Adam Hsu’s New Virtual Studio Series: ALL of these, plus more from Hsu Shifu, are available here at Plumpub

Adam Hsu’s Original Form-Instruction Series

 

 

 

 

 

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At the end of 2015, Sifu Adam Hsu came out with the first DVD collection in his Baji Thunder series, Foundations (#24896, below.) His goal was to truly teach the great style, Bajiquan, not just as he learned it from Wutan Grandmaster Liu Yun Chiao, but also by adding to the instruction from his own contribution to teaching of over 50 years.

We are happy to announce the second Development (#24897) and third volume Advanced (#24898) completing the series. All in all, this amounts to 14 DVDs (over 16 hours) and, in our modest estimation, about 2-3 years of training.

Hsu Sifu’s method and information make this one of the most complete presentations we have ever seen on any style . Even more than that, his approach—focusing on training and usage—continues to remind us that form and routine develop from the qualities gained by understanding a style’s structure, not the other way around. Timing, shape, feedback and spirit—these are just a few of the primary qualities we must practice to make the martial experience unique.

In our opinion, this series demonstrates not only how Bajiquan should be taught, but how all traditional Chinese martial arts should be apprehended. We even believe that these DVDs will improve your martial arts whatever style you practice, because it reinforces the way to study, not just the study itself. For the price of about five months of lessons here is at least three years work. This is one of the few instances I can honestly say that if I were asked about studying from videos or studying with a good local practitioner/teacher, I would probably advise buying the DVDs.

 

DVD 24896 Baji Thunder: Foundations: Xiao BaJi
Chinese language subtitled in English

This first set of 7 DVDs uses Xiao Baji as its central form. However Sifu Hsu, in over 8 hours of instruction, gives much more than just form instruction. This is a thorough introduction to the entire style of Bajiquan, divided up into three main topics: Basic Training (Top Secret,) Baji Jia (Indoor Skill,) and Application (Real Usage.) Spread over these 7 disks is history, ‘real’ basics and their meaning, three levels of power, training methods, Baji energies, form instruction and, of course, authentic usage derived from the principles, not the form.

For a comprehensive index of these contents, CLICK HERE.

7 discs (over 8 hrs.) for $210.00 retail, PLUM price $185.00 (sale price shown in cart)
Order any three sets from the “virtual studio” series for an additional 10% discount (discount shown in shopping cart)

Order either or both of Adam Hsu’s earlier DVD on Baji (#21004 and #21005) along with this new DVD, and get 20% off of the earlier DVD(s). Use coupon “Dabaji” (without the quotations)

 

DVD 24897 Baji Thunder: Development: Da Baji
Chinese language subtitled in English

Continuing with his major presentation of Baji Quan, Sifu Adam Hsu presents a three DVD course all devoted to Baji’s most popular form: Da Baji or Big Baji.

The saying goes that the first form, Xiao Baji, is a “dead” or “structure” form and that Da Baji is a “live” form. Rather than emphasizing posture and structure, Da Baji introduces the fundamental fighting actions of the style, not to mention being a form beautiful for its simplicity. Not only does Adam Hsu give background, principles, goals and methods but he takes you back to traditional culture of Kung Fu by concentrating his excellent teaching method on the meaning and mastery of the movements, with the order and elaborations of the form as relatively insignificant. Not a simple empty-handed form instruction, the series is aimed at setting you not he road to high level Baji while also firming the foundation of your entire martial experience.

There is a fine point to be made here:: Hsu Sifu has done something almost unprecendented in this offering: he has chosen to NOT give typical instruction for the actual Da Baji form. To emphasize: there is no step-by-step instruction—plant your foot here, punch there, etc. Instead, Hsu has used this most important form to teach how to do Baji. He teaches not only each move, but the variations, methods and rationale for each move. Stringing them together into a form, given all this information, is the easy part.

Many practitioners, especially those with intermediate or advanced martial experience, will be able to use the many included form demonstrations, along with the foundational instruction, to learn the set. Or, even easier, is to pick up Hsu Sifu’s earlier DVD on Da Baji (information and discount info below) where he does teach this form step by step.

