Ma Gui Ba Gua: Andrea Falk' S Trai Ni NG Notes For Ma Gui Baguazhang

Ma GuiBa Gua
Andrea Falk's
Training notes
for
Ma GuiBaguazhang
This is an unoffical publication of tgl books with no ISBN number,
but please respect the work of the author and do not copy it
indiscriminately.
Andrea Falk
CP 47053, Succ Sheppard
Québec, QC
Canada G1S 4X1
www.thewushucentre.ca
www.maguibagua.ca
INTRODUCTION
My training notes are mostly to help out people who already train the style of Ma Gui baguazhang. The
descriptions are intended more to stir the memory than to teach from nothing. This manual might also give
an idea of what goes on in the system to people from other styles. It is hard to express any style by words and
photos, but I do enjoy books more than videos, for the time they give the reader to ponder.
I have kept the manual quite plainly descriptive. I intend only to help you remember the actual movements.
You need to seek out the right ideas and feelings for yourself so that they become your own.
The photos are all of me, not because I find my postures particularly good, but just to make sure there are
no copyright problems. I put in as many photos as I can of other people in the website, so go to www.
maguibagua.ca to see the proper way of doing things.
In some cases of discrepancy with what is now being taught, I was taught differently, as is normal in traditional
styles. Otherwise, all the mistakes are my own doing, and I apologize for them.
I want to thank Li Baohua for extending my training life by giving me the gift of Ma Gui bagua. Since
2004 I have done everything that I could to help spread this system, largely because between 2001-2003,
when I was just starting it, I may have had to give up training due to injuries. You can imagine what that
would mean to someone who has done martial arts since 1972. My website and manual treats the style in a
very straightforward way, but this deceptive. As Li once said, “bagua is not a sport, it is your life”. Training
baguazhang, and especially Ma Gui’s baguazhang, will help you to live long and live strong. The Chinese say,
“If you don’t train deep skill, in old age you will have nothing”, but I like to think that “if you train deep skill,
in old age you will have something wonderful”.
I hope that this manual helps you with your training.
Andrea Falk
November 2012
Québec, QC, Canada
Walk the circle one step at a time, in the footprints of the masters.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE COMPLETE MANUAL
Part One: Circle Walking
Part Two: Changes

Bear (to come), Dragon, Single-Hook, Lion, Eagle (to come), Crab (to come),
Point to the Sky and Plunge to the Earth (to come), Yin-yang Fish (to come).
Part Three: Training Drills

Beng shou, Chuan zhang, Dai shou, Fanbei chui, Gai zhang, Kai zhang, Liao
zhang, Pi zhang, Qie zhang, Ta zhang, Tan zhang, Tiao fa, Ya zhang, Ye zhang, Zhuang
zhang.
Part Four: Routines

The 88 routine (others to come).
Part Five: Partner Training

(A taster: Chuanzhang, Danhuanzhang, Daishou, Huajin, Crossing Arms,
Crossing Arms walking, Dragon walking, Wrist wringing, Anzhang , Yazhang, Coiling
palm.
Part Six: Weapons (to come)
Part Seven: History (to come)
Part Eight: Organization and links

Andrea Falk’s Training Notes on Ma Gui Baguazhang
PART TWO: PALM CHANGES
Introduction
Section One: Bear changes (to come)
Section Two: Dragon changes, with photos
Changes Changes
Section Three: Single Hook (double-headed snake) changes
换 Section Four: Lion changes

Section Five: Eagle changes (to come)
换
掌 Section Six: Crab changes (to come)
Section Seven: Point to the Sky and plunge into the Earth changes (to come)
掌
Section Eight: Yin-yang Fish changes (to come)
Part Two: Changes. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2 page 1
PALM CHANGES
The fundamental skills of baguazhang are traditionally organized around the eight
animals, or models. Each of the eight models has eight mother changes, which gives
sixty-four main palm changes. Each of those mother changes has up to eight variations,
Changes which gives a possibility of another 448 changes. This is a potential of 512 changes, Changes
but there aren’t really that many, as not all models have the full number of possible
换 variations. The point of the changes is to learn and develop the ability to ‘change’. The
point is not to memorize hundreds of changes, so the actual number is not important. 换
The variations develop a movement vocabulary, an ease of movement, and a full
掌 understanding of the possibilities of eight distinct styles of combat. The changes of each
animal model represent the best way in which you can move and apply the abilities of
掌
that model.
When the footwork and bodywork are perfect then the hand techniques will be natural.
So the changes must be done perfectly, very accurately, very strictly. There must be no
ambiguity in any movement, so matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Although
there are hundreds of changes, the footwork and bodywork are always the same –
turning with koubu and baibu. All the techniques grow out of these. The eight mother
changes go in all eight directions, so you learn to turn and use footwork to handle any
situation. The direction of the techniques almost always turn to the back, and it helps
to think of them this way when doing the changes, even when the application is not
obvious.
When training the changes never just do the moves or go through them just to
remember. Pay attention to changes in the body, spirit, and understanding. This will also
improve your understanding of the applications. In this way you are improving, even if
the moves don’t necessarily look better yet.
Every requirement of circle-walking is the essence of baguazhang, so applies to all palm
changes, just with bigger movements. When you find it difficult to do a movement
properly, go back to change your body in circle-walking so that you can naturally do the
movement correctly.
Do not be controlled by your movements. The movements are not done for their own
sake – you are doing the movements for your qi and blood. When the qi and blood is
full and moves smoothly, then tendons can change. Concentrate always on the tendons
and the full body. If your body is full your step will naturally be solid. Concentrate on
the body and the hand movements will be natural.

2 page 2
2. DRAGON FORM PALM CHANGES
These are the first palm changes learned in the system, and set the foundation for the
other palm changes. They are the ‘mother palms’ of the system.
The dragon form eight mother palms each develop a different method of moving and a
Changes different understanding of how baguazhang works. The first four changes concentrate Changes
on koubu and baibu stepping. The final four changes concentrate more on directional
换 changes of the whole body. All the footwork and techniques are practised when one
performs the mother palms. They should always be done carefully and perfectly. Never
换
掌掌
just ‘go through’ them for memory, as this develops bad habits.
2.1 DRAGON FORM FIRST PALM CHANGE: SINGLE PALM CHANGE

