Yin-style Bagua

Yin Style Baguazhang is an art of striking while moving. It is a combative art with precise theoretical and technical qualities. The fighting theory and usage, outward appearance, and internal development methods all originate from and accord with a classic of ancient Chinese philosophy known as the Book of Changes. It is this philosophy which gives us the rules of the circle and square. In Yin Stlye Bagua, we turn round and strike square. In accord with the symbolism and meaning of the eight trigrams in the Book of Changes, Yin Style Bagua has eight distinct systems within the art. Each of these systems, represented by a trigram and particular animal, stands on its own as a complete martial art with unique developmental and fighting methods.Each animal system trains a different part of the body to generate power: Lion uses the waist; snake uses a binding, constricting force that can be generated by any part of the body; bear uses the back; dragon uses the feet; phoenix uses the shoulders; rooster uses the elbows; unicorn uses the waist to remove the opponent's force; and monkey uses the legs. Yin Style Bagua places particular emphasis on single and combined strike practice paired with various types of footwork. A practitioner will use all parts of the body to execute attacks, with the use of accurate footwork and leg techniques being particularly important. Bagua leg techniques are said to be "heavy" -- heavy not only in their power, but also in the heavy emphasis placed on their usage. Proper positioning of the feet while moving and attacking is considered essential in being an effective fighter. It allows the practitioner to gain advantageous position on the opponent while at the same time helping to maximize the power and effectiveness of techniques. Yin Style bagua is well known amongst all bagua styles as the "hard palm," as its movements are fierce and vigorous, emphasizing direct force and shocking power. Yin style's defining characteristics in fighting are "cold, crisp, and fast." The developmental methods of this art are divided into four main areas: isometric strengthening postures which develop muscular strength and improve circulation; circle turning training which improves fighting skill by developing coordination, balance, footwork, and full-body strength; fighting technique training which includes striking, kicking, throwing and grappling, and the final area is changing which encompasses the training of changes in force and technique. Training Yin Style Bagua can increase strength and flexibility, improve reaction time and speed of movements. It can also improve musculoskeletal structure, nervous system and internal organ function. It can improve your fighting ability, make you more resistant to attack, and improve your overall state of mind. In all, it is beneficial for health, fighting ability and aesthetic value.