It is almost impossible to emphasize the importance of the lesson here: forms are important, but principles of usage are fundamental. Form derives from principle, usage is born from structure.

For a comprehensive index of the contents, CLICK HERE.

3 discs (about 3 hrs.) for $105.00 PLUM price $90.00 (sale price shown in cart)
Order any three sets from the “virtual studio” series for an additional 10% discount (discount shown in shopping cart)

Order either or both of Adam Hsu’s earlier DVD on Baji (#21004 and #21005) along with this new DVD, and get 20% off of the earlier DVD(s). Use coupon “Dabaji” (without the quotations)

DVD 24898 Baji Thunder: Advanced: Liu Da Kai and Ba Da Shi
Chinese language subtitled in English

Liu Da Kai (Six Big Openings) and Ba Shi (Eight Shapes) are two the treasures of Baji style. This Third Series, of the comprehensive course taught by world-famous practitioner, Adam Hsu, concentrates on the core of Baji; the hands-on training. In this series pole work and partner work are brought to a new high.

Two rare selections—Liu Da Kai and Ba Da Shi—are shown and explained. As though making his point about forms and training for him, both belong to “half-form and half-training” category which Sifu Hsu has talked about from the very first disk. It is here,through marching practice of some complex techniques, where you acquire Baji’s distinct flavor and power. Each powerful action explodes with a retort as loud as a cannon…or a peal of thunder. This is the heart and soul of the art and caps enough information for even an avid practitioner.

For a comprehensive index of the contents, CLICK HERE.

4 discs (about 3 hrs.) for $140.00 PLUM price $120.00 (sale price shown in cart)
Order any three sets from the “virtual studio” series for an additional 10% discount (discount shown in shopping cart)

Order either or both of Adam Hsu’s earlier DVD on Baji (#21004 and #21005) along with this new DVD, and get 20% off of the earlier DVD(s). Use coupon “Dabaji” (without the quotations)

New!! Three Steps of Tan Tui
by Adam Hsu (Hsu Ji)
Chinese language subtitled in English In this single disk presentation Adam Hsu deals with a question that troubles many martial students. Why can’t they fight their forms? What is the secret of unlocking the applications of a classical form?

From the point of view of a life spent teaching Chinese martial arts, Sifu Hsu has observed that the ability to adapt, to change up, to recombine is missing from most students’ experiences.

This DVD featuring both demonstration and lecture starts with some small additions to the regular Tan Tui form, such as special steps, which instantly add a dimension of reality. Angular movements are also introduced into this typically linear form. Then, for a real challenge, the order of the roads is altered in a series of variations, exposing the core meaning of the form while simultaneously transforming it into an entirely new and flexible series of movements.

Modern, over-simplified training gives the impression that such essential, creative approaches are forbidden. As Sifu Adam Hsu so clearly exhibits, nothing could be further from the truth .

Read a review of this DVD

1 disk for $37.50 PLUM price $32.00 (sale price shown in cart)
Order any three sets from the “virtual studio” series for an additional 10% discount (discount shown in shopping cart)

 

NEW! Critical Debate of Traditional Kung Fu
Chinese language subtitled in English, 3 discs

From a lifetime of teaching and writing about Martial arts, internationally known Adam Hsu has compiled many of his thoughts in this three+ hour discussion. Billed as a “debate” it would be more fitting to call this “debate points” like what you might rehearse with your own hometown debate team.

In his years of popular writing on the subject, he has introduced many of his concerns. Hsu has seen, within his time, the bountiful and the lean years of Kung Fu. He knows, as does any Chinese martial arts practitioner, the cultural war playing out in martial arts. His insights into its cause and cure are a succinct and focused game plan for mastering CMA.

His approach deconstructs many of the principles and mechanics of Kung Fu. Hsu doesn’t care if you like or dislike CMA (or Latino culture, or Darwinism, or whatever) but he insists that you understand it before you condemn it. This can be tough for those martial artists who are conditioned to think of their interpretation—whether it’s all kick-ass, health gymnastics, or any example you might choose—as being universal.