This is the most fundamental of all the fundamental skills. If you can’t do the dragon
form single palm change properly then you will have the same trouble with every other
method and technique. It trains the koubu and baibu steps (stepping firmly and settling
firmly into the stances), snake form coiling (horizontal action and connection of the
arms through the body), entering with the body (keeping the body upright and moving
from the feet). Almost all the major fighting techniques of the system are in and grow
from the single palm change.
Focus on the feet (in feeling, don’t look at them), keep the body upright, and do not
allow the movements to distract you into your arms. You must do the movement
accurately and feel yourself what and why it is accurate. You cannot just do it by rote,
following instructions.
The characteristics of the single palm changes are: It moves horizontally like a snake,
with many changes but always very calm. The body is always centered and upright, and
the upper and lower back are open. The whole body moves as one – the inner and outer
movement is together as well. The movements affect the inner body, so that there is a
feeling of comfort, not fatigue. The stances and movements are big and open, with full
qi and spirit. The movements open up the body, the qi, and the spirit. It is not enough
that the body is centered and upright – the qi must also be centered, and the internal
and external united. This is not just a requirement – it is the essence.
The many variations of the single palm change isolate particular techniques such as
chuanzhang, movement to the eight directions, or vary the upper, middle, and lower
basin.
Training drills to help you find the proper feeling:
1. Sit in mabu and hold the arms out to the sides. Shift back and forth, settling the hips
so that the torso remains upright.
2. Turn the front foot to a half mabu and place the hands in action two posture. Shift
back and forth, settling the hips so that the torso remains upright.
3. Sit in the action two posture. Koubu and baibu without moving the arms, so that you
are stepping around holding the same posture to find the bracing power in movement.
Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.2 page 3
Movement Names: Close The Door With The Elbows, Push The Shutters To Gaze
At The Moon, Gather Up The Enemy On Horseback, Hide A Flower Under A Leaf,
Green Dragon Turns Its Body.
Description: starting in dragon form with the left hand up.
Changes Action One: Koubu the right leg so that the foot lands across its Changes
line pointing to the centre. There is a double track made by the two
换 feet when they circle-walk. Place the foot’s toes just touching, not
crosssing, the track of the inside foot. Settle firmly into the right
换
掌掌
leg, allowing that to turn the body. Beginning students cut the arms
across to the right without appreciably changing their position
relative to the torso. Advanced students turn in the direction of the
koubu instead of cutting across. Beginnning students rotate the left
hand to palm up, and advanced students may leave it bracing with
the palm down. The right hand stays at the right elbow, and may
rotate palm up or may stay palm down.
Pointers: Keep the body upright, be careful not to lean when moving in to this narrow
stance. Settle into the stepping leg as soon as it steps, so make sure that the angle
and placement of the foot is correct. This gives power to the technique and sets up
for a stable baibu. Complete the action as one unit – legs, arms, body and spirit arrive
together.
Action Two: Turn the left arm palm down if it is not
already down. Baibu the left leg to a mabu on the arc
of the circle, back on its line. The heels will be in line.
Brace out with both arms, still not appreciably changing
their position relative to the body. The upper hand is at
eye height, so that you naturally stay upright. In this way
the whole body braces, not just the arms. Align the left
arm just outside the outer leg. Keep the right arm curved
around the body, the hand at the left elbow.
Pointers: Complete the action as one unit – legs, arms,
body and eyes arrive together (the leg arrives a bit before the body, but do not step first
then push). The mabu is low to develop square power, but the thigh is not quite parallel
to the ground. The point is not to see how low you can
get, but to develop the crouching power of a cat. The
mabu is set into the ground, heavy, centered and stable
Keep the arms high so that you do not pull your torso
down. You may also step into a partially open horse
stance, with the left foot angled out.
Action Three: Stay in horse stance. Reach the right
hand back so that both arms are aligned with the
arc of the circle, on the heel line of the horse stance.
Extend the left arm well out to the left side, then

2.2 page 4
continue to circle to tuck the hand, palm up, fingers on
the ribs.
Pointers: Do not separate the body during this
movement. It is a large arm movement, but keep the
Changes power in the legs and body. Changes
Action Four: If you are in full mabu, turn the left foot
换 along onto its walking line. Step the right foot into
koubu (toe pointing directly away from the centre,
换
掌 almost touching the outside track) and turn the body
towards the left leg. Keep the right hand on the body
and bring it through on the body under the upper arm’s armpit (the hand is always on
掌
the body, it does not move to the other arm). Turn as much as possible, stabbing the
right hand towards the centre. Keep the left arm extended above
shoulder height (do not coil it in towards the body, this prevents you
from turning). Look at or past the hand under the armpit.
Pointers: Settle into the left leg and set the left hip before stepping.
If you stepped into a slightly opened horse stance, you do not need
to turn the foot before stepping. Settle into the right leg after
stepping. Curl the body like rolling a leaf. Keep the body upright.
Grip the ground with the feet and settle well onto the right leg.
Action Five: Turn the body back towards the centre of the circle and
allow the arms to come around naturally, snaking the right hand out
along the left arm and gradually turning both palms up. Thread the
right hand out along the left arm – do not bring the left arm in to
‘help out’. As you thread the hand out, tuck in the elbow. Do not
move the feet, but shift onto the left leg.
Pointers: Keep full power, this move trains the whole body power
while turning. Be sure to turn the body and bring the arms along, do
not start the movement with the arms. Follow the movement of the
arms with the head and eyes, do not lead the movement with a head
turn. Keep the whole movement horizontal. Keep the arms up above
shoulder height so that you are not tempted to look down and pull
the torso out of being upright.
Action Six: Take the dragon form, turning further and replacing
the right foot on its track of the circle, ready to step. Push from the
lower hand to twist in and down into the position. Do not raise the
stance and do not twist the body from the rib cage. Place the hands
and the right foot at the same time.
Then start to walk, lifting the inside foot to step first.

2.2 page 5
DRAGON FORM: SINGLE PALM CHANGE VARIATIONS
The variations of the single palm change are not in any specific order. They are
numbered for convenience only. All descriptions start in dragon form with the left hand
up to the inside.
Changes Changes
换换
2.1.1 This variation trains the most fundamental skill of the single palm change, the
simple chuanzhang. Beware, the most simple methods are the most difficult.
Action One: Koubu, turning the body but not appreciably changing the hand positions.
掌 Action Two: Baibu and directly left chuanzhang (palm up). Do not reach, stay settled in
the body. This is a chuanzhang, but really just turn and lay the palm out. Align the arm
掌
with the outer foot.
Action Three: Step forward on the circle line and chuanzhang right and directly to
dragon form for walking.
2.1.2 This is another deceptively simple change that develops the chuanzhang with the
following step.
Action One: Koubu, settling into the leg and turning the body without appreciably
moving the arms.
Action Two: Baibu left chuanzhang (palm up) on the circle line.
Action Three: Step press into left chuanzhang, staying on the same side, with a stealing
step. Do not reach when moving forward.
Action Four: Step the right foot forward and extend the right hand to go directly to
dragon walking posture.
2.1.3 This applies the same principles of the single change to yazhang.
Action One: Koubu the right foot, turning the body. Let the left arm drop naturally to
prepare for the yazhang.
Action Two: Left baibu, left yazhang at shoulder height on the line of the circle. The
rear hand is at the leading arm’s elbow.
Action Three: Step forward the right foot and, right chuanzhang directly to dragon
form.
2.1.4 This concentrates on the kaizhang.

Action One: Koubu the right foot.
Action Two: Raise and turn the left palm up before doing the baibu. Baibu left kaizhang
at shoulder height. The stance is larger than when go directly to chuanzhang.
Action Three: Step the right foot forward, right chuanzhang to dragon form.

