms reorganized into connected routines. It can be used for participating in competitions and performances. It provides the practitioner with aesthetic grace. By practicing it you will strengthen your awareness of attack and defense. It will add many more changes to the palm method. The body method will become more agile. The stepping method will become still more ingenious. The skill will become richer. By going through with the training, the whole body, each muscle, joint, and organ, all parts of each physiological system get trained. It dispels disease, strengthens the body, and is a means of prolonging life.

Cheng Style Baguazhang Weapons Routines

Master Dong Haichuan was very good at the saber method. Master Dong’s epitaph says: “Dong’s hands went inches past his knees, therefore fists and palms many leave the man unexpected, all difficult defend against.” The length of the body of the Bagua saber is 4 feet 2 inches. Add this to the fact that Master Dong’s hands reached past his knees, we are approaching seven feet of length and beyond. We can infer that Master Dong, when he had a saber in his hand, was an impressive and extraordinary sight to behold. Therefore all of Master Dong’s students were good at the Bagua saber method. Cheng Style Baguazhang has in it Rolling Hand Saber, Point the Road Saber, Crowd Blocking Saber, and using the principles of walking and turning is Turning Saber.

Cheng Style Baguazhang has the sword method in it. Sun Lutang wrote a book A Study of Bagua Sword. Master Sun Xikun also has a sword method in his True Transmission of Baguazhang. The sword’s style and functional method are similar to the Bagua Saber. The Bagua sword has two edges, and besides the saber-like methods, there are the many uses of the sword’s point.

There are spear methods in Cheng Style Baguazhang, many of which are from the teachings of Big Spear Liu Dekuan. After Master Cheng Tinghua died, Big Spear Liu was the acting teacher and controlled the junior apprentices. He did his best to teach them, and give guidance and support to the less advanced. His transmission has Fighting Body Spear, Eight Spear, Black and White Sparrowhawk, Small Sparrowhawk, the method of the halberd, qinna methods and the straight line practice of 64 Hands.

[the-monkey-ruler]

Havoc in Heaven (2019) 大闹天宫

Director: Cheng Lu Starring: Wang Lu / Li Zhe / Wei Xuelei / Zhan Lei Genre: Opera Country/Region of Production: Mainland China Date: 2020-09-18 (Mainland China) / 2019-10 (Fuzhou Silk Road Film Festival) Duration: 100 minutes Also known as: Havoc in Heaven (Peking Opera) / 大闹天宫(京剧) Type: Retelling

Summary:

"Havoc in Heaven" is based on "Journey to the West". Wukong goes to the Dragon Palace and borrows the treasure to obtain the golden hoop. The Dragon King complained to the Heavenly Palace. Li Changgeng proposed a plan to lure Wukong to the Royal Horse Stables to raise horses, but Wukong made a fuss in the Royal Horse Stables and returned to Flower Fruit Mountain. Li Changgeng deceived Wukong to go to the Heavenly Palace for the second time, hoping to ambush and capture him. Wukong made trouble in the peach gardens, stole the golden elixir, refined his fiery eyes and golden eyes in the Bagua furnace, fought against the heavenly soldiers and generals, and won the victory.

Source: https://movie.douban.com/subject/34851657/

Link: https://www.nunuyy3.org/dianying/79994.html

[sneaselsawashiro-blog]

So, I too, have gotten a TON of new insight on the new information historically about people, and I too have basically changed from the prior years this stuff was written.

And again, I truly understand the issue with Xu Shu's character, and it's a shame since he's personally relatable for someone like me. HOWEVER, the true potential in Xu Yuanzhi's character lies in hypothetical stories. This made me really appreciate him a lot more.

Back in DW8 where it has his first story where he like in the novel, defeats the Eight Gates Gold Chains Array utilized by Cao Ren (with the same "gates" as in the Naruto "Eight Gates", used for the general Bagua/Eight Trigrams). He of course underestimates his own potential, and even Zhuge Liang himself has a ton of faith in him. Only from saving him at Red Wall [Chibi] in Shu's story you can unlock the hypothetical routes with him with his strategies being vital at Chengdu, Hanzhong and especially Fan Castle (wtf did KT/Omega Force decide to reverse the flooding scenario in DW8 Fan Castle, stupid writing team). But of course I do admit, yes, his strategy at hypothetical Fan Castle is meh cause it's just a stepladder lol

Then in Wei's story if you convince him to truly join Wei, he shines hard with teaming up with Guo Jia to stop the fire scheme at Red Wall, and even helps with cornering Liu Bei, Liu Zhang and the Nanman at Baidi (White Emperor) Castle in the story's ending.

BUT, DW9's DLC scenario for Xu Shu REALLY made him shine. I understand it's one of the most boring scenarios according to people and that Xun Yoh is basically "the Xu Shu we all wanted", but we have to give credit where its due even if for hypotheticals like Fa Zheng and Lu Su's, they take place in the more exciting near-later-half of the Three Kingdoms story while Guo Jia's is more of a wild route that also involved Xu Shu rebelling.

First off, after speaking his true feelings on wanting to serve Liu Bei and Zhuge Kongming actually understanding Yuanzhi's dilemma, actually hatches a strategy to rescue and move his mother out of Xuchang by causing some chaos that everyone has to tend to via bandit attacks. And without that forged letter bs from Cheng Yu like in the novel, Xu Shu is free to serve Liu Bei as he pleased.

What truly impressed me as I was watching LightyTheNube's playthrough of the said route (where he was no doubt less than pleased and I understand why), is that Xu Shu pulled off the following:

*He by just asking the locals at Xin'ye, discovered Cao Cao's plans to invade Xin'ye from Wan Castle and Xuchang.

