Bagua - The meditation exercise that became China's most efficient martial art.

• flexibility
• relaxed power
• improved balance
• mental and physical equilibrium
• highly effective defence tactics

Baguazhang, usually shortened to bagua or pakua is one of the most evolved martial arts in the world. Originally developed as a meditation exercise by Daoist monks it became famous as the martial art of choice of China's elite bodyguards.

Bagua is world famous for it's method of walking in circles around the opponent, twisting and weaving and using these twisting circular moves to generate power and deflect or avoid attacks. bagua training offers the same health and self development benefits as tai chi and the constant twisting of the joints, particularly the spine is excellent at releasing tension, increasing the blood flow and prolonging the life of these critical structures of the body.

Bagua training is available to all and is currently practiced on Monday evenings at Caversham Hall in Reading.

"The circle walking alone brings so much energy I feel like I've been connected to the national grid."