Video – From practice to application

In this 4 minute video, Shizi Orchard shows us a particular movement being practiced on his own, and then some uses of it in combat. He is offering several variations of the same movement and it should give you a sense of how adaptable it is.

No situation is predictable so one needs to be able to change as needed. So watch closely to see the various angles he uses with the same basic posture. You will see him move up, down, inside, outside (the attacker’s punch),  etc. In fact, no two responses are exactly the same since no two attacks are exactly the same.

Circle Walking Turns

Dr. Yancy Orchard demonstrates many of the turning tactics covered in Jiulong Baguazhang’s Dragon Rolling the Pearl – Fundamental Principles course.

Dragon Rolling the Pearl is the beginner’s course all Jiulong Baguazhang Wu Guan (Martial Schools) branches teach their beginners. The course limits the curriculum to two postures, Dragon Rolling the Pearl and Dragon Embracing the Pearl. This simplifies the new student’s task when learning the principles of footwork, body connection, and visualization. These foundational elements are thoroughly studied before the more advanced energies, attitudes, and movements of each of the eight palms are added to the student’s plate.

In this clip, Dr. Orchard, head instructor of the Saskatoon Jiulong Baguazhang branch school, clearly demonstrates the fundamental turns learned in the Dragon Rolling the Pearl course and various possible associated arm movements.


Tibetan Blue Heron

While not Jiulong Baguazhang itself, this method is part of the Li Family arts.