**From there, he literally manages to solo raid both an ambush unit AND sabotage a hidden siege weapon unit, single-handedly preventing the events of Bowang Bank and Changban (Long Slope) Bank and Xin'ye was able to rest easy. Even Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were damn impressed.

*From what he did preventing Cao Cao's plans to raid Xin'ye from the north, during negotiations with Liu Biao for more troops since Xin'ye is still not well protected, are met with understanding the inheritance wars between his entire family for Jing Province, are given a proposal to help rescue Huang Zu from Sun Quan's forces at Xiakou (which Zhuge Liang explains to Xu Shu can double as another way to show off Liu Bei's strength to Sun Quan to plan their alliance vs. Cao Cao). And that shit works out despite Cai Mao's chagrin (fuck Cai Mao).

*And when Liu Bei is chased down by Cai Mao's forces via that famed "Hex Mark, Hex Mark, why must you harm me like so?" incident and where he would've met Sima Hui, he does manage to save Liu Bei and co. to escape from Cai Mao's clutches. But Liu Biao dies later on from illness.

*Even though Zhuge Liang plans to have Liu Qi kick the bucket so Liu Bei could take Jing, Xu Shu basically refuses that notion since both he and Liu Bei agree that it would rob Liu Qi and Liu Cong, in spite of Liu Biao's late wishes to want to have Liu Bei govern Jing. Lo and behold, Cai Mao starts shit again (including tricking Huang Zhong and Wei Yan at first) to cause Qi and Cong's camps starting shit with one another by having Liu Cong as a hostage. After that whole bs was resolved, Xu Shu got it to where the two bros realize "maybe Jing isn't meant for us if this kind of crap happened, let's give it to Lord Liu Bei for real instead", and even Zhuge Liang was impressed with that third option Xu Shu came up with.

*Thus, literally Liu Bei got his hands on Jing in a non-Wu-lending-it-to-me way, and also as it prevented the events of Bowang and Long Slope, ALSO prevented the supposedly awesome events at Red Wall [Chibi], but in trade allowed for Liu Bei through a legitimately-earned Jing, to launch a joint assault on Cao Cao at Hefei. But hell, Zhuge Liang is later on revealed to be kidnapped by Cai Mao and Cao Pi at Xiapi during this so Xu Shu has to rescue him (lolz).

*Thus, the alliance was able to defeat Cao Cao and rescue the emperor, and while Xu Shu's ending doesn't look as impressive, with what he achieved so far in that DLC route, it looked he he was going to go even further.

So yeah, pretty damn long input on this, but just studying this hypothetical in DW9 in regards to "well, what the hell can you really do in the early half of the Three Kingdoms story range", it still really impressed me to see what his DW portrayal can pull off.

Honestly, it's a shame his real life version didn't do that much at all. and it's also made clear that DW Zhuge Liang (and by proxy DW Pang Tong even if they never met irl) really show confidence in their friend's abilities.

Dynasty Warriors Character Analysis: Xu Shu

2/28/2023: The last decade has been good for the 3K community. Our most important members have worked hard to translate a wealth of new material, and to correct old mistranslations. We all know more than we once did, and must all be able to change our minds in the face of new information. On top of that, I’m a very different person than I was when I wrote these articles. My opinons have changed. My values have changed. And I like to think I’m a bit wiser now.

All of this is to say that this article may no longer be an accurate representation of my thoughts and opinions. It may contain significant (and embarrassing) factual errors, opinions formed in bad faith, and disingenuous arguments. Even in cases where I am correct about the facts and have reached a fair conclusion, my personal values have changed significantly. Some things that I once found laudable I now detest; some things that I thought foolish, I now admire.

That is particularly true regarding this article.

The article below is a product of an earlier time in my life. I have chosen to leave it in place, unedited, because I believe it is important to be able to trace statement back to its source.

Keep reading

[johncosma]

Lunar New Year demo part 2- Straight Sword routines- Chung Yang (Sun Style) Immortal Sword and a combined Cheng Bagua routine #asiaplazalny #asiatowncle #lunarnewyear #lunarnewyear2023 #chengbaguazhang #chengbagua #sword #straightsword #jian #immortalsword #sifujohncosma #johncosma https://www.instagram.com/p/Cns7W4XsgtU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[unpeumacabre]

soaring dragon dancing phoenix - 龙飞凤舞: prologue

Yunmeng is no longer home for Wei Wuxian, for he is no longer welcome. And so when he visits he can always count on Jiang Cheng descending upon his head with the full strength of heaven's fury, to chase him out. But one day when he sneaks into Yunmeng again, days go by without Jiang Cheng making an appearance. Something has happened to Wei Wuxian's prickly shi-di, something that - once they reunite - they will find is far greater than they could ever have anticipated. Accompanied also by Wei Wuxian's dear friend (?) Lan Zhan and a Lan Xichen who has only just reluctantly left isolation, the four of them set out on a journey that will bring them across the greater part of China to the mystical Kunlun mountains of mythology - and more importantly, may bring them love, healing, and reconciliation.

If only Wei Wuxian could take his head out of his oblivious arse and start putting himself in other people's shoes for once...

Rating: Mature

Relationships: Wangxian, Xicheng, Wei Wuxian & Jiang Cheng

Read on AO3 (bc tumblr might mess up the formatting + more extensive author’s notes on the story)

Count: 1.5k

next ->

One year after the events of the Guanyin Temple, and the death of former Chief Cultivator Lianfang-zun.

