This site is an attempt to present the skills, training methods, history, and theory of MaGui style baguazhang in an organized manner. I hope to give people a clearer understanding of the system through this site. Photos and videos will gradually be added for each skill and training drill. Organizational and class information is also given so that anyone interested can become involved.
The most striking characteristic of MaGui baguazhang is the slow and stable circle-walking that develops lower leg strength, qi and blood flow, and whole body power. The body develops to resemble Dong Haichuan and Ma Gui - a thick trunk and back with well developed dantian, thick wrists and ankles, powerful legs and arms, rosy complexion, and calm expression. When practising techniques, footwork is clean and quick, always using koubu and baibu. The system also emphasizes horse stance training to develop useable whole body power in techniques, and specific fast stepping with techniques practices that develop the coordination for the application of this power. Training this system simultaneously develops your health and martial ability. It is not a performance or routine based style.