Classical Pa Kua Chang: Fighting Systems and Weapons.

Originally written in 1990 by Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson and Sifu Joseph Crandall, the Classical Pa Kua Chang Fighting Systems and Weapons is the third English book ever written by a Pa Kua (八卦掌, Baguazhang) Master in the United States that unveils the esoteric art and theories of Pa Kua Chang (Baguazhang) fighting to the American public.

This third book contains the secrets of 28 Pa Kua Masters and their different fighting systems – along with many types of Pa Kua Weapons. It also contains many great pictures and is designed to inform and educate all internal martial arts enthusiast.

PREFACE

The goal of this book is to list and explain the development of Pa Kua Chang (Baguazhang); to clearly define the movements, techniques, origin, history, and profound meaning of this boxing style.

Pa Kua Chang (Baguazhang) is also a complete system for self-control, self-discipline and the development of the body. The internal benefits of Pa Kua Chang are derived from the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, endocrine glands, digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems.

Because of the twisting, dragon-like body movements and the snake-like coiling of the arms, Pa Kua Chang is the most complex of the Taoist internal Wu Tang systems. Most Pa Kua Chang systems are divided into eight short forms, with which the Pa Kua boxer seeks to develop the I-Chi, or "one energy" within himself and universe. 

As you will learn, in the true systems of Pa Kua Chang (Baguazhang) there is a complete blend of all powers. Pa Kua is divided into two energies: Yin and Yang. From there it is divided unto four secondary figures: Heaven, Earth, Pre-Birth and After- Birth.

When practicing the techniques it is important to follow all the rules and not to change anything, so that you may obtain the full result. Starting from nothing and finishing at the ultimate is the true basis of Pa Kua Chang. The great masters of Pa Kua Chang say, "As the four seasons alternate each other, it is a sign to the Taoist to discipline himself for the better without stopping." To strengthen one's self in the sense of self-development is something one cannot trace and is without physical form.

The major goal in any internal martial art is that of balance and harmony. However, it has been our experience that many people unfamiliar with the complete art of Pa Kua Chang tend to underestimate the self-defense potential of this unique art, acknowledging only its health and healing effects. Although the healing aspects of Pa Kua Chang are extremely beneficial, we feel the reader should be enlightened to its self-defense potential.

This book contains the knowledge of many different schools of Pa Kua Chang (Baguazhang), and their weaponry. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I: History & Philosophy

  1) Origin of Pa Kua Chang

  2) Distinguishing Features of the Schools of Pa Kua Chang

  3) Names of Pa Kua Chang

  4) Mythology of Pa Kua & its Relationships to the I-Ching

  5) Famous Pa Kua Chang Masters

Part II: Methods & Theory

  6) Pa Kua Training Methods

  7) The Essentials of Pa Kua Chang

Part III: Pa Kua Schools & Fighting Sets & Weapons

  8) Introduction to the Fighting Sets

  9) The Deceptive Weapons of the Pa Kua Chang

Addendum - Yin Yang Pa Pan Chang

   Conclusion

   Bibliography

   Video Information

About the Author

Dr. Johnson is regarded as one of the few internationally recognized Non-Chinese Internal Martial Arts Grand Masters, Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Professors of Esoteric Taoist Mystic in the world. He is also acknowledged in China and the West as America’s leading authority on Medical Qigong Therapy.

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BOOK DETAILS

Publisher ‏: Ching Ling Martial Arts Association (1990)
ISBN : 9780960995004
Language : English
Paperback : ‎ 188 pages / 9.0 x 6.0 inches