2.2 page 6
2.1.5 This concentrates on sweeping.
Action One: Koubu with the inner foot to the outside.
Action Two: Baibu and sweep. Look back into the arm first, then sweep with stability.
May do a few, changing direction or stopping.
Changes Action Three: To dragon form. Changes
换 2.1.6 This concentrates on the yazhang and qiezhang. 换

掌 Action One: Koubu the right foot.
Action Two: Left foot baibu, left yazhang. Step same foot to qiezhang.
掌
Action Three: Left foot koubu, left hook and right liao back along the line of the circle.
Action Four: Come through directly to dragon form.
2.1.7 This gives a change of direction to the first change, ensuring that you are using
your body and stepping, not using your arms, and it also trains coiling the body more
than the simple palm change.
Action One: Koubu, baibu the same as action 2.1 in the standard palm change.
Action Two: Mabu catch the enemy with the right arm, the same as action 2.1.
Action Three: Koubu hide the leaf, the same as action 2.1.
Action Four: Turn around to face the centre with the palms up as if you were going
to finish as usual. Bai the right foot to go back on the line of the circle. Keep the arms
bracing with the palms up and set into a solid open mabu.
Action Five: Koubu the left foot to the circle and continue to turn the body to go
directly to the dragon form. You have changed sides.
2.1.8 This is not a variation of movements of the first change, but a variation of how to
do Hide a Flower Under a Leaf.
Look away from the hand that is under the armpit instead of looking around to the
same side. This sets you up for using the back and shoulder when coming back around,
as if you have moved into the opponent and will knock them over with the back/
shoulder when you turn. Some find it easier to seek the power connected deeply into
the lower back when they turn the head this way, so it is a good variation to find the
power of the stance.

2.2 page 7
2.2 DRAGON FORM SECOND PALM CHANGE: DOUBLE PALM
CHANGE
This trains the large koubu and large baibu stepping. It trains the true spirit of the
dragon, reaching as high up as possible and as low down as possible, as the dragon soars
Changes into the sky and drops into the sea at will. It trains the large koubu and larger baibu Changes
steps, liaozhang, rising and dropping, gaizhang, and zhuangzhang. The variations train
换 more rising and falling, and the interchange between hard and soft. All movement is big
and comfortable. Practising this change opens up the tendons, bones, qi, and blood. 换
掌掌
The movements create a characteristic feeling, they are the means, not the end. The end
is to manifest the spirit of the dragon. The movements must be done perfectly in order
to draw this out. The dragon feeling is the best for opening up the tendons, and once
the tendons are opened up then they can connect. This will automatically open up the qi
and blood. Do not separate the internal from the external. The correct movements will
correct the qi and blood.
Movement Names: Reach To The Heavens, Draw Up The Cloak While Walking
Along, Reach To The Heavens And Stab Into The Ground, Large Koubu Baibu
Gaizhang, Zhuangzhang to both sides, Gather Up The Enemy On Horseback, Hide A
Flower Under A Leaf, Dragon Turns Its Head.
Action One: Koubu the right foot across its walking line, not
crossing the left foot, settle into the right leg, and sweep the left
hand up. Sweep the arm in preparation for the following liaozhang,
already following that direction, do not just lift it up.
Pointers: At first make the biggest circle possible with the arm to
open up the body. Later on the movement can become more natural
and hardly move at all, going almost directly into the liaozhang.
Action Two: Baibu the left foot onto the outside line of the circle, liaozhang with the
left hand. Circle the hand down past the knee before stepping out (settle further down
into the right leg before stepping into the mabu). Bring the right hand down to protect
the groin area, fingers pointing to the
left knee.
Pointers: Make this a large, proud
movement, like getting your robe out
of the way and being impressive about
it. The arm doing the liaozhang is on
a straight line with the heels of the
mabu, to open up the shoulders.

2.2 page 8
Action Three: Koubu the right foot, rise up and slide the right hand up along the left
arm, first with the back on the hand on the arm, then turning and stabbing straight up
until the upper arm is at the ear. Slide the left hand down to the shoulder. Then sit down
and stab the left hand down beside the leg, placing the back of the
hand by the right knee. Be sure to keep the left
Changes arm extended and slide the right hand up along Changes
换换
it, pulling the left hand in to the armpit, and
then stab the left hand down – do not do both
moves at once.
掌 Pointers: Keep the body vertical. Open the

shoulders to be able to reach fully up and down
掌
without pulling the body offline. Settle onto
the right leg. Be sure to do two actions – first
rising as high as possible, then sitting as low as
possible.
Action Four: Extra koubu with the right foot, around and slightly outside the circle,
keeping the arms in the same place relative to the body. Baibu the left foot into mabu
and open the arms, aligning them with each other. Keep the left hand on the right knee
during the extra koubu, then move it to the left knee for the baibu. The back of the left
hand is on or beside the kneecap
in the mabu. The right arm draws a
straight angled line with the lead arm,
so is above the head slightly outside
the line of the legs, palm up, shoulder
open.
Pointers: The power is in the upper
back. Settle down so that the power
will go out.
Action Five: Large koubu with the right foot all the way
around to almost back onto the circle. Gaizhang with
the right hand, striking forward into the head. Grab and
pull the left hand down to under the elbow, hand either
clenched or slightly cupped.
One variation is to not step around quite so much, but
just to the outside.
Pointers: Be sure to use both arms together. Do not swing
the arm around as you koubu, try to leave it almost in
place.

2.2 page 9
Action Six: Shift the left foot to get aligned with the circle and into a comfortable
mabu. If you stepped less on the gaizhang, step through back to the walking line to
the mabu. Bring the left
hand in then do a single
zhuangzhang to the left
Changes side. The hands are in a Changes
换换
straight line, the fingers
pointing forward or
slightly angled. Then stay
掌 in mabu and do a single

zhuangzhang with the 掌
right hand to the right
side. Look to the hitting
side before the zhuang.
Pointers: Use the hip, body, and shoulders to get power, not the arms. Keep slightly back
weighted and push the zhuang from the rear leg. Keep soft power.
Action Seven: Circle then tuck the right hand, palm up,
to the ribs.
Action Eight: Turn the left foot to align on the circle. Step the
right foot into koubu and turn the body towards the left leg. Keep
the right hand on the body and bring it through on the body
under the upper arm’s armpit. Turn as much as possible, stabbing
the right hand towards the centre. Keep the left arm extended
above shoulder height. Look at the hand under the armpit.

2.2 page 10
Action Nine: Turn the body back towards the centre of the circle
and allow the arms to come around naturally, gradually turning
the palms up. Thread the right hand out along the left arm – do
not bring the left arm in to ‘help out’. As you thread the hand out,
tuck in the elbow. Do not move the feet, but shift onto the left leg.
Changes Changes
Pointers: You may thread the right hand up slightly as it comes
换 around. The first palm change is completely flat, but the second
may rise and fall. You may also roll the body over to bring the arm 换
up and around.
掌掌
Action Ten: Take the dragon form, turning further and replacing
the right foot on the line of the circle, ready to step. Push from
the lower hand to twist in and down into the position. Do not
raise the stance and do not twist the body from the rib cage. Place
the hands and the right foot at the same time.
Then start to walk, lifting the inside foot to step first. This is a
simpler action but with the same spirit.
DRAGON FORM: DOUBLE PALM CHANGE VARIATIONS

The variations of the double palm change are not in any specific order. They are
numbered for convenience only.
2.2.1 This concentrates more on the rise and fall. It involves simpler actions but with the
same spirit.
Action One: Start with koubu, baibu the same as the first dragon change.
Action Two: Bring the right foot in beside the leading foot, thread the right hand up
and thread the left hand down to place the back of the hand on the right knee. Turn the
right palm up and squat down before lifting the arm. The right arm is less twisted than
in the original second change, so the palm is facing in towards the body.
Action Three: Step around to koubu the right foot back along the line of the circle and
gaizhang the right hand.
Action Four: Drop stance, continuing the gaizhang all the way down. This is a dragon
gaizhang – go down with the whole body before turning to the drop stance. Look at the
right hand behind and thread the left palm along the leg, and up to hide a flower under
a leaf.
Action Five: Turn to dragon form.

