The 80% Rule

Learning Baguazhang has been challenging for me. So far, almost everything i've done in class is different on so many levels. One of the things my teacher shared with us is to not over do or handle more than we can in class. Decades of training in Japanese, Okinawan, other Chinese arts, Filipino/Indonesian, and Korean martial arts all instilled in me that we should train at 100% intensity every session.

My Baguazhang teacher was very clear that we need to stay focused and aware of our bodies at all times, and only to push to 80% at all times. He believes that working at 80% of maximum will enable us to improve steadily and prevent ourselves from getting injured in our training. Whether it be flexibility, speed, or strength, or effort exerted... we should try to stay within the 80% range of our capability. Until I hear differently from him, that will be my new guideline for training in Baguazhang.

Static Body Postures

When I was first presented with the static body postures, I was not sure what to expect, and I wasn't sure how I would be learning/absorbing them. I remember very clearly that my teacher was telling me where to focus my energies, and that I should be concentrating on what I was feeling/perceiving. We went through a variety of postures in class. Frankly, they were NOT easy to do and they clearly made me FEEL energy coursing within my body. I was really amazed. In research, I found out that some people call these static energy postures, some people call them "Mother Palms" and often teachers will teach them differently and in different orders.

Wu Ji - Standing in Preparation

My teacher emphasized the need to recognize the importance of the opening and closing of any given form or exercise. "There is a reason why all classical forms have the opening and closing postures/positioning." All life, motion, and energy begins from a "void."

Interestingly, since I have actually put thought and practice into standing and the Wu Ji state, I am much more  able to quickly achieve this readiness state and "feel" centered much more quickly than ever. Sad to admit that in my almost 40 years of training, I often overlooked this preparation as merely pomp and circumstance.
It's never too late to learn, truly.

Baguazhang for Older Men

As I ponder how to describe and discuss my last lesson, thought i'd share this inspirational man who practiced bagua until he was I think 113 years old?

Wu Chi Posture

In class yesterday, the first thing we did was to stand in the Wu Chi posture, and work on "centering" and stillness. We were told that to find one's center goes beyond just the physical center of our being, and that it was very important to be in the "moment," to be as present as possible.

Fu Style Dragon Palm Baguazhang

I tend to be a bit obsessive. I've been trying to see and learn all I can about different styles of Baguazhang. This clip below is pretty cool, I think. Fu style.

Stretching the Legs

During my last class, the Baguazhang teacher was speaking to the senior student who looked to be close to me in age. The teacher was telling him that he needed to stretch more to be able to kick higher and faster. I was surprised, as I didn't expect to hear that taught to an older student. I've been reviewing that situation and believe now that perhaps it is advisable to achieve the maximum we can safely accomplish, for flexibility, as we age and get older. I think the key is to be gentle with oneself, and consistent. Also I think it is a good idea, to gently combine strengthening along with a flexibility program. Am I a fitness expert? Hmmm, the state of NY thinks so, I am a licensed physical therapist with almost 30 years of clinical practice! As always, seek out medical advice and clearance before you all jump in and try some of these things discussed here on my blog. The vid clip below I found and think is a nice approach to stretching.