Lan Zhan!

I agree with what you said about Sect Leader Yao, that old fart. He wouldn’t know a good idea if it bit him on the arse. If I were you I’d have snuck into his room at night and shaved off his eyebrows – but then again, you’re Chief Cultivator, and you have to follow boring things like rules and protocol. Don’t worry, the next time I’m in Pingyang I’ll … It’s a secret! Look forward to the next time you have a discussion conference with that pig-headed old fool.

I’ve finally reached Yunmeng. Little Apple took such a long time to get started from the inn in Jiangling. I think he had a crush on one of the serving girls, to be honest. Even apples didn’t work to drag him away from her. I had to conjure a mirage of her all the way from Jiangling to Yunmeng to get him going – can you imagine that? One of these days I’ll have to find a nice little female ass to keep his little Little Apple happy … Hahaha! I can practically see you rolling your eyes at me now, Lan Zhan. You still can’t take a dirty joke after all.

Anyway, I digress. It’s nice to be back in Yunmeng and be able to pick all the lotus pods I want and to flirt with all the pretty Yunmeng girls, although none of them are as pretty as you are, of course. You’d make a big stir if you came to Yunmeng – you should visit with me one of these days when you’re free! Although I know of course you have responsibilities as Chief Cultivator etc etc but I promise you it’ll be fun! One of these days I’ll come kidnap you. Then Lan Qiren, that old man, would really have an aneurysm, ha! I’d kidnap you just to see his reaction.

Don’t worry about me, I’m talking nonsense as usual. I wouldn’t really kidnap you, unless I was really bored. And Jiang Cheng would probably beat my ass for trying. Honestly, it surprises me that I haven’t had the honour of Jiang Cheng’s company yet. Somehow, he always knows the moment I step into Yunmeng – it’s like he has a spell set up to go off whenever I’m in the vicinity??? And he never fails to turns up for an hour or two just to shout at me, thrash Zidian around a bit and tell me to go back to Gusu. Then he storms off somewhere to drink tea or something. I swear he’s going to die of high blood pressure one of these days.

Well, I expect I’ll see him around. He’s bound to turn up sometime or other. Looking forward to your reply, and counting every one of your twenty words,

Wei Wuxian

***

Lan Zhan!

Thank you for expressing your concern for Little Apple’s wellbeing. He’s eating well (as usual) and living happily in the city stables where I left him. He has a new crush on the stable boy though, but I’m not worried about that – it seems like his affections are as transient as floating smoke and passing clouds. He seems to be like his former master in the sense of being indiscriminate with regards to his choice of partner, which makes me wonder why he’s taken such an intense aversion to me. I guess it’s just the same old story with me and animals all over again.

It’s my third day in Yunmeng, and still no sign of Jiang Cheng anywhere. Perhaps he’s simply busy with some night hunt or other and can’t be bothered to whip my ass into shape. I’ve been visiting his favourite haunts the past few days but no luck – it seems like he’s really busy this time. I’m starting to worry, and although I never thought I’d ever say this, I miss his grumpy ass. It’s been the longest I’ve gone without hearing him call me a fucking idiot, haha!

Anyway I have a funny story to tell! Yesterday I went to investigate rumours of walking corpses at the base of Yunmeng Mountain. Apparently some farmers came across them and ran away but one of them was caught and eaten.

But guess what, Lan Zhan? Actually, it was nothing more than a group of hermits who’d come down from Yunmeng Mountain five days ago after meditating in seclusion for three years, and they were doing their Bagua ritual circle walk around one of the dove trees at the base of the mountain. They hadn’t bathed once in those three years, and so when the farmers came upon them and saw them chanting and moaning and pacing around the tree they were mistaken for walking corpses! Hahahaha how ridiculous is that??? Anyway I cleared up the misunderstanding. The farmer who was apparently eaten fell down a cliff when he was trying to escape from the “corpses” and broke his leg, so the hermits rescued him and patched him up. He was perfectly fine. I talked to them and they seemed like a pretty normal bunch to me – they were quite a big group when they came down the mountain at first apparently but then most of them decided to go down south and back home instead of lingering in Yunmeng. That’s about all the excitement I’ve had so far, I think.

Well, anyway, thank you for the twenty-one words you used in your reply. You have gotten quite adept at teasing me, haven’t you? Looking forward to how else you may surprise me next,

Wei Wuxian

***

Lan Zhan,

No, I don’t think Jiang Cheng fell off a cliff too. As much as you might wish for it to happen, he’s still my brother an important sect leader, you know! Anyway I already checked all the cliffs around the mountain before I received your letter so it couldn’t possibly be so.

Besides, I went to Lotus Pier earlier today – just to check on how things are going, you know, in case they need my help or something, nothing to do with Jiang Cheng. I just stayed outside the gates because I thought Jiang Cheng would probably descend from the heavens on a cloud and break my legs the moment I stepped foot into Lotus Pier, but some of the disciples spotted me and asked me what I was doing there. They said there have been people disappearing just outside Yunmeng, to the southwest and twenty li outside the main city, and when some of the Yunmeng Jiang cultivators went to investigate a few days ago some of them disappeared. So Jiang Cheng decided to take a few more of the Yunmeng Jiang disciples and investigate himself.

Since I have some free time, I’ve decided to help them out. They’ve been gone for four days already – the beast must truly be a handful indeed. It might be fun to go and help, although I think Jiang Cheng might spontaneously explode when he sees my face. Well, maybe the explosion will end up killing the monster, who knows.