2.2 page 11
2.3 DRAGON FORM THIRD PALM CHANGE: FOLLOWING PALM
CHANGE
One of the basic ideas of baguazhang is to never use force against force. The following
change trains the techniques of following along, leading, and using smoothness to beat
Changes brute strength. The variations train folding and returning, duck splits the water, and Changes
swallow skims the water. This palm change emphasizes koubu and baibu once again.
换 Movement Names: Stab To Heaven And Earth, Gaizhang, Hide a Flower Under a
Leaf, Dragon Turns Its Head.
换
掌 Description: starting in dragon form with the left hand up.
Action One: Koubu the left foot to point away from the centre,
掌
settling firmly into the left leg. Stab the left hand up until the upper
arm is at the head, and stab the right hand to place the back of the
hand at the hip. The left arm is straight up at the left ear.
Action Two: Baibu the right foot, keeping the weight back and the
arms in the same position. Look through the left arm. The back
will now face the centre of the circle.
Action Three: Look forward to the circle line. Large koubu the
left foot, coming around to gaizhang the left hand along the line of the circle. The chest
will now angle towards the centre of the circle.
Pointers: Be sure to step properly
and keep upright. Do not swing
the body or arm around, but step
and keep the arm under control.

2.2 page 12
Action Four: Hook the left hand, settle into a drop
stance on the left leg, and thread the right hand along
inside the right leg, palm rolled over to face up.
Pointers: Keep the arms on a straight line, do not lean
Changes the body to struggle into the drop stance, which pulls Changes
the shoulders in. If you cannot do a full drop stance, do a
换 proper half mabu.

换
掌 Action Five: Shift forward and koubu the left foot into
Hide the Flower Under a Leaf. 掌
Pointers: Set into the back leg as you come up, to arrive in a
centered half mabu stance, stretching out the arms fully to liao as
you come up. Settle into the hips, then step the koubu.
Action Six: Dragon Turns its Head. You have not changed sides. To
change sides, do the single palm change.
DRAGON FORM: FOLLOWING PALM CHANGE VARIATIONS

The variations of the following palm change are not in any specific order. They are
numbered for convenience only. Descriptions all start in dragon form with the left hand
up.
2.3.1 This changes sides.

Action One, Two, and Three: Do the change the same as 2.3.
Action Four: Koubu to the outside of the circle, threading the rear hand through under
the armpit away from the circle. Then roll the body over, ducking the head under the
arm to go directly to the dragon form. Do not pass the hands over or behind the head.
2.3.2 This opens up the groin area.
Movement names: same as 2.3, but adding repetitions of the Liaozhang, and Swallow
Dips the Water Thrice, and Duck Swims Thrice.
Action One, Two, Three: Do the same as 2.3.
Action Four: Repeat the drop stance threading palm three times. If you do not drop
down fully, do liaozhang half horse stance repeats.
Action Five: Do ‘dip the water’ three times, settling into a drop stance. Cross the arms in
front of the body, then circle them, stretching fully, to finish with a the fingers pointing
2.2 page 13
on the toes in front and a hook hand behind. If you cannot do a full drop stance, do an
open mabu and yazhang.
Action Six: Do ‘duck swims’ three times, shifting back and forth in a drop stance or low
mabu. Bring the arm that just completed the downward touch around at above shoulder
Changes height to the other side, palm up. Since this is done by turning the body, the other arm Changes
stays stretched out behind the body. Coil the lead arm in towards the body then stretch
换 it out behind into a hook hand, reaching the rear arm and turning the palm up to come
to the other side of the body. Repeat this three times. 换
掌掌
Action Seven: Drop stance thread the palm and go to dragon form, changing sides.
2.3.3 This turns smoothly.

Action one: Step the outside foot (right) slightly to the outside.
Action two: Koubu the inside foot (left) towards the outside, stepping around. Raise the
left hand up.
Action three: Baibu the right foot around, landing on the circle line with the body
facing in. Place the right hand on the right knee and keep the left hand up (similar to
the position taken in the second palm change).
Action four: Koubu the left foot around, landing back around with the body angled out
a bit. Gaizhang with the left hand.
Action five: Drop stance right thread palm.
Action six: Hide the flower under a leaf, and turn to dragon. You have not changed
sides.

2.2 page 14
2.4 DRAGON FORM FOURTH PALM CHANGE: TRIPLE PALM
CHANGE.
This change trains small koubu and small baibu steps, and chuanzhang with advancing
and retreating steps, with switchover steps, with advancing step, thread the flower and
Changes hit the tree, and point east and hit west. Changes
Movement Names: Golden Cock Shakes Its Wings, Swallow Tosses Its Wings,
换 Chuanzhang plus Turning (X3), Replace The Support Pillar, Dragon Form.
Description: starting in dragon form with the left hand up to the inside.
换
掌 Action One: Koubu the right foot, bring the arms across in front of the body a bit.
Settle firmly into the right leg.
掌
Action Two: Do actions one and two the same as the
second change, but without the large rising movement.
I learned this with a drop stance, threading both hands
along the left thigh, both palms facing the thigh, keeping
the right hand at the left arm’s elbow.
Action Three: Bring the right hand to the armpit. Step

the right foot through to advance
slightly to the outside of the circle
tracks. Slide the right hand under the
left arm to extend with a same side
chuanzhang. Keep the stance short
and settled, knees together.
Pointers: The chuanzhang is long.
Open the upper back but do not
overreach.
Action Four: Do an extra tight koubu with the right foot to turn around on the outside
of the circle, pressing into the right arm then
hooking the right hand. Drop stance on the
circle line and thread the left hand along the
thigh.
Pointers: When you turn, turn the arm and
hand as if grabbing, so there is pressure to
the outside, and then make the hook. Do not
simply hook the hand.
If you can’t do a full drop stance do a proper
half mabu. Keep the torso upright, do not
2.2 page 15
lean in an attempt to do a lower stance. The slicing hand must pass below the knee and
reach out with a liaozhang as you come up. Keep the body upright.
Action Five: Chuanzhang similar to action three, continuing
around the circle. The rear hand is coming from further away,
Changes so first bring it to the ribs, then armpit, then slide out along the Changes
lead arm.
换换
掌掌
Action Six: Koubu and drop

stance similar to action four,
continuing around the circle
line.
Action Seven: Chuanzhang

similar to action five, continuing
around the circle.
Action Eight: Koubu and drop
stance similar to action six.
Action Nine: Start forward as if to do another chuanzhang, then step the left foot a bit
to the outside, and shift forward onto the left leg and bring the right foot in to hook
behind the supporting knee. Raise the left hand straight up. Bring the right hand to the
ribs, then bring it across the body to finish palm up at the waist.

