Intro to Baguazhang: From Circle Walking to Advanced Practice Book & DVD by Kent Howard

A Comprehensive Guide to the Ancient Art of Eight Trigrams Palm

This exceptional instructional package from Sifu Kent Howard presents the complete system of Baguazhang from the esteemed Wang Shu Jin lineage. Already celebrated within the Bagua community, this work stands as an essential resource for practitioners at every level of their martial arts journey.

The Book: Unlike previous translations, this volume represents Sifu Howard's direct transmission of knowledge accumulated through decades of study with master teachers. The book features exceptional visual presentation with every posture displayed in full-page photographs, allowing practitioners to absorb subtle details that written descriptions alone cannot convey. Howard's instruction goes beyond basic technique, incorporating sophisticated concepts such as Response Time analysis in stress situations and the psychological aspects of martial application.

The Essential Palms—universally recognized as the foundation of Baguazhang—receive comprehensive treatment, with Howard emphasizing the critical importance of mastering fundamentals before advancing to complex applications. His teaching methodology successfully bridges the gap between beginner and advanced practice, offering valuable insights for practitioners regardless of their current skill level.

The DVD: The accompanying DVD provides crucial visual instruction for the foundational elements that make Baguazhang unique. Howard's extensive background shines through as he demonstrates the Mother Palms with authentic "Bagua flavor," reveals major stepping patterns, and explains the essential foot and hip formations that generate the art's distinctive power.

Complete Contents Include:

• Fundamentals: Walking methods, directional changes, circle walking, basic palm positions, stances, and hand configurations
• Body Mechanics: Proper postures, structural alignment, standing meditation, principles of fluid motion, and developing composite strength
• Essential Forms: The mother palms, single and double palm changes, and sparring applications
• Advanced Applications: Transitioning from form practice to real martial skill and higher-level training methods

Length: 224 page book with 80 min DVD

SKU KI010 (book) and D24405 (DVD)