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"Ba gua is one of the internal styles of the Chinese martial arts, a ""circular"" walking technique that helps train the mind and body to recognize and accept change. Characterized by its spinning movements and extremely evasive footwork, ba gua is often used as a means to protect others, much like a good mother holding her child's hand as they cross a busy street. In this combination of philosophical treatise, health manual, and self-defense text, Allen Pittman details the history, philosophy, and techniques of straight-line ba gua zhang, which means ""eight trigram palm"" in reference to the seminal trigrams of the I Ching. The book contains eight parts corresponding to the eight sections of the I Ching, each representing a different elemental manifestation and martial arts principle. Descriptions of the symbology, cultural, anatomical, and tactical details of each set are taught as well as detailed instructions on the form practice. Illustrated throughout with step-by-step drawings and photographs, the book shows how ba gua zhang, driven by I Ching wisdom, helps students cultivate a sense of centeredness and spontaneity and use this ""martial art"" in every aspect of their lives."

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9781583942147

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AUTHOR INFORMATION Allen Pittman began his training under Lawrence Huff and Peter Fabian in tae kwon do at the age of twelve. At fifteen he began studying the nei chia arts including ba gua, hsing-i, and tai chi with R.W. Smith, Hung I-mien, the sons of Chen Pan-ling, and Wu Shao-lin. After returning to the U.S., Allen began teaching in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. At 27 Allen met Irish strong man and wrestler Tim Geogheagan and began to study Celtic wrestling and Indian yoga. During this period he cross-referenced judo, fencing and other kinds of mental and physical training. He has studied aikido, and trained in a variety of weapons in and out of armor from the traditions of both East and West. He has developed an expanded P.E. curriculum for ages 7-12 working specifically with the ancient Greek Pentathlon concepts oriented toward ten year olds. He now practices and teaches in the UK.

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