It’s quite odd, though; some of the disciples who escaped even said they saw the spectre of Jin Guangyao, that wily old fox, hanging around the cave where they were attacked. Although of course that is impossible, for he is probably still trapped in Nie Mingjue’s coffin, fighting a battle till the end of time. Well, I guess I’ll see for myself if what they saw was true or not.

I had not known that you were capable of silk embroidery. Your skill is indeed fine – as expected of the esteemed Second Master Lan! I shall treasure your gift until the end of time. The cherry blossoms flowered today, and they made me think of you. I wonder if you still remember visiting Tanzhou with me when we were looking for the remaining pieces of the Yin metal? Was it your first time attending such a festival? You looked so surprised by the petals raining down on you then! I miss those times. 

I will write to you again tomorrow when I have rescued Jiang Cheng from the human-eating monster. I will make sure to give you a good account of his face when he sees me there to interfere with his night hunt, ha!

***

Dear Lan Wangji Hanguang-jun Mr Chief Cultivator Sir,

I am writing this letter to you because I know you to be a good friend of Wei Wuxian. Just today, I visited Lotus Pier and found that my uncle has been missing for a week, and Wei Wuxian with him for two of those days. They have apparently gone in pursuit of a human-eating monster twenty li southwest of the main city limits of Yunmeng. It must have been a fierce creature indeed to have ensnared both my uncle and Wei Wuxian

Unfortunately, as I am currently extremely and regrettably tied up in Lanling Jin sect matters, this humble person would like to humbly request for your help in locating and possibly rescuing them. Thank you.

Best regards, yours sincerely and most humbly,

Sect Leader Jin Ling, Lanling Jin sect

[realtaoism]

Master Frank Allen, my long time mentor and Master of Cheng Style Ba Gua Zhang. A practice to elicit an embodied expression of the oldest (Taoist) work of divination the I-Ching book of change. Living life as part of change itself. ( no easy task for anyone, but of course a potentiality we all possess) Accepting change as natural and manifesting changes via intentional movement practices ( palm changes) is the modus operandi of the living art of Ba Gua Zhang. We as human beings weaving a path of continuous change between heaven and earth. To live comfortably with change a Ba Gua Zhang practitioner draws upon the continuities that arises from its signature circle walking practice. This builds a foundation of footwork practice that was a method to flow in a combat situation. Ba Gua Zhang was an elite fighting style ( tried and tested) with a Taoist influenced subsctructure of meditative and intentional work necessary for high level internally significant body control and application. #internalmartialartslondon #baguazhang #bagua #chrisraychappell #chrischappell #realtaoism #qigonghealing #chi #qi #tao #qigongteachertraining #taoistyoga #taoism #dao #daoism #alternativehealth #medicalexercise #taoistinternalarts #hunyuan # alternativehealth #taichimaster #wellness #hunyuanqigong #primordialqigong #qigong #chikung #innercultivation #energyarts #taoistenergyarts #mindfulmovement #stressreduction #meditation #relaxation #dzogchen (at Bouisse) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1bPULclv7-/?igshid=1nnu6ub4naiuk

[thelantern]

“Kinesthetically correct to be aesthetically correct”

Summary of the Andrea Falk Seminars, January 2019

Bagua Dao The weekend began with a continuing the study of Cheng Bagua sabre. Andrea Falk covered the following points and corrections:

1st Change 1. Forcefully hash a metal stone - use left arm to throw Sabre 2. Row with the broadsword - close left shoulder, extend left arm and lift sabre

3rd Change 14. Hook the broadsword while walking - start at top of circle 15. White snake spits its tongue - roll sabre with blade facing inwards, arm straight 16. Turn around and chop - lift left knee, foot forward

4th Change 26. Slice up while walking 27. Rollover and push the sabre - these 2 moves are low cuts 28. Grinding millstone 29. Cut behind the back - these 2 moves are a sweeping action. Look at the blade and coordinate left hand with bai bu, kou bu, bai bu stepping. Position of the right hand is different on completion of first and second sweeps because the grip is different.

5th Change 34. Grinding brandish with the sabre - sabre goes past the face with blade edge leading. Make sure the right arm is straight. The move finished with the left leg stepping back slightly. 35. Tear and banner in the wind - like the previous move, the sabre goes past the face with the blade leading and right arm straight. 36. Withered tree twines it’s roots - Thread the left hand behind the body with bai bu. Extend the left arm with the kou bu. Weight goes onto the right leg with the finishing cross-step, while extending the sabre. 38. Suspend the sabre - with the drop stance ensure the right arm is extended and left palm is at the right shoulder. 39. Dredge the moon from the sea bottom - ensure there is a clear rightward slice with the sabre. 40. Withdraw and cover - this with the previous move can be done 1 or 2 times.

6th Change 46. Wrap the sabre around the waist - this Change travels across the circle, travelling east and west.

52. Sweep across and army of a thousand 53. Hide a flower under a leaf - with these 2 moves coordinate the left hand with the left stepping, bringing the left hand to the back with the bai bu, extending the arm with the kou bu.

8th Change 57. Prop up posture - this movement begins at the bottom of the circle 58. Withered tree twines it’s roots - same is in Change 5 59. Suspend the sabre posture - similar to move 38 but left hand is at right wrist.

Xingyi Seminar Beginners were taught the five fundamental strikes, one for each of the five phases/elements: Pi/Chop, Zuan/Drill, Beng/Drive, Pao/Cannon, Heng/Crosscut. Proper stepping and launching power from the back leg was taught. Using structure rather than speed to generate power was practiced.

