Foundations mini-series, week one

As mentioned in the last post, we are hosting an eight-week course to introduce the foundational practices of one aspect of Yin Style Baguazhang to the community.

This course will focus primarily on introducing some of what we call the "Lion System" of the art, which being Chinese has various aspects of itself named after animals that represent those parts of the art. As you might guess, the Lion System is the most ferocious of the eight animal systems of Yin Style Bagua, and it is also considered to be the best for building a foundation for excellent martial practice.

This eight-week series will introduce some of the aspects of the Lion System at an introductory level. This art is advanced, so there is no "basic" practice, even if we use that word from time to time. Practitioners familiar with Yin Style will get a reminder of the foundations of the art and an opportunity to make that bedrock more solid. New people should find the material accessible, though challenging.

Week 1, which meets Thursday, May 10, at 7:00 pm under the pavilion behind Sam Houston Elementary School in Maryville (660 Cunningham St.) will present the following.

1. A general introduction to and overview of Yin Style Baguazhang, the Lion System in particular. This will include some brief demonstration.
2. An introduction to some of the foundational practices of Yin Style, including circle turning and standing strengthening practices. These practices enhance strength, coordination, and use of full-body power while developing the body into one of a fighter.
3. Two representative, foundational strikes from the Lion System's first attack method, the sweeping/slicing palm, will be presented, trained, and applied.

He Jinbao performs a sweeping strike knockdown on YSBKnoxville's Jim Lindsay in London.

See you there!