Pakua (Bagua) Part 3:

The Basic of Basic Techniques

When the basics of pakua are mentioned, the first thing to come to mind is circle walking, perhaps even walking in a circle with the hands in a static posture. Though the circular movements of bagua make the system unique from all others, the circles are just the path pakua follows in all its motions, so when a bagua stylist performs his movements they may not create a whole circle, instead they may use small interconnecting circles, large interconnecting circle, or a mixture of many; they may even appear to walk a straight line, which is actually the connection points of many circles.

Even though “circle walking” is unique to pakua, it is just one of the basic techniques. When you really dig into the basics you will find the foremost aspect is stepping. When stepping in bagua the technique will be determined by the specific style of pakua practiced. Some styles use large steps, some small. Some use steps where the feet raise high, others don’t. Some styles use low stances, others use high or middle stances. They all have their own purpose behind their movements and as discussed in part1 they all can be traced back to the founder of the system.

When you break past the differences in stepping from style to style, I believe, you are left with 3 basic steps; a straight step, an outside hooking step, and an inside hooking step. These steps are the basic of pakua’s basic techniques. These techniques should be understood and practiced by the beginner before any other aspect of bagua is revealed. How long should one practice these steps before moving on will depend solely on the individual.

The Straight Step:

The straight step is exactly what is says, a straight step. Standing with the legs together and a relaxed upper body, one will shift all their weight to the left leg, feel the weight shift and feel your ankle and foot, feel balanced and relaxed, but not sloppy. The right foot will slightly raise off the ground, the whole foot, heel and ball, will raise together, then step lightly forward, without the foot rising any higher, and plant the whole foot, heel and ball, forward and at a comfortable distance, now the entire weight should shift forward onto the right foot, then repeat on other side, remember be relaxed, not sloppy, and concentrate on ankle and foot.

Straight step

The Outside Hooking Step:

The outside hooking step is done in the same manner as the straight step, except when the foot is planted it is pointing in a forty-five degree angle, away from the other foot (outside). One can practice by using a right outside hooking step with a left straight step, you will find yourself walking in a circle.

Out side hooking step

The Inside Hooking Step:

The inside hooking step is perform the same as the outside hooking step, except when the foot is planted the foot will be in a forty five degree angle pointed toward the other foot (inside), thus when combined with the straight step you are walking a circle in the other direction.

Inside hooking step

Walking a circle:

Now if you start with your feet together, then perform a right straight step, left straight step, right outside hooking step, left straight step and keep repeating this pattern, you are now walking the classic 20 step pakua circle, or at least should be.

Straight step out side hooking step straight step out side hooking step straight step

Changing Directions:

To go in the opposite direction you can use the inside hooking step. After a straight step perform an inside hooking step, then a straight step in the opposite direction.

Straight step inside hooking step straight step

You ask what the body should be doing? What the arms should be doing? What the mind should be doing? Well that is yet to come! Remember “learn slow”, and “practice makes better”, these foundation steps are not only the “the basic of basics”, but also they are excellent combat techniques with a surprising effectiveness which I have experienced first hand.