Bagua is performed in a circle. You take gliding steps in a circle around a central object or a tree, stepping with your toes first. You change direction in a number of different ways. These changes of direction are called palm changes. Bagua is an incredible way of improving your sense of direction and your confidence in your feet. and your balance Also your memory! It helps your ability to not fall over when the surface is slippery. But mainly , it is such a lot of fun! No one has ever heard of Bagua, but soon they will because it is a complete art form and a martial art. 

 

There are 8 palm changes in the form of Bagua we practise. The changes get more complicated as you progress through the form. 

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These are the 8 palm changes:

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1. Single Palm Change 

Green dragon takes in the tail 

Green dragon looks back 

Green dragon turns 

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2. Double Palm Change

Green dragon takes in the tail 

Sparrow hawk soars into the sky

White snake coils in the grass

Green dragon looks back 

Green dragon turns 

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3. Forward Palm Change

Snake turns and thrusts its tongue out

Yellow dragon chases its tail 

White snake coils in the grass

Green dragon looks back 

Green dragon turns

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4. Sideways Palm Change

Green dragon takes in the tail 

Swallow flies into the woods

Green dragon stretches its claw

Monkey pushes aside a branch

Green dragon looks back 

Green dragon turns 

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5. Threading Palm Change

Green dragon takes in the tail 

Swallow flies into the woods

Horse turns its head

Swallow skims the water

Green dragon looks back 

White ape offers fruit

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6. Holding Palm Change

Lion holds a ball

Lion rolls the ball

Lion holds a ball

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7. Sliding Palm Change

Swing fan towards the door

Monkey pushes aside a branch

Monkey holds a peach

Phoenix spreads its wings

Swallow skims the water

Swallow flies into the woods

Windmill turns back

Green dragon looks back 

Green dragon flies up

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8. Turning Body Palm Change

Swinging sleeves into the wind

Monkey kicks the branch

Swallow skims the water

Swallow flies into the woods

Boa rolls its body over

Monkey pushes aside a branch

Swallow flies into the woods

Fierce tiger hunts for food

Green dragon turns over 

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