The first thing you are going to have to learn is that it doesn't take a lifetime to learn an art such as Tai Chi Chuan or Pa Kua Chang or Aikido. Look, the army makes soldiers in under six months, and that includes some pretty high tech stuff! And, when you add up the actual hours spent studying on that college course, it doesn't take that long to learn how to use a computer or become a teacher.
The idea that it takes immense amounts of time is something that has been given to us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody studies, the longer they put money into that cultural dojo box. So get over the idea that it takes long decades, and get used to learning fast!
Now, to learn pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet in diameter, and which takes exactly eight steps to go around. You need to situate the circle so it is squarely in the room, which means that if you stopped walking and straightened up every two steps you would face a wall. Now you need to isolate a weekend to master this thing.
The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and move them at an even rate of speed. The second rule is to breath evenly and synchronize the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to isolate yourself as separate from the regular universe, let your attention slide off the tables and chairs, the trees and fences, as you walk around and around.
Now, you need basics that actually work. Examine an art such as karate for basic blocks, and curve the arms to adapt them to a circular art such as Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex pretty quickly, so you might consider taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and working with them to start.
Now take a step on the circle and do a block, making the largest circles you can make with a basic block. Though you have only taken one step, let your body turn to the maximum, and don't let the block finish until you have reached the endpoint. When you reach the end of the turn, reverse your turn and start a long and slow second block. Take a step with that second turn and block, and, again, let your body turn to the maximum.
Keeping the hips tucked under will help you keep your spine from being injured, place the feet flat and seek total contact with the ground, and search for graceful movements. Be a contortionist in slow motion, slowly spinning and whirling, exploring the limits of motion. Put all self-doubts out of your mind, and let a few hours reveal the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you.
The last thing is to make sure what you are doing actually works as a martial art, because if it doesn't work you shouldn't be doing it. Have a friend try slow attack movements on you, and walk a small circle around his attacks, letting your blocks encircle his limbs, and you will find all sorts of odd but useful techniques. Now, the one thing you should know, the one thing that will make all the difference...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were invented in the first place! - 30300
The idea that it takes immense amounts of time is something that has been given to us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody studies, the longer they put money into that cultural dojo box. So get over the idea that it takes long decades, and get used to learning fast!
Now, to learn pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet in diameter, and which takes exactly eight steps to go around. You need to situate the circle so it is squarely in the room, which means that if you stopped walking and straightened up every two steps you would face a wall. Now you need to isolate a weekend to master this thing.
The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and move them at an even rate of speed. The second rule is to breath evenly and synchronize the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to isolate yourself as separate from the regular universe, let your attention slide off the tables and chairs, the trees and fences, as you walk around and around.
Now, you need basics that actually work. Examine an art such as karate for basic blocks, and curve the arms to adapt them to a circular art such as Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex pretty quickly, so you might consider taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and working with them to start.
Now take a step on the circle and do a block, making the largest circles you can make with a basic block. Though you have only taken one step, let your body turn to the maximum, and don't let the block finish until you have reached the endpoint. When you reach the end of the turn, reverse your turn and start a long and slow second block. Take a step with that second turn and block, and, again, let your body turn to the maximum.
Keeping the hips tucked under will help you keep your spine from being injured, place the feet flat and seek total contact with the ground, and search for graceful movements. Be a contortionist in slow motion, slowly spinning and whirling, exploring the limits of motion. Put all self-doubts out of your mind, and let a few hours reveal the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you.
The last thing is to make sure what you are doing actually works as a martial art, because if it doesn't work you shouldn't be doing it. Have a friend try slow attack movements on you, and walk a small circle around his attacks, letting your blocks encircle his limbs, and you will find all sorts of odd but useful techniques. Now, the one thing you should know, the one thing that will make all the difference...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were invented in the first place! - 30300
About the Author:
Al Case has practiced martial arts for forty++ years, and has written hundreds of articles for the major magazines. He can teach almost anybody how to learn almost any art within a couple of months. Complete data, including a free ebook, is available at Monster Martial Arts.
