Is Pa Kua Chang an effective martial art, is it more internal or external?
Answer Pa Kua is a very interesting art which encompasses both the internal and the external. It is often described as “Cotton wrapped in Steel.” It is an art which outwardly shows its softness: its graceful circles, it flowing changes from one posture to the next, its meditative rhythms. However, a competent practitioner with a true understanding can demonstrate the external applications of each technique with blinding speed and crippling power that is neither seen nor felt until it is too late. As far as whether it is effective or not, that depends on what you’d like to apply it too. Also keep in mind that is not the art, but the warrior that decides the ultimate outcome. For an excellent overview of what is available to the Pa Kua student, check out Dr. John Painter’s website http://www.ninedragonbaguazhang.com/ for some in depth explainations. Thanks!
