Cheng Baguazhang - Old Eight Palms

Cheng-Style Baguazhang - Eight Old Palms. Demonstrated by Liu Jingru

Liu Jingru is an expert of Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Preying Mantis Boxing and Wushu 8 Dan. He was born on July 5, 1936 in Gaoyang County of Hebei Province, China. In 1947, Liu's family moved to Beijing. In 1957 he began to learn Cheng-Style Baguazhang and Xingyiquan under Master Luo Xingwu, a disciple of Li Wenbiao who was a student of Cheng Tinghua, founder of  Cheng-Style Baguazhang. 

In 1962, Liu learnt Luoxuanquan and Yin-Style Baguazhang from Qiu Zhihe, a student of Yin Zhankui, and he also learnt Six Harmonies Praying Mantis Boxing from Shan Xiangling. At the same time, he was further guided by Cheng Yeuxin, Liu Tanfeng and Wang Wenkui to pursue his wushu career.

In 1963, aged 26, Liu participated in the Beijing City Wushu competition and won his first championship and was awarded places in both Xingyiquan and Baguazhang.  Liu has won championship, while  performing  Baguazhang at many Chinese traditional martial arts competitions.

In 1979, Liu participated in the Wushu Exchange Event held in Nannin, the capital city of the Guangxi Province. This event was of particular importance because it was the largest wushu competition that had been organized in China since the Cultural Revolution started (1966). Many wushu masters participated. The average age of the competitors was 47. At 43 and considered a youngster, Liu won the gold medal in Baguazhang. In 1980, in the Second Exchange held in Taiyuan, Shanxi, he won another gold medal.

Since 1992, Liu is serving as the Vice Chairman of the research Society of Baguazhang in Beijing, where he lives and teaches Baguazhang, Xingyiquan and Six Harmony Praying Mantis. He has published four books and more than 10 videos.

Liu Jingru's website: http://www.liujingru.com/index.htm

A book in English by the very famous Liu Jingru and his co-author C.S.Tang.In this generously illustrated volume they share their deep knowledge of Baguazhang with the general reader. Simply and accurately they explain its origins and development. The basic forms, postures and applications of this seemingly difficult art are illustrated step-by-step in a comprehensive series of photographs. All photographs are accompanied by Liu and Tang's own clear and expert explanations.