The 64 Hands of Bagua Zhang: Fighting Techniques of Liu Dekuan

The title says it all really, this book shows the 64 hands of Gao style Bagua Zhang. These forms are shown as a solo form and then as a two person set. If you are looking for an insight into the combative application of Bagua moves then you may find this useful. If you are looking to learn the form, then try to find a teacher as no book is going to allow you to feel the quality of Bagua movement. This is a good companion to this teachers DVD/ VCD on Bagua. If you are learning the form already or have learned other Bagua styles and want an insight into this system then the book is very good. There are lots of photos accompanied by Bagua 'poems' and some commentary. Eight basic stances for circle walking (Dingshiba Zhang)are covered. Other schools call these the 8 mother palms (Ba Mu Zhang) or sometimes 8 big palms (Ba Da Zhang).All in all I think this is a great book on 'linear' bagua forms. If you are trying to get info on circular forms then this isn't the book for you, try Yang Jwing Ming or Liu Jing Ru's books instead.

This is a good book and I really like the form. The only real let down I found is that there are no intermittent pictures in between the photos. As an example you have your main photo and the associated writing, but at times the explanation can be difficult to understand. More photos are needed to show the movements from beginning to end. Even in saying this, a little common sense and fore-thought will see you through. Read and then re-read and you will get it. Also it helps to look at the self defense section to help you through. Still I like this form and with patience you will get it. Wish there were more photos though, and a DVD would be great. Worth learning.

This is the best reference I've seen on Gao Baguazhang, the palm techniques are not written in traditional Chinese characters.

Excellent book, clear photos and descriptions. I agree, however, with some of the other reviewers that suggest you need a good background to sort it all out. But the process of trying to figure out what is going on is part of the learning process that should force you to consider what the moves really do and whether they are practical, etc.

I have been studying ba qua quan for a number of years and this linear form is an important part of ba gua quan. The authors put a lot of effort in explaining the moves and including some applications. I would be more happier if they included some pictures of the intermediate steps for the moves instead of depending too verbally for explaining how to do the moves. What is clear to the authors may not be clear to beginners in this field.

Its incredible the linear 64 palms. Its not like tai chi at all.The thing i do regret it it is that they don't explain how to do the walking circle with the 8 changing palms...no pics...no small explanation at least.

Not sure I am super impressed, but it might be hard to come by with a book that tries to explain the 64 hands with static pictures... Only suitable if you have done this in class with teacher.

Gao Jiwu is real Kung Fu man

Excelent and useful book

Format du livre pratique (taille moyenne)j'aime le petiteresumé/rappel des differentes postures et des type de paumes. Cette forme linéaire est une bon excercice complémentaire de la forme circulaire.les applications martiales sont intéressantes dans cet ouvrage.petit bémol : l'usage de la video du maitre Gao Jiwu est fortement recommandée pour la bonne compréhension (disponible sur le net)les photos sont de bonnes tailles, plusieurs photos par paumes aiderait à la compréhension

La forme ultime des écoles Gao et Liang, mêlant Xingyi et Bagua parfaitement détaillée, par l'un des plus grands maîtres du style. Que demander de plus?

Si vous recherchez la base d'origine du bagua et la forme complete des 64 mains de lui dekan c le livre qui vous faut . C le livre pour tout pratiquant de bagua .

Un document précieux et fidèle d'une forme traditionnelle de Bagua Zhang. D'autant que les ouvrages sur ce style sont rare et souvent en chinois