Di Gouyong has the following to say about each of the Five Elements Strikes: * Split hts mainly forward and down, a vertical, downward moving power. [To complete Split, the body compresses then lengthens to assit the downward force.] * Drill hits mainly forward and up, a vertical upward moving power. {To complete Drill, the body settles to assist the upward force.] * Drive hits straight forward, a straight and level power. [To complete drive, the body expands on the straight line.] * Cannon drills one hand p to deflect as the other hand punchesstraigh forward, a doagonal power that is effective in all directions. [To complete Cannon, the body compresses and expands in a diagonal form.] * Crosscut pulls one hand back as the other hand knocks across and forward, a horizontal power that covers all directions from the centre, and it is the key power. [To complete Crosscut, the body compresses and expands in a diamond form.] - Di Guoyong on Xingyiquan, vol. 1, pg 5

A video outlining the five fundamental strikes is posted on the club website.

Returning student reviewed the 12 Animal Forms. Key corrections included: * Dragon - make sure the cross stance is long and extend the shoulders * Tiger - the ending power comes from setting the shoulder downwards * Monkey - the strikes are done with a hard hit, but a loose palm. The initial catch is done with a soft power and changes into a pull with the step back. In Monkey Drops Back On Its Haunches, the lower arm is aligned elbow in, compared to the Snake posture, White Snake Coils Its Body which is more rotated. * Horse - this was practiced with the dodge followed by the aligned punch. With the striking arm, pull the elbow back and up, aligning the forearm before the strike. * Alligator - set into each leg and use compression into the torso to power the next move. * Chicken - For Golden Cock Treads On Snow, do not hop. * Swallow - In Plant A Punch, make sure the left low punch is aligned with the right forearm * Sparrowhawk - with the turn around, use the drawing in of the right arm to drive the left fist out. * Snake - cut the upper hand down stepping into the cross-stance. The strike can be either a tiao or a liao. * Tai Bird - power for the ending strike comes from folding in the elbows * Bear/Eagle Combined - Bear uses an aligned forearm strike, front weighted. Eagle uses an aligned stance press down.

Jiang Bagua Seminar Jiang Warm-up The warm up sequence begins with timing and extension, using 4 hand positions and 4 palm positions. Second, the same hand/palm sequence is done with kou and bai stepping (turning right first). At this stage, attention should be paid to setting properly into the hips. This is followed by circle walking with the same hand/palm sequence. One circle is walked in each direction using heel/toe stepping. Kou and bai stepping to turn around, turning to the outside of the circle. With the walking, attention is paid to keeping the steps natural but loosening the hips. Finally the Eight postures are used to walk the circle, each turn incorporating one technique: * Palms Pressing The Earth - pressing palm * Embracing the Moon - ramming palm * Yin/yang fish - spearing palm * Heaven and Earth - liao followed by spearing palm * Supporting Heaven - brace and catch * Lion Holds the Ball - vertical rolling * Present the Spear - horizontal rolling * Millstone Grinding - forearm catch

Jiang Bagua Changes Corrections for the Changes was provided. Overall Jiang style Bagua requires a smooth and unbroken internal connection and a proper setting deep into the hips. This style has more coiling than other styles, but Andrea warned against twisting movements without understanding the internal structure. “It must be kinesthetically correct to be aesthetically correct.”

The following is a summary of some of the key points taught for the 8 Changes. A complete translation of the movement names is available for free from Andrea Falk’s Lulu.com page. http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/tglbooks

1st Change key movements: * Violet Swallow Tosses It’s Wings - step into a horse stance * Hide A Flower Under A Leaf - thread the palm tight against the other elbow, bracing the forearms outwards 2nd Change key movements: * Golden Pheasant Shakes Its Wings - ensure force is directed equally to both arms * Pick A Helmet From Behind the Head - extend through the outside shoulder, while threading the other palm to the back. * Embrace The Moon In the Bosom - closing power comes from setting into the front hip 3rd Change key movements: * Sparrow Hawk Pierces the Sky - keep the wrist of the upper arm straight * Mount Tai Bears Down Its Weight - lift with the upper arm * Yellow Eagle Clutches The Throat - grasp and then lift wrist 4th Change key movements: * Golden Pheasant Shakes Its Wings - this move is done twice with the upper hand in different positions. The same alignment and power is used regardless of hand position. * Pull Up Cloak While Walking Along - use body power to strike upwards with the upper arm/shoulder * Bat Lands On the Ground - catch with with wrist/back of hand * Flying Swallow Skims The Water - cut with the ulnar edge of the palm and strike with the fingers 5th Change key movements: * Sweep Aside An Army of A Thousand (one side, then the other) - use the bai step to power the arm sweeps 6th Change key movements: * The Rhinoceros Gazes At the Moon - keep the body upright, lift with the upper forearm * The Heavenly King Lifts Up The Pagoda - use the movement of the inner hand to catch 7th Change key movements: * Lion Rolls The Ball - time the crossways pull with the inside foot * Lion Pounces On The Ball - complete the press as the inside foot lands. * Lion Opens Its Mouth - keep the body upright * Lion Rolls Over - complete the Change with a lift with the inside palm 8th Change * The Heavenly Steed Soars Across The Sky * Pull A Bow Astride The Steed * Golden Snake Coils Around The Willow * Wild Steed Charges A Manger - first time the outside hand strikes with a liao, the second time the inside hand strikes * Liu Hai Plays With A Toad - moving into this posture first roll the inside arm/shoulder so the palm faces outwards * Great Python Rolls Over - use the upper arm to wrap around the hand - end posture is similar to the Sixth Change, but the direction of the upper palm is different

An outline of the 8 Changes (unpolished but providing the general sequence) is posted online as a reference.