“Chinese martial arts is broad and deep. It consists of so many styles and masters and a lot of forms, plenty of training methods. Truly it is a remarkable achievement. But several times I was told: we all like Kung Fu but there are so many masters and methods; how do we choose and start? Yes, there are many styles, but they are all Chinese Kung Fu. All of them come from the same origins … When we are choosing a style we are aware of our own figure, capability, interest and personality. Choose the one you prefer the most. You must work hard after choosing the style. As you do, keep in mind that there is no better STYLE in Kung Fu, only better practitioners. “

While Hsu discusses characteristic types of Kung Fu training, principles and pointers that could completely change the way you move, he also launches a second attack. In this, he shows that CMA is a product of a culture, a culture unknown to many people. There is treasure buried there but, rather than unearthing it, this highly refined body of human-centered information is being squeezed into twin boxes of competition and entertainment.

He honestly admits that real Kung Fu training is difficult. This is a Kung Fu personifying the long history and accumulated military genius of China. It has its portion of hard work, as all across the world people sweat through their “borrowed” martial workouts. But it also has its mental challenges.

Even above this, Hsu emphasizes that Kung Fu training is difficult because it brings so much of the human being together. It poses problems of thought and investigation that are exactly opposite the consciousness-denying frenzy of over-revved bodies and unoccupied minds.

Adam Hsu’s analysis of correct training makes me think of what Yang Chen Fu used to tell his class; “If I don’t explain these things, you would need three lifetimes to re-discover them.” This is not about secrets. Rather, Hsu sees the problem as common knowledge being just plain wrong; a much more difficult thing to correct. Secrets? No. Shortcuts and re-assessments that can literally take years off your practice? Yes.

Knowing, reading and talking to Adam Hsu is always an ear-opening experience, if you actually consider his words. His goal is to take the “heartbreak” out of martial training by putting the individual in contact with that part of himself which feels the connection to folk culture as well as personal power.

In his words: “Martial arts is in decline today. No longer justified by fighting to be dead or alive on the battlefield. So this leaves some fellows to become superstitious and mystical, such as believing the style, master and forms are all so superhuman that they can no longer share research and study to make progress with one another. This means we can no longer be friends. The superstitious mind replaces science. This will be part of the collapse of Kung Fu.”

Below is a partial list of the subjects Adam Hsu discusses. His style is witty and friendly, but also the voice of scholar pointing out misunderstandings and simple clusters of misinformation.

I have one single arm but with two fists.
For usage and training together.
Combine internal and external as one.
Yin is body, like the posture. Yang is soul, like the movement.
Sword practicing or sword dancing?
Multi and single focus.
Practicing is like reincarnation.
Learn to be a new human being.
Body and mind together.

Note: There are frequent instances of misspellings and botched grammar in these tapes. We wish we had seen the English script before they were released. But everything still makes sense, even the nuances of Adam Hsu’s wit and intelligence show through. The only instance I can think of where the meaning was actually bent, is in the health section where Adam Hsu talks about “Eternity” training which Daoists generally referring to as “Immortality.”

3 discs for $60.00 PLUM price $50.00 (sale price shown in cart)
(order any three in the Virtual Studio series and receive an additional 10% off)

 

ADAM HSU ESSENCE OF XING YI
With his usual brilliant combination of scholarship and martial background, Adam Hsu shows the essence of Xing Yi. With his usual thoroughness, Hsu breaks down and presents XY from the first step upward. He goes into great detail on points most often skipped. His comments on the San Ti standing alone are insightful and eminently reasonable. He does not just show the elements, but he deconstructs them for proper form, benefits to the health, usage and how they fit together.

Adam speaks English as well as Chinese, but he decided to do this series with English subtitles so you get a feel of what his classroom/studio manner must be like when going at full tilt and it’s a wonder. Probably the best demonstration/explanation of Xing Yi in English and this is not even his strongest system. I had a brief dicussion with Adam on the subject once. He was the only student of a fellow professor in TaiPei. He studied for a year on the Split movement alone in a big auditorium where everyone else was jumping, spinning and enjoying open-handed forms and weapons of Kung Fu. When I asked him how he felt about that much time spent in basics he said that by the end of the year, “I know what Xing Yi is.” As you can see, he does.

