To learn to react instantly without thought is the goal of every martial arts student. When the body is capable of instantly and automatically responding to a threat with an appropriate response, this is known in ancient Chinese martial terms as becoming Wuwei, spontaneous action with no pre-thought.

What really separates the external arts from the internal methods is the idea of Neijia or inner method. Chinese Neijia wushu practice represents many things. For martial arts it is identified as the development of Nei-gong (Inner Skill) ability. Inner skill in modern terms can be construed as training the neurological system in such a way that the actions become second nature. In Jiulong Baguazhang we call this the creation of Engrams.

An Engram is by definition a pattern created by the Central Nervous System (CNS). It is a pattern of skilled motor functions that becomes part of our reactions. Engrams allow the body to repeat pattern of activity again and again, without sensor feedback control. This is also known as a “learned response.” Instead of analyzing and thinking about what to do then doing it, after you have created an Engram you just see it and do it, no thinking, and no analyzing. David Briggs our SGL in Pennsylvania says, “You just make the shape and go!” By the time you realize you did it its over. This is Wuwei (spontaneous action with no thought) this is an Engram.

Repetition Of Simple Actions Is The Key

To teach the body a new motor skill we have to repeat a simple action numerous times each training session. The sequence of training sessions to fully form an Engram must also be repeated for a number of days in succession. With continued repetition the sensory and sensory associated areas enable an individual to experience these motor movements and record “memories” of patterns of movements. Once these memories are repeated over and over they become a “pattern of skilled motor function”.

Engrams allow the body “to go through the same pattern of activity again and again, entirely without sensor feedback control”. “The cortex sits back and monitors the action, ready to impose modification as the need arises, and is unconcerned with directing individual movement unless correction is required, and is thus relieved of integration type details, it is free to concern itself with strategy.”

SIMPLE AND DIRECT IS BEST – avoid complex actions

When we learn forms if the actions are too complex in the beginning or there are too many different moves we cannot form powerful and useful engrams. To create the maximum effect what we should strive for is simple actions that possess economy of movement. “Economy of movement involves the use of minimal stabilizing energy and no fixations of points.”

Jiulong Baguazhang is the epitome of this statement. The fluid rhythmic movements combined with proper mechanical body alignment guide the practitioner towards this goal. The nervous system begins building engrams from each physical action in a manner that stresses the body and its related systems as little as possible. These lowered stress levels not only happen on a mechanical level but also on a physiological or biochemical level.

Learning one simple action like Dragon Stepping Linear patterns first will make for a strong energy in stance / movement. If we learn Dragon Stepping with the simple upper body actions of Wedge and ball in the neutral Postures we are still within a learning curve of that will not stress the (CNS).

However if we try to learn say “Heaven Palm Inside Change” with three or four moves and principles as a beginning form. Then this series of complex action will inhibit the ability of our (CNS) or bio-computer program to focus clearly on specific actions. The result will be a very pretty form that we can do easily. It will however be a learned pattern that we will have difficulty altering or changing if the need arises in combat and because the energy is spread across several actions they will not be a powerful as simpler actions given more attention one at a time.

Less is More  -  Adding Too Much Too Soon
Another problem arises if we start a simple learning program as in the Dragon Stepping Linear form combined with The Wedge Neutral Posture and in say a week or so add other stepping form and hand pattern to the routine. If this is done before a strong (CNS) program has been established we will be left with an incomplete motor skill in the original exercise. If we keep adding to our practice without completing the Engram for each level we will soon overload the (CNS) ability to be comfortable with previously acquired pattern of movement. Our stance and movement capability will become like a boat with a weak hull. The more techniques / postures weight added to the deck the more stress will be placed on the entire hull system.

Develop a Base First -  Walk Before You Try To Run
Because walking is one of the primary concerns of the (CNS) motor activity it is best to learn the Jiulong Baguazhang stances and movement patterns before attempting more complex postures with the upper torso. To attempt to lean a form complete with stances / moves and posture can reduce the body’s ability to create a strong Engram for each desired skill.

Therefore it is necessary to learn the standing, shifting and then walking pattern first as your foundational Engram. Only when the (CNS) is comfortable with these patterns and has created stance, movement, and walking engrams will there be a basis for the (CNS) to open up and accept more challenging patterns of movement and posture.

Unlike some contemporary martial arts that just teach form for forms sake the goal of Jiulong Baguazhang as a martial art is to develop a solid foundation (Stance / movement) capability and an arsenal of postures. These can be connected at any time like a modular building system to create a desired energy. The analogy is that your stance / movements and postures become separate engrams that like a set of children’s leggo blocks can be attached to each other to form the shape required at the moment.

Freedom From Rigid Patterns
In this method of learning to create simple engrams by first developing stance/movement engrams then posture engrams the (CNS) never adjusts completely to any one combined form.  Research at the Life Sciences Institute and the work of Moshe Feldenkrais indicates that a system of pre-established simple engrams that is constantly adapting to new and different moves results in a more free flowing exchange of neurological control. This freedom resulting from combining simple engrams in various patterns allows the body to freely create new more complex patterns by patterns that do not significantly challenge the (CNS). Studies on this method show the end result is more flexibility, range of motion and freedom of movement in joints and muscles. We believe that this approach is unique to learning this method of Baguazhang or any other internal style.

Holding Postures To Create Engrams
During standing meditation and the early stages of Linear forms and Circle Walking Jiulong Postures are often held in a static position for extended periods of time. There are two main reasons for this practice:

1. Enhance The Sung
Holding a posture in the correct position for any length of time can result in a release of tension in all antagonistic muscles not involved in holding the posture. The result of this is to train the (CNS) what muscles are unnecessary in this position and thereby add to the concept of “Sung” or relaxation.

2. Create Final Point Engrams
The positions held in each standing posture are the “Final Point” of the posture. That is they are the place where the palm ends up after striking, neutralizing or throwing. The actual impact point is just short of this position by some three to six inches. When the (CNS) established a memory for this Final Point it is easy to go there again and again from any other position without thinking about it. On the way the palm naturally passes thought the “Point of Impact” which enhances focus and penetration ability. Research also indicated that by having muscle memories of this type increases speed through improved muscle contraction. A side benefit of holding postures in the Twin Yang or Twin Yin positions is the ability to enhance the peripheral vision known as “Soft Viewing” . This is a skill that allows the Baguazhang boxer greater access to engrams by bypassing the brains see / think / do response with almost instant autonomic reflex response for any technique held as an engram.

CONCLUSION

Jiulong Baguazhang forms practice when looked at as the creation of engrams become a type of Nei-gong (subtle energy skill) activity. The Engram serve to increase the efficiency of all skeletal muscles and allow the body to perform a specific function / principle without conscious thought. This ability to perform without conscious thought allows the actions to exist on as a peripheral nervous system response, which is automatic. Such ability is invaluable to the martial artist who needs to see / react, not see / think /react in a crisis situation calling for immediate response to an attack. The lack of resistance from emotional anxiety and improperly used muscles will greatly add to the overall strength of the entire “whole body” action thereby improving power greatly.

SIDE BENEFITS OF ENGRAM TRAINING
A side benefit of reduced stress on muscles during activity is also an improved circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid in and around the muscles without a significant increase in muscle waste products as found in resistance type exercises. Also reduce emotional stress and strains on the internal organs and related systems bringing about more balanced functions of the internal processes.

Other methods of Nei-gong training can be created by avoidance of excesses, eating too much or too little. Excesses also include too much exercise too much physical inactivity, too much looking, listening and thinking.