Andrea Falk’s next visit to Guelph will be June 15 and 16, 2019.

[taijispearman]

Andrea Falk January Seminar

As some of you know I attended a weekend long seminar with Andrea Falk hosted by James Sapir of Stone Lantern Internal Arts in Guelph, Ontario. A number of those same individuals have asked me to write up my thoughts and review of the material presented. So here you are.

Andrea Falk has been practicing martial arts for longer than I have been alive and is possibly one of Canada’s foremost coaches in Chinese gongfu. Having trained under a number of eminent masters over the years. In addition to that she is an excellent translator as well. Bringing both her knowledge of the Chinese language and gongfu to the forefront.

Normally she comes down to Guelph for a weekend long seminar about twice a year. Due to health concerns I was not able to attend for the past two years. Having trained under her previously primarily in Ma Gui style Bagua as well as the Bagua dadao and qiang that come out of the Cheng lineage I half expected to have things pick up where they left off previously. Such was not to be the case as she introduced us to the foundations of Jiang style Bagua Zhang that she had learned some years ago. Jiang style being her foundational style of Bagua that she first learned.

Unlike Ma Gui style Bagua that is perhaps best characterized by its solid and heavy power, Jiang style is much more reserved. Focusing more on smoothness as well as opening and connecting through the joints. Apparently Jiang Rong Qiao wrote about Cun Jin, or Inch Power. Unlike the common use of the term which is meant to refer to a strike where the force is generated within a short space he uses it to refer to each joint having about an inch of give that can be expanded when needed for a technique. All of the exercises practiced during the weekend seemed to run along the line of expressing this particular principle which seems somewhat unique to this particular style of Bagua in the amount of emphasis that is placed upon it.

Warm ups started with the usual joint loosening and stretching exercises. This was followed by a Jiang style warm up exercise or qigong routine which trains relaxed extension and coiling in eight different palm positions: four going out into the fingertips and four going out into the palms. The simple way to remember the positions of the thumbs. In the four postures of extending out into the fingertips there is one where the thumbs point towards each other and palms down, thumbs point up and palms face together, thumbs point away from each other with palms up, and then thumbs pointing down and the backs of the palms of the hands facing away from each other. The four positions moving into the palm are similar: thumbs pointing towards each other and fingertips up, thumbs pointing up and fingertips pointing outwards to each side (vaguely like a lotus palm position, but not really), thumbs facing outward with fingertips pointing down, and then thumbs facing down with fingertips pointing towards each other.

Extensions out into these eight postures are practiced in three different ways: first extending out to the front while coming up slightly on the toes so that there is a stretch from the toes all the way to the fingertips. Then there is settling into one side and stepping around a tight circle with a baibu-koubu-baibu sequence making sure that you really settle into each step and that the foot-knee-hip alignment is correct. This helps loosen up the waist and the hip complex as well. Finally the postures are practiced while walking the circle, after first having done a tight circle. The walking is at quick natural walking, very unlike the traditional tangnibu stepping where you are working on getting more of an extension at the end. Those individuals in the class that had a background in the Ma Gui circle walking methods had some difficulty with this.

After this warm up the dingshi where introduced: downward pressing palm, embrace the moon, support heaven, yin-yang fish, roll the ball, carry the spear, pierce heaven and earth, grind the mill wheel. The postures where fairly familiar and almost identical to the postures practiced in the Liang style that we had been exposed to previously. Again the stepping was the quick natural step that proved slightly difficult to those individuals that had a background in Liang, Cheng, and Ma Gui style circle walking methods. The transitions where knew as well with each posture naturally flowing into the next.

After all of this we got a brief lesson in the single palm change of Jiang style before lunch. Which shows a marked similarity with other versions of the single palm change from other styles that I have been exposed to. Major differences including starting with a baibu with the inside foot followed by a koubu into a mabu stance as you cut across with the front palm, then step out the way that you came from with a push, the lower hand having fingers down and really extending into the palm. This is followed by the usual hide the flower under the leaf as you koubu in and then wild goose leaves the flock as you move back into the grind the mill wheel posture.

After a warm down we broke for lunch. After lunch we warmed up and reviewed the first palm change and then where introduced to the second and third changes as well. Emphasis was on the smoothness of the changes as well as proper koubu and baibu. As well as making sure to keep power in the palms of the hands. Something that was difficult for me as my usual response from Taiji would be to release the wrist and coil outwards. Which is an improper response in this particular style.

Having been exposed to the first three palm changes of Jiang Rong Qiao style Bagau I am somewhat struck by the similarity in terms of posture and flavour to Liuhebafa. A number of the postures are the same and very often share the same name as well. Jiang Rong Qiao apparently knew Liuhebafa as well, along with a good dozen other styles. It is interesting to see how the different styles of Bagua Zhang are very often coloured by the other styles that their creator practiced. Effectively showcasing what principles and techniques they considered to be of the utmost importance.

Unlike Saturday where I was expecting something to be roughly familiar Sunday was chalked up to be something completely different Thant what I had been exposed to previously: Taiji Chang Quan that comes down from Jiang Rong Qiao and was taught to him by Tang Shilin. Okay, maybe I was expecting something to be vaguely familiar at least. Again, that was not to be the case despite having been exposed to Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun style Taiji Quan in the past.

