Albert Community Centre
Basement, Room 5
610 Clarence Avenue South (At the corner of 12th and Clarence)
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The Nine Dragon Eight Trigram Palm curriculum taught at Orchard Kung Fu is a carefully researched presentation of the essential principles of the art. Instead of meandering aimlessly among an endless quagmire of traditional forms and techniques, Jiulong Baguazhang cuts through the chaff by teaching a principle-based art.
The Li family were famous professional caravan guards for 400 years. They put their own lives and the lives of their children on the line regularly; if something did not work consistently, for every student, they eliminated it from their training. Each art they assimilated into their family art of Daoqiquan was altered to conform to the principles of the Four Virtues, the Five Circles and the Six Stances. Redundant material and flowery techniques were carefully sifted away.
The most fundamental concept of Jiulong Baguazhang is change. Not changing frivolously, but learning how to deal with unexpected changes in a natural and advantageous manner. The most fundamental technique of Jiulong Baguazhang is momentum. Methods of generating, curving, redirecting, and unleashing momentum are derived almost entirely from mastery of footwork. The essential expression of Jiulong Baguazhang is found in the concept of Xin (Heart-Mind-Attitude). The attitude of a particular palm is revealed in response to the change and momentum inherent in the moment. Intention, or Yi, is the fundamental ground substance of Jiulong Baguazhang. Intent is trained to be clear, focused, and flexible. Intent informs absolutely every other quality and skill in Jiulong Baguazhang.
The outer trappings of Jiulong Baguazhang are the circle walking, the eight elemental palms, directional changes, the posture of the body, and the grace of unceasing movement. Baguazhang practitioners are famous for unpredictability in tactics, rapid footwork, unusual angles of attack, being difficult to hit, and freedom of motion. Multiple opponent tactics are built seamlessly into every facet of the system.
We look forward to welcoming you into Orchard Kung Fuâ€™s circle of Jiulong Baguazhang students. Â Contact us for an appointment, now!
Jiulong Baguazhang is the crown jewel of the Li Clan Daoqiquan arts. Shigong Painter has spent over 50 years refining his insight into its principles and improving the execution and explanation of those principles wherever science has revealed deeper understanding.
Dr. Yancy Orchard is committed to preserving the traditional principles of Jiulong Baguazhang while bringing to bear his considerable anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological expertise in explaining how it works to new students. Embracing the Pearl is a course for beginners. Rolling the Pearl introduces Circle Walking principles.Â Meeting the Dragons explores more advanced concepts and requires a thorough grasp of the fundamentals. Tradition, martial efficacy, and innovative presentation are interwoven throughout the courses.