Traditional Bagua Classes in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Discover the art of Bagua Zhang, a traditional Chinese internal martial art known for its dynamic spiraling movements, solid but fluid footwork, and practical self-defense applications. Magic Dragon Bagua specializes in teaching authentic Gao Style Bagua Zhang, emphasizing short range internal power training.
“Bagua Zhang training provides the same health benefits as training Xing Yi Quan & Tai Chi Chuan together. ”
In the Internal Chinese Martial Arts, or neijia quan, Bagua Zhang is the youngest of the “three sisters.” Bagua reached the height of it’s development about 150 years ago. Like today, the first generation bagua classes had students from many different martial arts backgrounds and so bagua has both striking and joint locking influences. The main weapon of bagua is the palm / finger strike.
Weekly Bagua classes in Ann Arbor Michigan
Bagua Training Tips Blog
Traditional Bagua Zhang classes in Ann Arbor Michigan
Shifu Chao gives weekly bagua classes in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Though the bagua classes cover circle walking, single palm change the post heaven palms etc, our primary focus is the development of internal power.
Like Tai Chi, Bagua uses open palms for striking, trapping and seizing, it also uses fingers for piercing as well as an occasional fist. In it’s entries and attacks Bagua is less direct than Xing Yi and more direct than Tai Chi, it uses a lot of trickery.
Circle Walking Meditation
Develop internal energy, improve body alignment, and cultivate mindfulness through the foundational practice of Bagua Zhang circle walking. This method enhances balance in movement in all directions
Palm Changes and dynamic movement
Learn the essential palm changes of Bagua Zhang, designed to build striking power, adaptability, and fluid transitions. Shifu Chao teaches the pre-heaven circle walking palm changes as well as the post-heaven linear palms.
Bagua Push Hands and Self-Defense Training
Develop Bagua Zhang’s powerful palm strikes, including Kai or opening palm. Our training includes a lot of partner exercises to develop push hands ability. From push hands training comes the ability to use bagua for self defense.
Bagua Standing Meditation
Deepen your internal practice with Bagua standing meditation, a method to build root stability, cultivate internal force, and even heal many posture related issues. This practice enhances energy circulation and structural alignment for both health and martial applications.
Bagua Breathing Methods
Learn how to use the breath and movement together. Shifu Victor Chao teaches natural and reverse breathing. The methods are deep enough to help even experienced qigong practitioners.
Strength, Conditioning, and Longevity Training
Build a strong foundation with specialized exercises that enhance endurance, flexibility, and joint health. Our conditioning methods support long-term martial arts practice and overall physical vitality.
Head teacher Shifu Chao.
Shifu Chao studied Bagua Zhang Xing Yi Chuan arts from a young age in his native Taiwan. His primary teaching focus is in helping his students developing power and health through traditional internal training methods, especially standing practice.
Shifu Victor Chao
- Yi Zong direct disciple
- 20 years teaching experience
- Specializes in short range shaking power, or peng duan jin.
Bagua requires a lot of partner work.
- Posture testing
- Static push hands drills
- The 3 physical harmonies, or wan san hei method
There are very few resident masters teaching Bagua Zhang in North America, especially in the midwest region. Victor Chao has been teaching Bagua, Xing Yi and Yi Quan in Southeast Michigan for 20 years. In our Wednesday evening bagua class, there are regular students from all over Michigan including Wyandotte, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Utica.
If you would like to try a bagua class fill out the form below and we’ll get right back with you. Students of all styles and abilities are welcome.