
This is a translation of Jiang Rongqiao’s 1963 book on his style, reprinted in 1979. It continues to be one of the best descriptions of the movement principles of Baguazhang, and especially of Zhang Zhaodong’s style. I translated this book in 1989, as one of my first. I took the photos in Shanghai in 1980, and digitised them directly from the negatives, so they are crystal clear. The photos are of my martial elder brother, Cai Yuhua. We perform the same style as the book, as taught by Huan Dahai, who learned directly from Jiang Rongqiao. There are minor differences between the drawings and the photos, which helps to make things both more interesting and more authentic. In this 2019 edition, I made a few changes to the translation and added a few comments, but the main reason for it was to include the entire text of the Chinese original book. The soft cover book, hardcover book, and PDF edition are all the new 2019 version with full Chinese characters. The Ereader edition is the older one, since there are no characters in Ereader.
Comments on Jiang Rongqiao’s Baguazhang and Andrea’s translation
“Your translation of Jiang Rongqiao’s Baguazhang is superb. Thanks for making it available in English. I am of Chinese descent myself but can’t speak any Chinese.” Robert I. England
“I’ve just received the package of Jiang Rongqiao’s Baguazhang book, VCD, translation, and Adobe still shots. What a lovely combo! I already have a dog-eared version of your book but I’m glad you’ve made the changes that you did in the new version. Job well done! Thanks again for really superior, pains-taking quality products, service, and attitude.” Andrew W.
“[The Jiang Rongqiao book] is an extremely useful reference as I am learning the form in class. The photographs are clear and reinforce the excellent drawings.” Lewis R. USA
“…I had ordered the same [Jiang Rongqiao and Yan Dehua] Baguazhang books before. But, I lent them to a friend, and he liked them so much that I finally decided to buy another set. The works you have translated and put together are quality and worth the cost, unlike some other materials I have seen.” Scott F, Japan
“Just wanted to drop you a line to say that the [Jiang Rongqiao] book arrived today. Thank you very much. Your translation and adaptation of the book is excellent on my first fast pass. Thanks again.” Greg B.
“I was really amazed at the detail and effort you went through to put this [Jiang Rongqiao book] work together. While I found the drawings helpful, I really liked the photographs of your kung fu brother doing the various palm changes.” Mark B, USA
“The Jiang book is an excellent addition to my collection and invaluable as a reference tool. It is fascinating having finished the eight palm changes to go through the books and pick out the subtle differences in emphasis imparted by various teachers …. Great work, keep it up and thanks again.” Neil B, England
“Just received the [Jiang Rongqiao] book and it’s excellent! Excellent translation,descriptions, and pics.” Christian W, England
“Not only does it proffer a smooth, literate translation of this key form, but each section is accompanied by photographic breakdowns of Jiang’s style by teacher Cai YuHua, a direct descendant in the Jiang line. Further principles and concepts are also transmitted with notes from Falk clarifying topics such as the goal of Bagua stepping methods. A helpful expansion of the original text.” Plum Publications, CA, USA