2.2 page 16
Action Ten: Settle lower into the left leg. Then

place the right foot on the ground and turn the
Changes body into dragon form. You are now ready to Changes
start walking in dragon form.
换换
掌掌
DRAGON FORM: TRIPLE PALM CHANGE VARIATIONS
numbered for convenience only. All descriptions start in dragon form with the left
hand up to the centre.
2.4.1 This moves more freely and quickly.

Action One: Koubu the right foot, bring the arms across in front of the body a bit.
Settle firmly into the right leg.
Action Two: Baibu, sweeping the left arm horizontally along with the leg. Keep the
right hand extended to the right.
Action Three: Bring the right hand to the armpit. Step the right foot through to
advance on the circle (slightly to the outside). Slide the right hand under the left arm to
extend with a same side chuanzhang. Keep the stance short and settled, knees together.
The chuanzhang is long – open the upper back, but do not overreach.
Action Four: Do an extra tight koubu with the right foot to turn around, hooking the
right hand. Baibu, sweeping the left arm horizontally along with the leg. Keep the right
hand extended to the right.
Action Five: Similar to action three, continuing around the circle. Bring the rear hand
to the ribs, then armpit, then slide out along the lead arm.
Action Six: Same as action four.
Action Seven: Same as action five.
Action Eight: Same as action four.
Action Nine: Same as action three.
Action Ten: Shift forward onto the left leg and bring the right foot in to hook behind
the suporting knee. Raise the left hand straight up. Place the right hand palm up at the
waist.
Action Eleven: Settle lower into the left leg and turn the body into dragon form. Land
the right foot forward and then start walking.

2.2 page 17
2.5 DRAGON FORM FIFTH PALM CHANGE: DODGING BODY
CHANGE, OR WEAVING BODY CHANGE.
This trains double koubu and double baibu stepping, dodging the body, using the elbow
to strike, connecting the tanzhang to an elbow strike. The koubu is always placed and
Changes the body turns, with it so that the turning is very smooth and upright. Changes
The 5th to 8th changes train directional changing, and the 5th particularly so.
换 Description: starting in dragon form with the
left hand up.
换
掌 Action One: koubu, baibu to liaozhang without
first lifting the arm. Step the koubu a bit into the
掌
circle and the baibu directly away from the circle.
Keep the heels in line, in an open mabu.
Action Two: Right koubu Stab to heaven and

thrust into the ground similar to the second
change.
Action Three: Carry through to right koubu right gaizhang

onto the line of the circle.
Pointers: At this point the feet are on the circle and the belly
is facing into the centre. Keep the gaizhang high.

2.2 page 18
Action Four: Set down into the right leg, pushing down
with the right palm, keeping it at the same height in
relation to the body. Then hook the right hand. Drop
stance thread the left palm along the left leg.
Changes Changes
换换
掌 Action Five: Step the right foot
forward into a smooth stance
掌
right chuanzhang, a bit to the
outside.
Pointers: Move up from the
drop stance by rising on the
bent leg into a half mabu, then
move forward to step into the
chuanzhang. Bring the right
hand in to the ribs before
starting the chuanzhang.
Action Six: Koubu the right foot without

changing direction yet. Baibu the left foot and
turn the body fully around to do the crab form
facing into the centre of the circle in a crossed
stance. The hands are higher than the shoulders.
Pointers: Make sure the body is upright, no
leaning at all. This could be an elbow strike, so
must remain balanced.
Action Seven: Step the left foot across and reach the left hand along
the line of the circle. Right tanzhang, grabbing with the left hand,
doing a follow-in step with the right foot.
Then advance the left foot and do a left palm up chuanzhang,
bringing the right palm to the left elbow.

2.2 page 19
Alternate version: just do a tanzhang, no chuanzhang.
Action Eight: Step the right foot back along the line of the circle
and reach the right hand along the line of the circle. Left tanzhang,
grabbing with the right hand. Follow-in the left foot.
Changes Advance the right foot and do a right palm up chuanzhang, Changes
bringing the left palm to the right elbow.
换 Alternate version: just do a tanzhang, no chuanzhang. 换
掌掌
Action Nine: Koubu the right foot and hook the
right hand. Drop stance and thread the left palm
back along the line of the circle.
Alternate version: Turn back with another right
tanzhang, with the right foot forward and a bit to
the outside of the circle. Then turn and drop stance,
threading the palm going in the same direction.
The alternate version will still end up going the
same way.
Action Ten: Move forward and right koubu to Hide a flower under
a leaf.
Action Eleven: Turn to dragon form.

2.2 page 20
2.6 DRAGON FORM SIXTH PALM CHANGE: GRINDING BODY
CHANGE OR TURNING BODY CHANGE
This trains white snake coils its body, grinding body applications, the ability to roll in on
the opponent when you can’t defend otherwise. The key is in the body, don’t worry too
Changes much about the exact placement of the footwork when walking the small circle (though Changes
the feet must be cleanly placed). Look big, and stay comfortable.
换 Description: starting in dragon form

with the left hand up.
换
掌 Action One: Start with the koubu,
baibu liaozhang, the same as the 掌
second palm change. Beginners do a
large action, once you find the power,
do a smaller action.
Action Two: Right koubu. Hook the left hand,

bring it in to the body then place the fingers
on the waist, palm up. Bring the right hand up
naturally after the koubu.
Left large baibu around into the centre of the
circle, into an open mabu.
Pointers: Keep low and lay out the right arm,
opening the body.
Action Three: Koubu, baibu, taking tight steps in

place inside the circle. Place the koubu normally in
relation to the other foot – onto the box step, not
crossing the line of the other foot. Place the baibu
by the other foot, turned as much as you can.
Pointers: The body is the axis, don’t walk around in

a circle. Stretch the right arm up and keep the left
hand at the hip. Put power to the rear left shoulder.

2.2 page 21
Changes Changes
换换
掌 Action Four: Left large baibu to get
掌
back onto the line of the circle. Open up
the body.
Right koubu right gaizhang on the line
of the circle.
Pointers: You should be able to do
one big baibu, a normal koubu, and a
big baibu, without the circling steps,
and arrive back at the circle line. Once
this stepping is comfortable, then the
circling steps also become more comfortable.
Action Five: Drop stance, hook the right hand and thread
the left palm along the line of the circle, going back the
way you came.
Action Six: Advance smooth stance right chuanzhang.

2.2 page 22
Action Seven: Right koubu, roll to left yezhang, so you
are now in a mabu on the line of the circle with the torso
facing towards the centre.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Eight: Three lion form rolling tanzhang, walking
along the line of the circle. Start with the hand that is
up, stepping through to a smooth stance. All three step
through to smooth stance. On the last one, step a bit to
the outside of the circle.
Action Nine: Koubu hook, turn and drop stance thread

the palm, keeping going in the same direction along the
line of the circle.
Action Ten: Go directly to dragon form.

