Does Halloween Bagua mean that you will be expected to come in full costume? Or will I be teaching the Bagua pitchfork, scythe and broom forms?

Dress code is always flexible in my classes, so skull make up is welcome but not obligatory.

We will cover a variety of training methods – sanshou, the use of multiple angles of force in applications as well as more direct use of force.

I am looking forward to it.

If it appeals to you then get in touch with Danny. We will start on Friday evening and finish on Sunday afternoon, with plenty of tricks and treats through the weekend.

Going back to Glasgow to teach was an immense pleasure for me. It is six or seven years since I last taught there, and aside from being a city I like a great deal it is also home to several people I am very glad to have the opportunity to spend time with. The seminar I taught was organised by Danny Doherty, who has recently restarted Bagua classes in Pollokshiels. Thanks again Danny.

In terms of content each day we started by working on the basics of standing and breathing, while transferring the sensation and quality of mind/movement into basic hand methods, circle walking and straight line forms. We managed to review the first 8 straight line forms (new material for some people) as well as the first dui liu (partnered set), and four opening methods. Opening methods are simple strikes that can be used offensively or defensively to create opportunities and follow up with other techniques. Part of the fun came from contrasting the quality of movement in simple solo practice with what happened when the techniques were tested in live uncooperative sparring drills. This is always a highly educational practise, and something I do not see enough of in internal martial arts.

I was impressed by how well many of the students were learning, a result of their own enthusiasm combined with Danny’s teaching skills. There students who attended came not just from Glasgow, but from across Scotland, as well as from England. Again, respect to people who are willing not just to put in the hours of practise, but also the hours of travel in search of a teacher and style that suits them. The result is a class and learning opportunity in which people get to share their strengths and understandings technically, along with humour and humanity (which are at least as important. Compare how often we need to hit anyone, with how often we can share a laugh. The two may well be inversely proportional).

So to all of you who were there last weekend, thanks for your hard work. To any of you who are looking for Bagua in Scotland get yourselves along to Danny’s sessions.