Shujin Wang

Bagua Swimming Body Palms is the second book written by Wang Shujin (1904-1981), one of the world's foremost exponents of Chinese internal martial arts and a renowned expert of bagua zhang. This volume-translated into English for the first time-continues the process of bringing Master Wang's important art to Western readers. More intricate than Master Wang's Linked Palms form, Swimming Body Palms helps practitioners achieve fluent body mechanics and the ability to connect and flow from one movement to the next wih power. Master Wang, who taught Swimming Bodiy Palms to only a few advanced students, described it as 'swim-walking.'

Bagua Swimming Body Palms offers a thorough grounding in the basics of Bagua principles and practice, illuminating the connection between the cultural meanings of the I Ching and the physical movements of bagua zhang. The photographs from the Chinese book are reprinted, along with hundreds of new photographs of co-translator Kent Howard demonstating the exercises in greater detail. Sifu Howard provides extensive commentary on Master Wang's writings, and Darius Edler-student of Master Wang's longtime assistant instructor Lai Tainzao-provides two thoughtful essays on Master Wang's single palm routines and post-standing methods. The book's engaging style, fidelity to the Chinese text, and comprehensiveness make it a welcome addition to any martial arts library.

'Bagua Swimming Body Palms is a rare piece of primary source material that gives us a look into the world of Chinese martial art as practiced in the early twentieth century. Wang Shujin was a fascinating individual and was well respected in the world of Chinese martial arts. This publication documents the second half of his bagua system, allowing us to get instruction in the history, theory, and step-by-step practice of this authentic, tradition. We are lucky to have this translation made available, so that more practitioners can take advantage of Wang Shujin's insightful approach to teaching and training Bagua Zhang.'-Jess O'Brien, author of Nei Jia Quan' Internal Martial Arts

Contetns

Acknowledgments
Translator's introduction
Author's preface
Chapter 1 The eight character secrets of bagua zhang
Chapter 2 An explanation of bagua zhang's nine palaces returning to one
Chapter 3 An explanation of bagua zhang hand forms
Chapter 4 Bagua zhang single palm routines
Commentary: Single palm practice by Darius Edler
Chapter 6 The thirteen prohibitions
Chapter 7 Basic principles
Chapter 8 Bagua swimming body palms form
First palm form: 'Black dragon tosses head'
Second palm form' 'Cloud dragon appears three times'
Third palm form: 'Falling star casts reflection'
Fourth palm form: 'Eagle and bear exchange glory'
Fifth palm form: 'Golden Peng hunts above the waves'
Sixth palm for: 'Wind blows the willows'
Seventh palm form: 'Sweep away a thousand pounds'
Eighth palm form: 'Green dragon shakes scales'
Glossary
About the authors… (meer)

Master Wang Shujin was one of the world's foremost exponents of Chinese internal martial arts, with legendary expertise in the disciplines of bagua zhang, taiji quan, and xingyi quan. Bajua Linked Palms is Master Wang's seminal work on bagua zhang, translated here in English for the first time. This edition includes expanded step-by-step instruction in the first eight palm forms, written by co-translator and noted bagua zhang expert Kent Howard. Howard's commentary also introduces readers to a rarely seen personal side of Master Wang, who was not only an extraordinary fighter but also a spiritual laeder. This comprehensive, richly annotated text is a must-have addition to every serious martial arts library.

'I first met Kent Howard nearly twenty years ago, just after I started publishing the Pa Kua Chang Journal. Kent quickly became one of my most reliable and trusted resources, offering me sound and straight-forward advice about the practice of Bagua Zhang, Chinese culture, and the Chinese language. Kent has brought all of that wisdom, and his decades of experience, to the writing of this wondeful book. He is the only person I know who could have presented this book with such insight and accuracy.'-Dan Miller, publisher and editor, Pa Kua Chang Journal

'Wang shu Jin was one of China's authentic and truly talented ba gua and tai chi masters. Kent Howard's book provides insight into Wang's wisdom and power as a martial artist.''-Bruce Frantzis, author of The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi

Contents

Translator's introduction
Author's preface
Commentary: A closer look at Wang Shujin
A brief introduction to Master Dong Haiquan
Commentary: A modern look at Master Dong Haiquan
Chapter 1 An explanation of bagua zhang and the eight trigrams of the yi jing
Chapter 2 The eight secrets of bagua zhang
Chapter 3 Explanation of bagua zhang's nine palaces returning to one
Chapter 4 Bagua Zhang ppost standing methods
Commentary: Wang Shujin's post standing
Chapter 5 An explanation of Bagua zhang hand forms
Chapter 6 The thirteen principles
Chapter 7 Basic principles
Chapter 8 Bagua linked palms form
First palm form: 'Single palm change'
Second palm form: 'Double palm change'
Third palm form: 'Hawk swoops upward'
Fourth palm form: 'Yellow dragon rolls over'
Fifth palm form: 'White snake spits out tongue'
Sixth palm form: 'Mighty Peng spreads wings'
Seventh palm form: 'White ape presents peaches'
Eighth palm form: 'Whirlwind palms'
Glossary
References (bibliography)
About the authors… (meer)