Baguazhang is a high-level martial art which utilizes circular stepping patterns and snake-like movements to side-step and deflect an opponent's attacks. The art was created by the great master Dong, Hai-Chuan in the Qing Dynasty. It is based upon ancient Taoist health practices, Taoist theory coming from the I Ching or Book of Changes, along with practical and lethal fighting techniques. Grandmaster Dong, Hai-Chuan had many disciples who fused the Baguazhang that they learned from their master with their own concepts of fighting and martial arts. Because of this phenomenon, there have become several different branches of Bagua in modern times.

The first style of Baguazhang taught at the academy is the Cheng, Ting-Hua Branch, Liu Bin Style (Cheng Pai Liu Shi) of Baguazhang. This branch comes from the great master Cheng Ting-Hua who was the top disciple of Dong, Hai-Chuan, and who was also highly skilled in Chinese wrestling techniques. Because of this, his branch has more turning and twisting body movements to set up for a throw. One of Grandmaster Cheng Ting-Hua's top disciples, great master Liu, Bin, inherited the system and fused it with his own concepts of training.

The Cheng Pai Liu Shi Baguazhang system is characterized by slow and steady stepping, strong palm techniques, and powerful body movements. It utilizes twisting, shrinking, expanding, sticking, and following to deal with the opponent. This system was passed down to Master Chang, Wu Na and Dr. Lu, Mei-Hui by their master, Grandmaster Zhang, Jie. This system is very effective for fighting techniques as well as healing techniques, as many of its masters live to be more than ninety years old.

Also taught at the academy is the Wudang Water-Style Baguazhang system. This system was created by great master Li, Cun-Yi, who was very good friends with Grandmaster Cheng Ting-Hua and was a top master in Xingyiquan. Because of this, Wudang Water-Style Baguazhang has a strong influence of Xingyiquan in its movements. The style was then adjusted and reformatted by Grandmaster Yang, Kui-Shan. The system was passed down to Master Chang, Wu Na and Dr. Lu, Mei-hui by their master, Grandmaster Qian, Timing. Unlike Cheng Pai Liu Shi Bagua, Wudang Water-Style Bagua is fast moving and continuous in stepping.

Students in the academy will learn both systems, along with the weapons forms, two-person fighting forms, and sparring practices inherent in the systems.

For information on class times and locations, please refer to the School Locations and Class Schedule location.