2.2 page 23
2.7 DRAGON FORM SEVENTH PALM CHANGE: RETURNING BODY
CHANGE
This trains advance and retreat turning, pizhang applications, and kicks. It is called
returning change because you constantly run away, then turn back to counter attack. All
Changes the turns are done in two actions: koubu without turning, then turn. Changes
换 Action One: The inside (left) foot first steps straight. 换
掌掌
Action Two: The outside (right) foot steps

straight. Then the inside (left) foot does koubu
pointing to the outside. The left hand does stab
to heaven.
Action Three: Turn. Step one, two

(right baibu, left step straight).
Continue the circle of the left
hand to do pizhang.

2.2 page 24
Action Four: Koubu, baibu and turn, keeping the left arm laid
out. Then continue the action of the left hand to do a low palm up
liaozhang.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Five: Left toe kick, keep the left arm extended
along the leg. Lean back to put power into the hip to grab
and kick.
Action Six: Turn and land the

kicking leg with koubu, close to the
supporting foot. Cross the arms.
Then open the arms and do a right
heel kick. Lean back to put power
into the kick from the hip. Thrust
the arms out to the sides as you
kick. You can also kaizhang the
arms out at shoulder height, palms
up
Action Seven: Land the kicking leg

behind, back along the line of the
circle. Reach the right hand across,
then step in and left tanzhang.

2.2 page 25
Action Eight: Step and reach back

along the circle then step and right
tanzhang, stepping the right foot
Changes forward. Changes
(right foot not forward in the photo)
换换
掌掌
Action Nine: Turn, hook the right
hand, drop stance thread palm,
continuing along the circle line in the
same direction.
Action Ten: Go directly to dragon form, or go to gather up the

enemy, hide the flower under a leaf, and then turn to dragon form.
Part Two: Changes Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.2 page 26
2.8 DRAGON FORM EIGHTH PALM CHANGE: SPINNING BODY
CHANGE, OR REVOLVING OR ROTATING BODY CHANGE
This trains striking to front and rear, single zhuangzhang, and turning back to strike
behind.
Changes Description: starting in dragon form with the left hand up. Changes
Action One: Koubu, baibu into liaozhang (draw up the
换 cloak) the same as the second palm change, with a smaller
action.
换
掌掌
Action Two: First step the leading (left) foot forward,

step the right foot through. Start out as if you were going to
do a chuanzhang with the right hand, but push off the left
leg and drive forward to finish with a back and front single
zhuangzhang, right arm forward and left arm back.
Action Three: Koubu the right foot, pointing out away from
the circle, to tanzhang the right hand back behind.

2.2 page 27
Action Four: Left chuanzhang releasing the
left foot so that it steps forward. Then right
palm up chuanzhang, stepping the right foot
forward in the same direction, finishing with
the right foot forward.
Changes Changes
换换
掌 Action Six: Koubu the right foot and drop stance thread palm back in the other
掌
direction.
Action Five: Go to dragon form.

2.2 page 28
3. SINGLE HOOK (DOUBLE-HEADED SNAKE) FORM PALM CHANGES
These are usually the second model of palm changes learned in the system.
The snake form eight mother palms each develop a different method of moving and a
different understanding of how baguazhang works. They should always be done carefully
Changes and perfectly. Never just ‘go through’ them for memory, as this develops bad habits. Changes
换 3.1 SINGLE HOOK FORM FIRST PALM CHANGE: SINGLE HOOK 换

CHANGE
掌 This trains the transverse stance, chuan stabbing, wrist strike and shoulder strike. The
footwork is like the dragon's single palm change – a simple koubu and baibu – so it is
掌
clear that this change is the foundation of the ability to turn and move using the single
hook’s power. Although the stepping is similar, it is done with a different emphasis and
power.
Description: starting in single-hook form with the left hand into
the circle.
Action One: Right koubu, settling into the right leg. Turn the
left palm down but essentially do not move the arm. This is a cut
towards the opponent, catching and preparing, but do not move
too much. Do not do a circling hook, but simply turn and the hook
will be done.
Action Two: Left baibu to an open horse stance, brace

across with the left hand, keeping the weight back in the
right leg. Reach the left arm well out, aligned with the
outside of the left thigh. Keep the right arm extended to
the rear, the hand remaining hooked.
Part Two: Changes: Single-hook. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.3 page 29
Action Three: Hook the left hand while simultaneously unhooking
the right hand, stepping the right foot through to bring the right
hand through to chuan on the line of the circle, striking quite hard.
This can also be a shoulder strike, so do not lose power to the hand.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Four: Turn to point to the centre and start walking. You
may turn and start walking gradually, or turn then start walking.
3.2 SINGLE-HOOK FORM SECOND PALM CHANGE: SINGLE HOOK

DOUBLE CHANGE
This trains swallow casts through the forest, dealing with front and rear, shrink the body
to change the shadow, and basic deerhorn knives techniques. The footwork is similar to
the dragon double palm change in that it uses larger koubu and baibu.
Description: starting in single-hook form with the left hand into the circle.
Action One: Right koubu, stepping into the circle a little bit. The foot should kou
enough that it is now parallel and inside the inner walking line. Turn the left arm to cut,
but do not move it much yet, be sure to have a good hooking power.
Action Two: Left foot
full baibu to the outside,
aligning to an open
horse stance directly
away from the cirle. Left
horizontal brace to the
outside, keeping the
right hand extended and
hooked behind.

2.3 page 30
Action Three: Right koubu to the outside, stepping through with
the foot turned in. Come through to chuan strongly with right
hand, hooking and extending the left behind.
Changes Changes
换换
掌 Action Four: Sit onto the right leg and turn to look into the centre, 掌
coiling the left arm palm up and coiling the right arm to balance the action, opening
the hook to press into the palm. Continuing the movement, step the left foot lightly to
go back to the circle, and
sweep the left arm past
the knee, hooking and
sweeping out to the back.
Chuan the right hand to
the line then turn in to
the circle-centre.
3.3 SINGLE-HOOK FORM THIRD PALM CHANGE: CONTINUOUS

SINGLE HOOK
This trains single hook carry on, and randomly pluck flowers. It also develops a good
feeling of the double-headed snake.
Action One and Two: the same as the second change.

2.3 page 31
Action Three: Sit onto the right leg. Turn back to face the centre,
changing the right hand to hook and turning the left palm up.
Keep this movement fairly soft.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Four: Step the left foot forward into the circle then step the right foot forward,
keeping most weight on the left foot. Hook the left arm and pull it back while
extending the right arm towards the circle centre. Step lightly but keep the stance solid
and low.
Action Five: Step the right foot back and place the left foot in front of it, most weight
on the right leg. Hook the right arm and pull it back while extending the left arm
towards the circle centre.
Action Six: Step the left foot across on the circle line and place the right foot in front.
Hook the left arm and pull it back while extending the right arm towards the circle
centre.
Action seven: Then, turn the right palm up, and start walking,
gradually turn the body to bring the right arm to the circle centre.

2.3 page 32
SINGLE-HOOK FORM: CONTINUOUS SINGLE HOOK CHANGE
VARIATIONS
numbered for convenience only.
Changes 3.3.1 This trains the chuan zhang. Changes
Do the third single hook change. When doing the three strikes, hook directly and come
换 though with a very strong chuanzhang, with the thumb tucked in, the hand turned the
thumb side up, and the
换
掌 arm fully extended.
掌
3.3.2 This trains the bengshou.

