The Cheng School Gao Style Baguazhang Manual: Gao Yisheng's Bagua Twisting-Body Connected Palm

This is the best book on Baguazhang I have read in 36 years of studying Chinese martial arts. I have waited for this book for five years and it was well worth the wait. It excels first because of the fine writing and smooth translation. Secondly, it is the most complete manual of a Chinese martial arts system yet.The authors and editors wrote in a concise manner, without vague flowery descriptions or exaggerations. Liu Shuhang and several senior Chinese Baguazhang instructors collaborated over 10 years to edit and perfect the text. It was expertly translated into clear and flowing English by John Groschwitz. His writing skills and knowledge of the art make it a joy to read.At least three generations of Bagua masters gave their insights into this book. That makes it a rare glimpse into the minds of three men, who have perfected their skills in a period of time covering over a hundred years. Their writings contain the Chinese philosophy that underlies Bagua. They use that foundation to describe the application of this art. I liked that this book contains a complete discussion of the Chinese principles rather than the usual partial or incomplete explanations found in most other Chinese martial arts books in English.This manual is the total curriculum of Gao Baguazhang. It describes and has photographic images of the system's circular forms, the Post-Heaven 64 linears, the Bagua animal forms and the Bagua weapon sets. Few books offer such a complete view of a kung fu system.Twenty years ago, Dr. Vince Black made the first connection with the Gao Baguazhang instructors in Tianjin, China. Today the North American Tang Shou Tao Association has a strong relationship with the Chinese school. I was part of the group of NATSTA instructors that when to Tianjin in 1994 to train. Since then several NATSTA groups have been back to China and we have had the Chinese instructors headed by Liu Shuhang over to the U.S. for at least six seminars in various cities over the past eleven years. The NATSTA has hosted 2 seminars with Liu Shuhang in Thailand as well.This book offers the reader a comprehensive look at a great Baguazhang system. I encourage readers to follow up their interest in this art by contacting the North American Tang Shou Tao Association website to find qualified instruction.

For Bagua Zhang practitioners and enthusiasts, this book is a valuable resource. It is a welcome supplement to those who have learned Gao style BGZ. This is a genuine and reliable source to help develop a better understanding of this art. I had a teacher who learned from one of Gao's direct disciples. One thing from the book regarding Li Zhuangfei(p.36) The sentence about Li Zhuangfei reads like he taught once in the U.S.,but he did not. My teacher, Wu Min'an study for five years with Li Zhuangfei. I was fortunate to have learned and inherit the Bagua Zhang from my teacher. I continue to teach for DrWuMartilaArts.com

I've been studying the Gao system for a little less than a year and have been waiting for comprehensive book in English to supplement my studies. Although the Gao system I practice came through Taiwan, creating a different emphasis for both the Xiantian and Houtian, the book has provided valuable insights into the system.While the sections for the Xiantian and Houtian are illustrated with enough B&W pictures to follow the movements, the weapons and Bagua Boxing Form sections contain only short descriptions.However, the extensive theory and history combined with the insights from past practitioners makes this an excellent reference guide for any beginning Bagua enthusiast.

As a student of Gao Style Baguazhang this book has been a wonderful addition to my study and practice of this art. Most of my instruction comes from my teachers and senior students so I can not speak to the usefulness of this book as a primary resource. I do think there are a lot of gems in this book that would be beneficial to anyone interested in Baguazhang and know that it is increadbly useful to current GSB students.

Ever since I had seen the announcement I had been eagerly awaiting this title and it did not disappoint. The translation of this important Gao style Bagua manual was long overdue. We can all gain from the writings of a martial arts legend. The book is well laid out and I have reread it a few times already and have to think deeply on the guidance passed down to us from all involved in the publication of this manual.

I was asked to translate this book many years ago and decided it was too much for me at the time. I am glad that someone else finally did it. A must have for all Bagua practioners.

All the other ratings pumped it up too much. It is ok a book. The pictures and moves list are many but not really practical to learn. There is much talk about people and history but little on concept. More than anything the book talks up bagua.

If you are interested in Chinese martial arts and Baguazhang in particular you should read this book. It offers a fantastic overview of the forms of the style. It would serve best as a training aid to a serious student.

A book for the already practicing Bagua student which introduces a school and system for the serious and intermediate students.