Three DVDs for $105 PLUM price $90.00 (sale price shown in cart)
(order any three in the Virtual Studio series and receive an additional 10% off)

Adam Hsu San Cai Sword
Without question, one of the best straight sword sets in a whole group of centuries. Said to have originated in the Xing Yi style (no one knows for sure), San Cai offers the almost impossible to find correlation between a beautiful individual set and a partner form that actually uses the sword as it should be used. Four DVDs completely instruct you on each side of the form which is melded in individual performance, the two-person duet version of the form, and the most valuable and rarest part of all, the basics of sword technique, including the execution of the Ten Sword Strokes which make up the core of all sword forms and techniques. Much thoughtful information as well as a great form that doubles for single or duet practice.

Four DVDs for $140.00 PLUM price $120.00 (sale price shown in cart)
(order any three in Virtual Studio series and receive an additional 10% off)

 

ADAM HSU TEN ROAD SPRING LEG
Here is one of the best versions of Tan Tui we have seen. With his typical thought-provoking and creative approach, Sifu Hsu teaches the Ten Roads, not in their numeric order, but in their order of difficulty, simultaneously giving you a great way to practice along with an immediate understanding of one of Tan Tui’s strongest attributes: its modular approach to practice. Hsu shows variations of the set for higher training and makes a convincing argument along with some excellent chalk talks about the form and why it is so esteemed in the martial world.

Four DVDs for $140.00 PLUM price $120.00 (sale price shown in cart)
(order any three in Virtual Studio series and receive an additional 10% off)

Adam Hsu’s Original Kung Fu and Tai Chi series

BAJI QUAN

Ba Ji is considered one of the “powerhouse” styles of Kung Fu. Known throughout China as an extremely effective form, it is often called “The Bodyguard Style”. Ba Ji is based on driving force and exquisite body mechanics gleaned from the actions of the Tiger and the Bear. Adam Hsu, a top student of world-famous Liu Yun Chiao, explains not only Ba Ji structure but Ch’i Kung and usage in this excellent tape.

#21004 BaJi Quan #1 Baji Jia
Basic Training
Bear Step
Grand 8 Movements of Ba Ji Jia
8 Stampings
Form – Ba Ji Jia (Structure Form)
Internal Training
Ch’i compiling
Post Training
Single Post
Power Issuing
Sinking, expanding, twisting power

#21005 Baji Quan #2 Baji Fist
Basic Training
Tiger Arm
Grand 8 Movements of Ba Ji Fist
8 Poundings
Form -Ba Ji Fist (Representative Form of Ba Ji Style)
Internal Training – Ch’i Awakening & Ch’i Expanding
Post Training
Cross Post
Power Issuing –
Advanced Sinking, Expanding & Twisting Power
Authentic Usage from Ba Ji Chuan

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PIGUA ZHANG

Pi Gua, though not well known outside China, is a wonderful, expressive and beautiful style of Kung Fu. Based on the actions of the Snake and the Eagle, it is famous for its “empty sleeve” looseness where stirring, flapping, and whirling movements combine in a flurry of powerful but soft actions. At one point in history it was realized to be the perfect compliment to another great style: Ba Ji and the two are often taught together.
Tell me more about PiGua.

#21007 Pigua #1 Pigua Jia
Pi Gua’s essential structure is demonstrated by Master Adam Hsu, a world-renown practitioner.
Basic Training-Stationary, Moving & Turning Form
PiGua Jia (Structure Form)
Internal Training – (Stimulating Ch’i)
Bag Training-Different distances on Hanging Bag
Strike Conditioning-Whole arm Pai DaAuthentic PiGua Usage

#21008 Pigua #2 Pigua Palms
Basic Training – Grand 8 Palms and Advanced Stationary, Moving and Turning
Form – PiGua Palms (representative form)
Internal Training – 8 Posture Method
Bag Training – Whole Arm, Torso & Foot Motivation on Horizontal Bag
Strike Conditioning – Body Pai Da
Authentic PiGua Palm Usage

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CHEN STYLE TAI CHI CHUAN

In the case of Tai Chi, Du Yi-Tze— a student of Chen FaKe’s father, as well as Chen Fa Ke himself, and acknowledged as one of the best Chen stylists in Taiwan— taught Adam Hsu. The style is direct, compact and powerful. It bears the closest resemblance to the newly recaptured Chen Tai Chi 108 Long Fist. Its powerful and martial attitude is undiluted: showing no postural weaknesses. Definitely a martial version.