Do the third single
hook change. When
doing the three strikes,
come though with a
very strong bengshou,
with the thumb tucked
down, and the arm fully
extended.
3.3.3 This trains the

yanzhou.
Do the third single
hook change. When
doing the three strikes,
do a yanzhou, bring
the hooking hand back
behind the body.

2.3 page 33
3.4 SINGLE-HOOK FORM FOURTH PALM CHANGE: HOOK THE
WAIST
Action One and Two: Koubu, baibu the same as the second change.
Changes Action Three: Step the right foot through and come through in single hook. Changes
换 Action Four: Turn to eagle form facing the circle centre.

Action Five: Step the right foot across and sweep the left arm, hooking and returning 换
掌掌
to single hook
form.
3.5 SINGLE-HOOK FORM FIFTH PALM CHANGE: SMALL SMASH

This trains the same concepts as the dragon’s mother palm ‘dodging body change’.
Description: starting in single-hook
form with the left hand into the circle.
Action One: Koubu the right foot a bit
inside the circle.
Action Two: Baibu the left foot a bit
outside the circle line and liaozhang the
left arm, keeping the right arm extended
and hooked.
Action Three: Step the right foot
through and come through with
lion form (tiao chuan) (both hands
unhooked), following the line so the lion goes is slightly
outside. Be sure to apply power together.
Action Four: Baibu the left foot back along the circle
to mabu with an open foot, with your back facing the
centre of the circle. Zazhang on both sides (palms flat,
facing up), but emphasizing the left arm, the direction
you are going.

2.3 page 34
Action Five: Step the right foot forward along the circle and
gaizhang with right hand, continuing in that direction. Do
the gaizhang a bit lower than usual, as if you had deerhorn
knives and were driving the tip into the space behind the
collar bone. Keep the other hand open, lightly cupped, at the
Changes elbow. Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Six: Sit back, bring
the left hand over the right
forearm, at first palm up, then
turning palm down to reach
across. Reach forward, then
step the left foot back and
open out both arms to the
single-hook position.
Action Seven: Step through to single-hook, right hand in to

centre.
3.6 SINGLE-HOOK FORM SIXTH PALM CHANGE:

SINGLE HOOK GOLDEN COCK AND MONKEY
FIGHT
This trains the same concepts as the dragon’s mother palm
‘grinding body change’.
Description: starting in single-hook form with the left hand into
the circle.
Action One: Koubu the right foot a bit into the circle.

2.3 page 35
Action Two: Baibu the left foot to continue around going in the
same direction and coil the left arm.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Three: Continue to step around, stepping the right foot
through to lion, a bit away from the centre.
Action Four: Baibu the left foot to mabu facing in. The
left arm is the main arm, pounding down, leaving the
right arm out with the same downward power, both
hands open and palm up.
Action Five: Step the right foot through to gaizhang the right
hand, a bit away from the circle to facilitate continuing in the same
direction.

2.3 page 36
Action Six: Baibu the left foot around the circle line, sweeping the left arm. Change to
single hook, right hand in to the circle centre.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
3.7 SINGLE-HOOK FORM SEVENTH PALM CHANGE: SINGLE HOOK

DOT AND REACH
This trains the same concepts as the dragon’s mother palm ‘returning body change’.
Action Two: Baibu the left foot to a T step and coil the left arm.
Action Three: Step the right foot through to lion, a bit away from the circle (both hands
are open).
Action Four: Baibu the left foot to mabu facing in. Pound with the left arm, leaving the
right arm extended to the other side, applying the same power.

2.3 page 37
Action Five: Withdraw the left foot (may also lift the left knee)
and tanzhang the right hand, on the circle line, pulling back with
the left hand.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Six: Step the left foot a bit to the outside. Bring the left hand over the right
forearm, palm down. Reach forward and open out the left arm by turning the waist.
Then turn back again to bring the left arm across, changing to the single hook form,
right hand in to
the circle centre.
3.8 SINGLE-HOOK FORM EIGHTH PALM CHANGE: SINGLE HOOK

TO FOUR DIRECTIONS
This trains the same concepts as the dragon’s mother palm ‘spinning or revolving body
change’.
Action Two: Baibu the left foot to a T step and coil the left arm.
Action Three: Step the right foot through to lion, a bit away from the circle, hands open.
Action Four: Baibu the left foot to mabu facing in. Pound the left arm and keep the
right arm extended behind (not hooked), keeping the same downward power. Up to
here the actions are the same as the single hook changes six and seven.

2.3 page 38
Action Five: Step the right foot through to gai the right hand
a bit away from the circle, to facilitate continuing in the same
direction.
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌
Action Six: Baibu the left foot to the
circle line, and liao the left arm. Step
the right foot through to lion.
Action Eight: Turn to eagle, facing

the circle centre.
Action Nine: Here, you can either step the left foot to the circle
line and sweep the left arm, changing to single hook with the
right hand to the circle centre, or you can repeat the actions to
perform them all in four directions.

2.3 page 39
4. LION FORM PALM CHANGES
These are usually the third model of palm changes learned in the system.
The lion form eight mother palms each develop a different method of moving and a
different understanding of how baguazhang works. They should always be done carefully
Changes and perfectly. Never just ‘go through’ them for memory, as this develops bad habits. Changes
Think of the lion as the Chinese see it to practise it correctly. It is always playing with
换 a ball in statues and in the lion dance. You must never lose the feeling of playing with
a ball – but it is a huge ball, one that needs you to spread your arms as open as you can.
换
掌 Think also of a real lion, how it settles its energy down and how it is bold and confident.
You must remain settled even with the arms up, and do large movements with full 掌
confidence. You must expand in body and spirit to fill up your space. All the actions of
the changes, because of this ball, contain attack and defense, movement in all directions,
and the ability to use either hand at any time.
All of the lion changes can be done in low, middle, and high basin. The descriptions are
of middle basin. In low basin, squat fully down on the supporting leg, pressing up from
it to rise and step forward in one smooth action. Never lose the ball, but pretend to be
scooping it up from the ground.
The lion changes, as well as developing the strong arms and expansive spirit of the lion,
develops the firmly rooted stepping of a fighting lion. All stepping and stepping must
come from the feet. Even when the arm actions are large, movement must not start
from the arms.
4.1 LION FORM FIRST PALM CHANGE: LION HOLDS THE BALL
This trains lion attacks, lion tanzhang, chuanzhang.
Description: starting in lion form with the left hand into the circle.
Action One: Right foot koubu, keep the lion shape of the arms. You may sit down into
the right leg, depending on how low you intend to sit in the following actions.
Part Two: Changes.: Lion Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.4 page 40
Action Two: Left baibu to the line. Roll the body, keeping the arms in the same position
relative to each other as if rolling a large ball, to change sides directly. Keep the arms
connected through the upper back and use power from the lower back.
This can also be done in low basin, dropping into a full drop stance, remaining on the
Changes squatting leg as you step and shift forward smoothly. Changes
换换
掌掌
4.2 LION FORM SECOND PALM CHANGE: LION ROLLS OVER

