Ba qua literally means "8 Palms" and is one of three styles classified as an internal martial art. There are many different versions of Ba Qua's ancient origins, but the most common begins in the late 19th century in Beijing, China with Dong Hai Chuan given the honor of being called the art's founder.

What distinguishes ba qua from the other internal styles is the practice of "walking the circle". The basic form of training focusses on holding the upper body static in a fixed posture, developing stability in the lower body and power in the waist from stepping and leg movement. Like riding a wave, ba qua remains stable on a constantly shifting, unpredictable environment.

Ba qua hand positions are very specific with special detail placed upon locks, throws, breaks, palm strikes and joint attacks. Push hands is a free form excercise that develops subtlety and sensitivity. This two-man drill flows and improvises as each practitioner attacks and defends.

While walking the circle with stable steps which resemble sliding along like an ice-skater, the single and double palms change speed and direction making attacks very deceptive. Basic elements are to twist, penetrate, stretch-out and to wrap. Internalizing this art often takes a lifetime.