Pa-Kua: Chinese Boxing for Fitness and Self-Defense

by Robert W. Smith

Originally published in 1967, Pa-Kua was the West’s first look into the esoteric Chinese martial arts. It has been a valued and sought after text ever since. It was put out of print in the 1970’s, but since that time interest in the martial arts have continued to skyrocket. Pa-Kua gives an introduction to the little known mystical martial art from China, Pa Kua Chang (also known as Ba Gua Zhang), translated as "Eight Trigram Boxing." Smith describes its history, profiles its great practitioners and gives a series of unique exercises, illustrating the solo practice and their fighting applications.

Genres: Martial Arts

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 1990

About the author

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Reviews

[Cadel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on the history and theory of Pa-Kua. However, the technique instruction is more focused on Hsing-I than Pa-Kua.

[Darin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book. It contains some history and forms in step-by-step photos.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on the history and philosophy of Pa Kua. Well illustrated with examples of the form and techniques.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on the history and philosophies of Pa Kua. A nice step by step illustrated chapter on "Walking the Circle".