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.
- 1. First single-hook change: single change
- 2. Second single-hook change: double change
- 3. Third single-hook change: continuous single-hook change
- 4. Fourth single-hook change: Hook the waist posture
- 5. Fifth single-hook change: slice and smash posture
- 6. Sixth single-hook change: golden cock fights a monkey
- 7. Seventh single-hook change: dot and reach posture
- 8. Eighth single-hook change: single hook to four directions