The form apparently predates Tang Shilin but we apparently do not have much information on where the material came from before then. The form looks old, but not ancient. In terms of stylistic things I would probably say that it would have probably been developed during the mid to late 1800’s. It looks something like a form of proto-xingyi and proto-bagua in many respects. Yet I know that is not the case given the Xinyi Liuhe Quan is largely considered to be the precursor to Xingyi Quan and it is a straight line form without any circle walking so far. Despite having very distinct koubu and baibu stepping that is reminiscent of what is found in bagua zhang. It looks closed to the Chen cannon fist in many respects.

Postures are long and extended. You also get the same sort of expansion in the joints as well. Posture is very upright with a strong gongbu as well. Some of the postures are familiar: you have single whip, golden cockerel stands on one leg, and straight punch. There are also a lot of kicks and one legged postures as well.

I am looking forward to reviewing this material and getting deeper into the form in the summer as well.

[studymartialarts]

Lengfan - 'eating cold rice'

Lengfan – ‘eating cold rice’

by Phillip Star

Sun Lutang (1860-1933), renowned founder of the Sun styles of both baguazhangand taijiquan rose early each morning in Beijing to walk to his baguazhang practice with the famous master, Cheng Tinghua. Upon completing his bagua training for the day, he’d immediately set out to walk to the other side of the city where he’d train in xingyiquan under the tutelage of the legendary Guo…

[qigongkelly]

Managed to squeeze in some kettlebell swings today. Legs wider and more engaged than the common stance used by most people. This is to train the proper hip engagement for Chen Taiji, Bagua and Xinyi Liu He type of power generation. A proper horse stance with the feet parallel like this trains the fascia of the whole body while you move. A lot more going on inside and with my bones and joints than meets the eyes. Finished up after with some Xinyi Liu He Rowing Ba with weights and then some Zhan Zhuang - Standing Stake Neigong using the Bagua posture of full body coiled and twisted to one side with Green Dragon Stretches Claws from the Cheng Branch Baguazhang qigong Palms. I could feel the blood pulsing up into my arms and through my hands. Did both sides and finished. My kind of fun. Tonight when I get home it will be mace swings and Kong Jing Neigong again. Maybe food in there somewhere lol 🤔🤔😊 @redjademartialarts @crossfitwinnipeg @white_lion_athletics @neil_thekungfuguy @agatsuwinnipeg #fit #oldschool #fitness #waidan #kettlebellworkout #kettlebell #kettlebellswings #taiji #bagua #xinyiliuhe #xinyi #hips #legs #wholebodyworkout #wholebody #kungfu #gongfu #fitfam #fitlife #fitafter40 #fitnessprogression #healthy #mindbodysoul #mindbody #photo # https://www.instagram.com/p/Bur69IFg3Ml/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1t71qkfe2yr1n

[taichimexico]

PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS SOBRE EL TAI CHI CHUAN Taichi: Manos-que-empujan P: Debe utilizar fuerza un novato, cuando practica manos-que-empujan? R: No. La Canción de las Manos-que-empujan dice: “Se concienzudo en DESVIO, ENROLLAR, PRESIONAR y EMPUJAR”. Estos deben estar claramente diferenciados. Tu presionas y empujas con tu “PIE DELANTERO”, y desvías y enrollas con tu “PIE DE ATRÁS”. En el comienzo debes seguir los principios y practicar varias cientos o miles de veces por día y tu pierna tomará raíces naturalmente, mientras tu cintura se vuelve más flexible. Luego de un año, puedes intentar localizar la energía del oponente. Luego viene manos-que-empujan libres, y puedes empujar como desees. Pero si lo apresuras, utilizarás fuerza, y luego la fuerza se convertirá en un hábito. Entonces será imposible que llegues a un nivel alto. Por eso mi querido Maestro James Wing Woo recomendaba que el ejercicio de las manos que empujan solo lo practicaran los estudiantes avanzados, evitando con esto caer en el mal hábito de utilizar la fuerza en lugar de la energía (chi). Tomado del libro: Preguntas y Respuestas sobre Tai Chi Chuan T’ai Chi Ch’uan Ta Wen Escrito por Chen Wei-Ming (1881-1958) en 1929 Chen Wei Ming también conocido por su nombre (Weiming era Hao, un pseudónimo) Chen Zheng Ze (1881-1958) de Qishui en la provincia de Hubei, fué un erudito (superó el exámen de nivel provincial o juren en 1902) que trabajó en el Instituto de historia de la dinastía Qing en Shanghai y un artista marcial, apreciado por los maestros Sun Lu Tang (creador del estilo Sun de Tai Chi Chuan) de quien aprendió Tai Chi Chuan, Xingyi quan y Bagua zhang, Yang Cheng Fu , Yang Shao Hou, Wu Jianquan de quienes también aprendió el Tai Chi Chuan, y por el general Li Jing Lin de quien aprendió la espada de Wudang, entre otros muchos. Fué considerado el hermano mayor Shihing de los discípulos del Maestro Yang Cheng Fu y descrito como xiao lian por el joven Chen Man Ching. La relación de Chen Wei Ming con el maestro Sun Lu Tang empezó en el año 1915 y a finales de 1917 visitó al maestro Yang Cheng Fu en la prefectura de Guangping, provincia de Hebei. En 1925 el maestro Chen Wei Ming fundó https://www.instagram.com/p/BtirZ5fAZ8f/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=137lvzdeustdl

[taijispearman]

With regards to animal inspired forms both Bagua Zhang and Xingyi Quan have a very large plethora of forms. Both styles would also be considered to have a decidedly northern flavour to them in contrast to the other southern styles. While it has been said that “all forms of northern Kung fu are sons of the same mother” they do also have their own unique variations in my experience. While to me – mostly due to lack of exposure – southern styles seem to be more homogeneous.