#21001Linking Form
This is one of the best introductions to Chen Style T’ai Chi. This “linking form” is the equivalent of the Short Form in Yang style. Though simpler than Lao Jia the first major T’ai Chi Chen form, it doesn’t not skimp on the basic concepts and movements for a full understanding of this “parent” of T’ai Chi.

Additional topics covered in Hsu’s typically thorough and interesting manner are:
History and Lineage of Chen T’ai Chi
Basic Principles – (the kind of information neglected on so many tapes)
Basic Training- traditional eight stances
The form itself Linking Fist
Ch’i Kung specific to Chen T’ai Chi-Ch’i gathering
Posture Training-Expansion
Push Hands Practice-elbow searching
T’ai Chi Usage- How it works specifically for Chen style

#21002 Chen Old Form
This is the original form learned by Yang Lu Chan from which Yang and all other styles are derived! One of the core forms of the entire Chen family T’ai Chi. Unlike many versions this one emphasizes recognizeable and applicable self-defense applications and very subtle use of Chan Ssu Chin (Reeling Silk energy).

Additional topics covered:
History and Lineage of Chen T’ai Chi
Basic Principles – (the kind of information neglected on so many tapes)
Basic Training- Reeling Silk exercises
The form itself Lao Jia
Ch’i Kung specific to Chen T’ai Chi explaining “Ch’i Shifting”
Posture Training- Expansion of Intent
Push Hands Practice-Foot Guiding
T’ai Chi Usage- How it works specifically for Chen style

#21003 Cannon Fist This is the “power set” of Chen T’ai Chi. Explosive movement, stomping, fast and slow. While many perform the early sets this form is considerably more rare. It takes the reeling silk of previous forms to a higher level with power issuing. And, most importantly, correct power issuing.

Additional topics covered:
History and Lineage of Chen T’ai Chi
Basic Principles – (the kind of information neglected on so many tapes)
Basic Training- T’ai Chi’s famous “8 Energies”
The form itself Pao Chui
Ch’i Kung specific to Chen T’ai Chi explaining “Ch’i Migrating”
Posture Training- Expansion of Intent with movement
Push Hands Practice-Torso joining
T’ai Chi Usage- How it works specifically for Chen style

#21006 Rebirth of Thunder Style Taiji

The last great style developed by the Chen family was Thunder style. Adam Hsu had the luck to learn this rare and unseen version in Taiwan. On returning to mainland China he was told by all that it had disappeared and even the village of its origin no longer existed. But through persistence Adam Hsu found Thunder style, the village and the masters still practicing it. And now T’ai Chi enthusiasts throughout the world are investigating this unique final achievement of the creators of Chen T’ai Chi.

What makes Thunder style unique and applicable to ANY form of Kung Fu is its unique 10 level training system which divides the task of learning into ten discreet steps – a rare development for classical Chinese martial arts. The tape outlines these ten levels. It also contains:

Power issuing, a Thunder style specialty
Hu Lei Jia (Thunder Style) Linking Form
Pure Thunder Style usage
Discovery and lineage of this rare form
Documentary footage of Wang Ge Dang, the village that created and preserved this style
Slow motion and angled repeats

 

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BAGUA ZHANG

Penetrating Forest (Chuan Lin) Bagua Zhang Penetrating Forest Ba Gua is distinctive and highly refined. Ba Gua, the internal martial art that walks in a circle, is demonstrated here for all enthusiasts. Unlike some styles the power displayed in this series is pure Ba Gua, not mixed with other “flavors” of martial arts. In this tape we have the 8 Changing Palms, the very thing people think of we they consider BaGua. These are eight “subsets” performed while walking the circle and changing. To many this is the very core of BaGua practice. And demonstrated by a top notch practitioner. Also the extremely interesting Ba Gua Post training, certainly a system as profound as the Wing Chun dummy form.

It’s hard to write an objective review when the information comes from your own teacher who is also one of the field’s top writers. So I decided to not even try.