HOLDING THE BALL
This trains the lion models of qiezhang, pizhang, grabbing, and also turning the sabre.
Action One: Koubu.
Action Two: Baibu liaozhang to the outside. The form is similar to the dragon
liaozhang, but keeping the lion holding the ball form, connection, and power.
Part Two: Changes: Lion. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.4 page 41
Action Three: Koubu to outside, tucking the
head through and threading the rear hand
through tight to the armpit to hold ball in a
fairly extended position.
Changes Action Four: Turn back to face centre, to Changes

simply change directions by lifting the lead
换 hand so that it becomes the top hand. Use

the power of the whole body and keep the 换
ball connection while doing this.
掌掌
Action Five: Step to continue on the circle,
rolling the ball to change sides. You can
drop down to bring the ball to the ground
while doing this. You essentially do the first
lion change again.
4.3 LION FORM THIRD PALM CHANGE: LION TRUNDLES THE BALL
This trains the lion model of zhuangzhang, daishou, and the principles of lion form
applications.
Action One: Right koubu.
Action Two: Left baibu lion’s left liaozhang on the circle line.

2.4 page 42
Action Three: Right step forward rolling the lion form through with the right hand
underneath. This is a rolling, palm up chuanzhang.
Action Four: Left step forward slightly angled away from the circle line, rolling the lion
form through, left hand over the top. This is a large rolling tanzhang.
Changes Action Five: Right step forward slightly angled away from the circle line, rolling the Changes
lion form right hand
换 over the top. This is a
large rolling tanzhang.
换
掌掌
Action Six: Right koubu, turn, left

baibu, coil the left arm through along
the circle line. Finish facing in to the
centre with the arms fully extended, the
left arm high and the right arm low. This
is a ‘throw the ball’ feeling, large and
expansive while still maintaining the full
body connection.
Action Seven: Right step through, right hand through, rolling under to lion holds the
ball.
Action Eight: Turn and step to change sides.

2.4 page 43
4.4 LION FORM FOURTH PALM CHANGE: LION CATCHES THE BALL
This trains lion wheels around, lion rolls, lion holds itself straight.
Actions one through seven are the same as the third lion change.
Action eight:
Changes Baibu step Changes
across on the
换 circle line and
roll the ball
换
掌 through to the
outside, then 掌
turn to face the
circle centre,
rolling over.
Action nine:
Repeat action eight,
continuing on
around the circle.
Action ten: Repeat action eight, continuing on around the circle.
Action eleven: Do the first lion change to change direction.

2.4 page 44
4.5 LION FORM FIFTH PALM CHANGE: LION THROWS THE BALL
This trains lion presses the body, lion changes position. This is a shunbu change.
Action one: Koubu the inside foot to point
away from the circle and roll the lion form
Changes vertically over to change direction. Changes
You may do the fifth lion change as a three
换 step straight-straight-kou and roll around
flat.
换
掌掌
4.6 LION FORM SIXTH PALM CHANGE: LION SWINGS FLATLY

This is a shunbu change.
Action one: Take a small step to the outside
with the outside (left) foot and open the
arms, pressing down with the arm (left) on
the outside.
Action two: Step the right foot through to
right gaizhang, back around away from the
circle line.
Actions one and two may also be done by

keeping the ball holding position, with the
feeling of pressing down and gai, but not
changing the position of the arms.

2.4 page 45
Action three: Left foot baibu back to the
circle line with a lion left liaozhang.
Changes Changes
换换
掌 Action four: Step through to lion form.
掌
Action five: Roll the ball over to face the
circle.
Because this is a shunbu change, you have

already changed sides, so do not need to do
the first lion change to change sides.
4.7 LION FORM SEVENTH PALM CHANGE: DANCING LION PALMS

This is a shunbu change. Changes seven and eight use the square within the circle.
Actions one, two, and three are the same as the sixth lion change.
Action four: Step through, on the tangent to the circle, rolling a small ball through
underneath. Step and roll left, then right, then left. That is: step the left foot and roll
the left hand under, step
the right foot and roll the
right hand under, then
step the left foot and
roll the left hand under.
Keep the arms connected
through the back and the
power full.

2.4 page 46
Action five: Small koubu and cross the arms
as you turn to face the circle centre. Baibu and
extend the arms fully – right high and left low –
in the throw the ball posture.
Changes Changes
换换
掌 Action six: Step the left foot through to the lion
form. Roll the rear hand through the armpit, tucking the head in.
掌
Action seven: Turn on the spot, bringing the lion form to face the
centre. Because this is a shunbu change, you have already changed
sides, so do not need to do the first lion change to change sides.
4.8 LION FORM EIGTH PALM CHANGE: LION TRUNDLES A BALL

GRANDLY
This is a shunbu change. It starts the same as seventh lion change, and adds the same 3x
rolling as fourth lion change. Because this is a shunbu change, you have already changed
sides, so do not need to
do the first lion change
to change sides.

2.4 page 47
Notes:
Changes Changes
换换
掌掌

2 page 48

Ma Gui Ba Gua: Andrea Falk' S Trai Ni NG Notes For Ma Gui Baguazhang

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Ma Gui Ba Gua: Andrea Falk' S Trai Ni NG Notes For Ma Gui Baguazhang

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Ma GuiBa Gua

I hope that this manual helps you with your training.

Part One: Circle Walking

Part Two: Changes

Part Three: Training Drills

Part Four: Routines

Part Five: Partner Training

Part Six: Weapons (to come)

Part Seven: History (to come)

Part Eight: Organization and links

换 Section Four: Lion changes

Part Two: Changes. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Part Two: Changes. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.1 DRAGON FORM FIRST PALM CHANGE: SINGLE PALM CHANGE

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

2.1.4 This concentrates on the kaizhang.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

换 2.1.6 This concentrates on the yazhang and qiezhang. 换

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

掌 Pointers: Keep the body vertical. Open the

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

掌 in mabu and do a single

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

DRAGON FORM: DOUBLE PALM CHANGE VARIATIONS

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

换 proper half mabu.

DRAGON FORM: FOLLOWING PALM CHANGE VARIATIONS

2.3.1 This changes sides.

2.3.3 This turns smoothly.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Three: Bring the right hand to the armpit. Step

Action Six: Koubu and drop

Action Seven: Chuanzhang

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Ten: Settle lower into the left leg. Then

2.4.1 This moves more freely and quickly.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Two: Right koubu Stab to heaven and

Action Three: Carry through to right koubu right gaizhang

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Six: Koubu the right foot without

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Eleven: Turn to dragon form.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

换 Description: starting in dragon form

Action Two: Right koubu. Hook the left hand,

Action Three: Koubu, baibu, taking tight steps in

Pointers: The body is the axis, don’t walk around in

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Six: Advance smooth stance right chuanzhang.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Nine: Koubu hook, turn and drop stance thread

Action Ten: Go directly to dragon form.

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Two: The outside (right) foot steps

Action Three: Turn. Step one, two

Part Two: Changes: Dragon. Prepared by Andrea Falk, 2012.

Action Six: Turn and land the

Action Seven: Land the kicking leg