BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU STEP!

 By Phillip Starr

The neijia style of baguazhang is known for several things; walking around the rim of a circle in various ways, coiling upper body movements, and palm maneuvers; indeed, the practitioner sometimes resembles a dragon swimming through the air. But there are techniques that aren't so obvious...

The bagua stylist often makes a toe-in step (kou-bu) or a toed-out step (pai-bu) as he maneuvers through his circular forms. These methods of stepping are often discounted out of hand, or unnoticed altogether. However, they are often used offensively, as my teacher often loved to demonstrate. As shown in the photos below, the foot can be hooked around the aggressor's foot to destabilize him or attack his knee by bending your knee. My teacher called this “leg biting” and it was painfully effective!

Baguazhang isn't the only art that features such a nasty type of technique. It can be seen in others, if you know where to look.

Bagua and numerous other percussive martial disciplines also teach (low level) kicks in their stepping routines; what appears to be normal step is sometimes applied as a kick to certain nerve points on the lower legs (or even the knees) of the opponent. Kicking into these points can cause considerable pain and can incapacitate an aggressor with very little effort.

Moreover, we are told that virtually any solid surface of the body can be used as a weapon. This is demonstrated in some Chinese styles that utilize strikes with the shoulder, the hips, and even the back!

So pay attention to the little things; things that you'd not normally notice. You may be surprised at what you learn!