Lao Ba Zhang: The Eight Old Palms

Are you ready to immerse in a circle walking form that utilizes the changing of directionS and footwork to create wrapping and unwrapping, spirals within spirals, and profound opening and closing of all the acupuncture channels of the body?

Qigong, meaning “energy work,” is an ancient movement system from China rooted in traditional medicine, martial arts, Taoist and Buddhist practices, and Chinese philosophy. Developed over generations, it supports both physical and mental well-being by integrating posture, breath, and focused intention into simple, flowing exercises. These foundational principles are easy to learn and can be applied to daily life, gradually building strength, balance, and flexibility.

Ba Gua Zhang is one of the three major internal martial arts of China. Nei Jia, or internal arts, are martial arts that are based on the principles of qigong. Ba Gua Zhang takes its philosophy from the I Ching, or book of changes, and combines fixed and moving postures while walking a circle, mimicking the movement of celestial bodies, and change in the universe. It is a profound, internal practice that combines Taoist circle walking meditation and qigong to calm the nervous system, strengthen and limber the body, and radically enhance movement in all walks of life. Similar to its sister art, Tai Ji Quan, it provides a comprehensive moving meditation system, while conveying myriad health benefits. 

In this Lao Ba Zhang training, you will learn the three most important palm changes to master. These first three palm changes, played both on the circle and linearly, create the fundamentals for every other palm change and form in Ba Gua Zhang. Played on their own, they are a profound form for health and movement, cultivating terrific balance, structure, and agility while boosting qi and health.