Baguazhang Weapons

Baguazhang weapons class is held on Thursday evenings from 5:40 - 6:40. We open the class for a month when starting with a new weapon, then close it to new students while we focus on that single weapon until students reach proficiency. Baguazhang has some very unique weapons that are particular to our style of movement. One weapon only found in Baguazhang is the Double Moon Knives (pictured to the right). Other weapons include the Broadsword (dao), which is much longer than the typical Kung Fu broadsword, the Straight Sword (jian), which is also much longer than the typical straight sword, the Spear, and the Hook Swords.

The hook sword form was created by my master, Li Chunling. The spear form was created by her Master, Sun Zhijun, specifically for her. She has also published a book on Baguazhang Spear.

When we start a new weapon the first month is dedicated to learning basics and foundational work. Most of this comes from breaking down parts of individual movements found in the form that teach concepts of movement. This creates an understanding of how the weapon “thinks” and lays down the ground work to help students be more successful as they progress. The forms we teach can be thought of as the textbooks for learning the concepts of how to move with the weapons. They teach movement, speed, power, and application. Because it is too dangerous practicing application with partners with the weapons, we find safe ways to work with them so that students gain an understanding of how to actually use them in combat. One method is to have them go through the form while another person is attacking them with another weapon at a slower speed. When you have to interact with another weapon and have the physical feedback of blocking, striking, and parrying, it builds the muscle memory and shows the power and structure necessary to be effective with the weapon. We start slow so that students can build critical thinking skills without being overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. As students become more confident we start to increase speed and intensity appropriately.

When we open the class to new students priority is given to the higher ranking students, but if there is room in the class we allow students who have been training an adequate amount of time and show self control and discipline. The weapons we use are real weapons and can be used in combat should a zombie apocalypse break out, however none of the weapons are sharpened. When working with weapons safety is always the first priority. There is no reason to have sharpened blades in a classroom with learners.

Class is concluded with Tao philosophy reading and sitting meditation.