Learning Pi Gua Zhang
The learning begins with the basic and so important Dan Pi (single axe strike) drill. It develops some of the basic elements and forces so essential to the practitioner. As the practitioner advances with his practices and his ability improves, he gradually feels the improvement in three stages:
1.Swollenness of the palm.
2.Swollenness of the forearm- here a special drill of strengthening the forearms and palms by hitting a cotton covered tree is introduced to the practitioner.
3.Swollenness of the whole arm.
1.Swollenness of the palm.
2.Swollenness of the forearm- here a special drill of strengthening the forearms and palms by hitting a cotton covered tree is introduced to the practitioner.
3.Swollenness of the whole arm.
Afterwards, a series of additional 11 techniques is learnt, as a Dan Lian (single technique practice). Those techniques are the core of the style, and consist of the strikes, kicks, body and foot movement:
1. Wu long pan da 2. Jiao di long 3. Yan zi chuan lin 4. Zhao feng shou 5. Tie sao 6. Yi er san guai zi 7. Dan pi zhang 8. Chao shou qi jiao 9. Dao fa wu lei 10. Kai men pao 11. Da kua bu 12. Cha zhi zhang
Master Zhou demonstrating numbers 4,12,9,7,1
In this stage, three Gong Fu (skill) drills are also learnt. These are not combat routines, but drills that develop power, strengthen the body and develop the unique Pi Gua forces:
1. Kai Tian Pi Di (open the sky and split the earth) - strengthen the arms and develops heavy palm strikes.
2. Xiong bei kai he (chest and back open and close) - Develops the swallowing and spitting movement of the chest.
3. Spine axis motion - flexes the spine and helps developing Dou and Gua forces.
Afterwards one learns the forms. The three that are learnt in our school:
1. Man Tao (slow form) – wriggling serpent concentrating his spirit. Main key is denseness.
2. Kuai Tao (fast form) – rising and falling like a sparrow hawk diving to touch the lake. Main key is agility.
3. Gua Quan (hanging fist) - more combative form, smaller movements and frequent use of fists. Very aggressive in spirit. Agile body and lively footwork. Main key is speed.
1. Kai Tian Pi Di (open the sky and split the earth) - strengthen the arms and develops heavy palm strikes.
2. Xiong bei kai he (chest and back open and close) - Develops the swallowing and spitting movement of the chest.
3. Spine axis motion - flexes the spine and helps developing Dou and Gua forces.
Afterwards one learns the forms. The three that are learnt in our school:
1. Man Tao (slow form) – wriggling serpent concentrating his spirit. Main key is denseness.
2. Kuai Tao (fast form) – rising and falling like a sparrow hawk diving to touch the lake. Main key is agility.
3. Gua Quan (hanging fist) - more combative form, smaller movements and frequent use of fists. Very aggressive in spirit. Agile body and lively footwork. Main key is speed.