So here is a quick survey of a handful of dragon inspired forms from Bagua and Xingyi.

I think I am required to start with one of my instructors teacher Shen Zaiwen performing the Black Dragon Bagua form that he learned from Wang Zhuangfei:

https://youtu.be/ZaEMJYmllFQ

You can also see Zhang Dugan, another student of Wang Zhuangfei performing the same form here. I don’t know if Shen Zaiwen and Zhang Dugan trained under Wang Zhuangfei at the same time or not though:

https://youtu.be/3XxOtP2vbdM

Here we have some of the only video that we have online of Wang Zhuangfei doing his thing. We have a slightly longer video of this and some other things on VHS that is in dire need of conversion to digital. Not the Black Dragon form that Zaiwen and Dugan are performing but you can see the similarity in terms of the body method used.

https://youtu.be/um1hTWqtqKU

Lu Zijian is something else. His Bagua is superb. The claims of his age may or not be substantiated. Further I believe his lineage comes down from Ermei as opposed to through Dong Haichuan as well.

https://youtu.be/OkRSHQcT6fY

Hans Menck has an interesting Swimming Dragon Bagua form which I believe comes from a Cheng Tinghua line. Though don’t quote me on that one.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZhVhQqcjctqrsyYfyyhGRgqNdVbnZa4c

Di Guoyong is probably one of the best examples of Xingyi Quan that I have seen. Apparently his videos only show around half of his skill as well. Here is one of his instructional videos on the twelve animals of his line of Xingyi Quan. Dragon is generally one of the first animals you learn in Xingyi. Partially as a test to weed out those serious about practicing from those that are not. Though also to develop legs like steel and a good amount of waist flexibility as well.

https://youtu.be/2FVQLhgMzGc

The Bagua style of He Jinbao is unique and focus’ very much on a heavy sort of power. He did a rather complete series of instructional videos of the style under the instruction of Xie Peiqi. You could previously find a handful of them online on YouTube but it appears they have been mostly taken down. You can see a snippet here:

https://youtu.be/iU_zKZ08xQ0

And for something completely different that I had not come across until today: a Green Dragon Jingang form. I know of a Jingang Bashi form that is practiced in parallel to some lines of Baji Quan. Though it is apparently a distinct style unto itself. Here is it practiced slow and with speed by Zhou Jingxuan.

https://youtu.be/ZlP3-N__elc

https://youtu.be/aPZ9qKk--Us

Can anyone shoot me some videos of Dragon style Kung fu that aren’t of the Lung Ying Kuen (Southern Dragon) variety? I’d be interested in seeing some northern forms, but I think I’ve only ever seen 4 that aren’t Lung Ying Kuen.

[jaypegams]

Liang ZhengPu

Liang zheng pu est né le 12 mai 1863, dans le village de Hao Chia, comté de Chi, province du He Bei. Son père possédait un magasin de vêtements d’occasion à pékin, cependant La mère de Liang et ses deux frères vivaient dans la maison de famille dans le comté Chi. Dans son village natal, Liang commença à pratiquer le style Tan Tui dès l’age de sept ans avec Ching Feng-I.

A l’age de 14 ans, il quitta son village pour aller vivre à Pékin pour apprendre le métier de son père. Au bout d’un an à pékin Liang avait travaillé jusqu’à épuisement et est tombé malade. Son père, qui fréquentait le palais du prince Su ou Dong HaiChuan enseignait, demanda à celui-ci s’il accepterait d’enseigner à Liang en lui expliquant que celui-ci était passionné d’arts martiaux.

Dong était un professeur doué et liang un étudiant diligent. Liang fit de rapides progrès en bagua et recouvra la santé et devint un pratiquant exceptionnel de la deuxième génération. Il était le plus jeune étudiant de Dong, c’est pourquoi tous les autres etudiant de Dong l’aimaient beaucoup. A la mort de Dong, Liang n’avait que 19 ans, il a donc continué à pratiquer et à étudier l’art avec ses grands frères d’armes, Yin Fu, Cheng TingHua, Liu Feng Chun, avec qui il avait d’excellentes relations.

A la mort de ses parents, il continua à travailler dans le magasin de son père pendant un temps avant de devenir professeur d’arts martiaux et d’en vivre. En 1899, à la suite d’une altercation avec un bandit nommé Chao Liu, Liang tua celui-ci et fut condamné à reste en prison pour le restant de ses jours. Cependant le 20 juillet de la même année, Les troupes d’étranger sont entrées a pékin pour mettre fin à la « révolution des boxeurs ». La prison fut détruite, permettant aux prisonnierx de s’évader. Liang et donc parti se cacher dans son village. Une fois le gouvernement restauré plus personne ne se préoccupe de cette affaire et de ce fait Liang créa le service de protection « Te Cheng ».

En 1911 Liang enseigna le bagua plus ouvertement et est à l’origine de la propagation de l’art dans le comté de Chi. Liang Zheng Pu est mort en 1932 à l’age de 69 ans. Sa tombe se trouve à côté de celle de Dong Hai Chuan. Des 20 disciples de Liang ZhengPu les plus connus sont, Guo Gumin et Li Ziming

[guynamedtroy]

Watch “Jing Cheng Wushu 京城武术 – Bagua Zhang Episode 八卦掌” on YouTube