Learn about the Pa Kua Form of Shaolin Kung Fu

Pa Kua is the last form of internal Shaolin Kung Fu to be developed. Devised in the early 19th century, it is very mystical and difficult to master.

It is based on the ancient book of I Ching, it stresses the cyclical nature of all things. Consequently, the basic movements are circular, and its movements can be likened to the movements of water, with flowing motion absorbing energy and the redirection of incoming energy back to the original state of placid form.

Pa Kua is an internal system and therefore classed as soft hand. But it can also be used as a form of Hard hand or external system by absorbing incoming energy, and using circular motion to build up chi and redirecting it as a wave of force.

Pa Kua is deeply tied up with Taoism, and its movements are tied up with the mystical I Ching, or book of changes. This book is a collection of complex linear signs that were used in divination. The Chinese word for these signs is Kua, while Pa translates as eight; hence Pa Kua means eight diagrams.

Eight diagrams form the basis of the I Ching, each of these diagrams has a name and attribute, upon which the founder modeled the 8 basic actions of the art, on these I Ching diagrams.

Pa Kua is based on the discovery of the natural laws through total control of the body and by the mind. A controlled and calm mind is the first step which enables use of the mind, rather than the physical strength, to move your body, and thus control instinctive functioning.

References

1. Hop Kuen Do Shaolin Kung Fu, for more information join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/hopkuendo

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