Hsu begins with the animal palms, the traditional start to Bagua learning, and sets the rules for posture, locomotion and 8 hand positions. He enlivens the discussion with comments and insights rarely addressed by others.

Plum offers many Bagua series which teach footwork, empty handed forms, applications, weapons etc. But what I find both prominent and unique about this series is the dynamic interaction of its segments. Adam Hsu’s approach is different. His method uses the core Eight Changing Palms—which he teaches on these DVDs—to take you through different skill sets, all foundational to Bagua. Having learned the Eight Changing Palms, you will use that base of information to practice Bagua Poles, Partner Training, and Applications, all returning to the Eight Changing Palms themselves. And that is one of the ways in which Bagua is truly circular.

Breakdown of Four Disk Series

Volume #1 – 104 minutes. Introduces a lot of information on theory, goals, and characteristics of real Bagua training. Sifu Hsu shows and discusses the Inner and Outer training Palms. He correlates these to the animals and the organs. Then 1-5 of the core Changing Palms of the core Eight Palms is taught.

Volume #2 – 102 minutes
Sixth through Eighth Palms
Changing Palms Discussion
Each of the Eight Changing Palms demonstrated by Adam Hsu himself with further points
Discussion on BGZ names and styles

Volume #3 – 112 minutes
Every Changing Palm deconstructed and conditioned by striking the poles (both sides)
Changing Palm Post Training through Palm Eight
Post Training conclusion
Two Person Palm Training
Two Person Penetrating Palm
Two Person Sticking Palm
Two Person Circling Palm
Two Person Group Demonstrations

Volume #4 – 117 minutes
Application of all Eight Palms
A long discussion on the principles of real Kung Fu and its relation to Bagua.

Volume 3 (7 + hours) 24903 reg $140, Plum price: $120

But wait, there’s more!
~ Order any of Adam Hsu’s earlier DVDs on Bagua (below)—#21011, #21012 and #21013—along with these new DVDs, and get 20% off of the earlier DVD(s). Use coupon “BaguaHsu” (without the quotations).

~Order Secret File of Bagua Zhang Volumes #1, 2 and 3 and get an ADDITIONAL 10% discount on these. All discounts will be taken in the shopping cart.

ADD TO CART

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DVD 24901 & 24902 The Secret File of Ba-Gua Zhang
2 Volumes, can be purchased separately or as a set. See prices below.
Each volume contains 3 discs (over 3 hrs per volume)
Chinese language subtitled in English

This new, comprehensive series on BGZ (Bagua Zhang) is presented by teacher Adam Hsu in two volumes, each containing three DVDs. What is exceptional about this presentation is that longtime teacher Hsu has gone for the juice, offering a presentation that can benefit any BGZ player, no matter the style.

The first three DVDs of Volume One concentrate on background and principles. The information and demonstrations are profound, explaning essentials. He starts with the lineage including Gong Bao Tian, who learned directly from Yin Fu and developed some rare techniques. It is here that we get a preview of the his pole technique and a new form of pracicing with marine ropes.

Next, Adam Hsu makes a strong case for the differences between BGZ and other martial arts. BGZ is a fairly late development, so Adam Hsu explains key differences, levels of torsion, special Nei Gong to enhance the movements, some ways of thinking entirely unique to BGZ.
Following are three very unusual exercises, definitely BGZ, to loosen the spine, and coax more motion out of the hips, for walking practice. All of these relatively unknown Bagua training regimens originate with Gong Bao Tian, and all of them are surprising.

Volume One also contains a discussion on internal training, with breathing and methods to deepen practice. For people with a martial background, Hsu Sifu’s approach is commonsensical and direct—without even the need to believe in qi—and focuses on the role of intent. I think people will be refreshed by it, because it is so simple and so honest. Hsu also introduces the qi discussion on the famous three levels (heaven, earth and mankind) so basic to BGZ training.

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In Volume Two, Adam Hsu advances many ideas from Part One. He also shows certain aspects of this system that you cannot find anywhere, even mainland China. We now see much deeper into the anatomy of stepping. He introduces scissors stepping with correct leg movements. He shows a Square Step, important for hip control. He adds a Triangle step for tight movement and the wall-turning exercises of Volume #1.

