The eight mother palms each develop a different method of moving and a different understanding of how baguazhang works. All the footwork and techniques are practised when one performs the mother palms. They should always be done carefully and perfectly. Never just 'go through' them for memory, as this develops bad habits.
Eight mother palms in the dragon way
-
1. First dragon change: Single palm change
-
2. Second dragon change: Double palm change
-
3. Third dragon change: Following palm change
-
4. Fourth dragon change: Triple chuanzhang change
-
5. Fifth dragon change: Dodging body change
-
6. Sixth dragon change: Grinding body change
-
7. Seventh dragon change: Returning body change
-
8. Eighth dragon change: Spinning body change