Returning to the San Cai (Three Levels) he adds a specific hand position to each of the three levels, linking each level with a portion of the torso. Then he coordinates these with three forms of stepping pattern. This San Cai practice alone could offer months of training. The first three postures in this section are absolutely foundational.

Next comes palm training, with actual marching locomotion. Hsu Sifu doesn’t demonstrate a great deal on other people, but here you do not need it—the applications are quite clear. He shows the Palm training with all major hand positions, and full body actions with the palm changing on each strike. He introduces a number of these crucial techniques, core movements for BGZ training: chopping, throwing, raising, etc.

Then he introduces the Four Hands (Guen, Zhuan, Zheng, Guo)  Pattern. This valuable training method hooks the body up with the arms in a continuous loop. This training is rarely seen outside this lineage. In this seemingly simple circular exercise you move your hand through four different positons all with appropriate waist and back actions. People often try to do this but fail making the proper connection and therefore cannot match hands to their legs. Here we have five different versions (two of which I’ve never even seen before) of this lively exercise, each requiring different torso techniques. The Four Hands is the kind of practice you might keep up through your entire martial career.

Finally, there is an extended section on how to work the BGZ posts. I rarely use the word “amazing” but the BGZ posts might make the Wing Chun dummy look like a broomstick. The first time I saw this I said, “You could practice years on this.” Hsu Sifu said, “You could practice your whole life on this.” Sifu Adam Hsu shows various ways to work a group of three—with just hands, moving from post to post, setting up the posts, spacing them, their use for posture. Incredibly, it is a whole system onto itself.

True to his basic premise, Adam Hsu adds two very important features to this double series. First, he put the material in the right order, with the usage of the movements coming first and the emphasis on the type of basics that really can make or break your skills. Second, he gives much more background—not just stories of magical prowess, rather the guiding principles that make Bagua what it is.

ADD TO CART: Volume 1 (3 + hours) 24901 reg $105, Plum price: $95

ADD TO CART: Volume 2 (3 + hours) 24902 reg $105, Plum price: $95

ADD TO CART: Volumes 1 & 2 (6 + hours) reg $210, Plum price $180

But wait, there’s more! Order any of Adam Hsu’s earlier DVDs on Bagua (below)—#21011, #21012 and #21013—along with these new DVDs, and get 20% off of the earlier DVD(s). Use coupon “BaguaHsu” (without the quotations).

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#21011 Bagua #1 Internal Palms

Adam Hsu, besides coming forth for the first time in English with this form, also handles the following topics:
History of Ba Gua
Ba Gua Zhang’s lineage
Basic Principles
Ba Gua philosophy and function Step Training
Stationary, square and circle walking
The form itself Penetrating Forest Internal Palms FormCh’i Kung specific to Ba Gua on “Ch’i Gathering”

#21012 Bagua #2 8 Changing Palms

In this DVD Adam Hsu instructs you in the following:
History and Lineage of Ba Gua
Ba Gua Zhang’s development
Basic Principles
Ba Gua philosophy and practice
Step Training- Inward and Outward basic steps
The form itself Penetrating Forest Eight Changing Palms
Ch’i Kung specific to Ba Gua on “Ch’i Exchanging”
Palm Training- Door Opening palm techniques
Ba Gua Post Training- Multiple Post switching
Authentic Ba Gua usage.

#21013 Bagua #3 Linking Palms

Adam Hsu discusses these topics:
History and Lineage of Ba Gua-
Adam Hsu’s own lineage
Basic Principles
Ba Gua philosophy and usage
Step Training- Root shaking leg usage
The form itself Penetrating Forest Linking Palms Form
Ch’i Kung specific to Ba Gua on “Ch’i controlling”
Palm Training- 8 special Targeting Palms
Ba Gua Post Training- Exchanging Space.

#21009 Authentic Kung Fu Usage

Having spent decades studying Kung Fu applications we can assure you that Hsu’s is of the highest order. What isn’t said in the tape is that his usage gives the particular flavor of each style demonstrating such diverse methods as Long fist, Lost Track, 7 Star Mantis, the rare 6 Harmony Mantis, Ba Ji, Pi Qua and Xing Yi. A well-done explication of the relation of forms to functions.