Seven Star Staff : Online Lesson 3

Seven Star Staff : Online Lesson 3
The Seven Star Staff is an integral part of the Baguazhang tradition, blending philosophy, precision, and martial application. This set encapsulates the art of movement, alignment, and strategy, reflecting the intricate nature of Chinese Internal Martial Arts. Below is a detailed explanation of the techniques and their deeper meanings:
Techniques and Their Interpretations
1. 太公抱竿磻溪觀 (Tài Gōng Bào Gān Pán Xī Guān)
“Grandmaster Tai Gong holds the staff and observes at Panxi.”
This opening move sets the tone: calm observation and readiness, symbolizing strategic awareness.
2. 垂竿刮耳左鬢邊 (Chuí Gān Guā ǔ Zuǒ Bìn Biān)
“Drop the staff and sweep by the left temple.”
A precise movement targeting the opponent’s side, demonstrating controlled power and agility.
3. 他若動時倒獻藝 (Tā Ruò Dòng Shí Dào Xiàn Yì)
“If the opponent moves, counter with skillful techniques.”
Reactive and adaptive, this emphasizes using technique over brute force to neutralize an attack.
4. 反身刮耳太陽間 (Fǎn Shēn Guā ǔ Tài Yáng Jiān)
“Turn back and sweep by the temple.”
Fluid transitions showcase the circular movements inherent in Baguazhang.
5. 順手轉身倒沖船 (Shùn Shǒu Zhuǎn Shēn Dào Chōng Chuán)
“Turn smoothly and overturn the boat.”
This move represents unpredictability, flipping an opponent’s strategy.
6. 回身偷步戮鎖骨 (Huí Shēn Tōu Bù Lù Suǒ Gǔ)
“Turn back and step to stab the collarbone.”
Targeting vital areas, this technique combines stealth and precision.
7. 扭身直頓三肋間 (Niǔ Shēn Zhí Dùn Sān Lèi Jiān)
“Twist the body and thrust between the third ribs.”
A powerful thrust emphasizing body mechanics and focus.
8. 抽身回手吊頂顎 (Chōu Shēn Huí Shǒu Diào Dǐng È)
“Withdraw and pull back, striking the upper jaw.”
A retreating counterstrike, maintaining defense while attacking.
9. 左右來時點腎肝 (Zuǒ Yòu Lái Shí Diǎn Shèn Gān)
“Strike the kidneys and liver when the opponent approaches.”
Targeting internal organs reflects the precision of Chinese martial arts.
10. 身後有人倒鋤地 (Shēn Hòu Yǒu Rén Dào Chú Dì)
“Behind you, counter with a hoe-like strike.”
Awareness of all directions, emphasizing adaptability and control.
11. 臍下左右亦可穿 (Qí Xià Zuǒ Yòu Yì Kě Chuān)
“The lower abdomen can also be pierced from either side.”
Versatility in attack, adapting to openings.
12. 八方反正須疊肘北南東西跟頭連 (Bā Fāng Fǎn Zhèng Xū Dié Zhǒu Běi Nán Dōng Xī Gēn Tóu Lián)
“In all directions, adjust with stacked elbows and move seamlessly.”
This encapsulates the essence of Baguazhang’s adaptability and fluidity.
13. 敵來崩竿敲手指 (Dí Lái Bēng Gān Qiāo Shǒu Zhǐ)
“Collapse the strike and hit the fingers.”
Small, precise strikes can disable an opponent.
14. 下來垂吊點腕眼 (Xià Lái Chuí Diào Diǎn Wàn Yǎn)
“Lower down, hang, and strike the wrist and eyes.”
A close-range technique for neutralizing attacks effectively.
15. 他若劈頭抱竿式 (Tā Ruò Pī Tóu Bào Gān Shì)
“If the opponent attacks the head, hold the staff firmly.”
Defense with rooted stability.
16. 他若走時竿後粘 (Tā Ruò Zǒu Shí Gān Hòu Nián)
“If the opponent retreats, stick to them with the staff.”
Maintaining connection, a hallmark of internal martial arts strategy.
17. 左來左跨腕頭找 (Zuǒ Lái Zuǒ Kuà Wàn Tóu Zhǎo)
“If the attack comes from the left, cross over and target the wrist and head.”
Countering direction with precision.
18. 右來右跨嗓頭鑽 (Yòu Lái Yòu Kuà Sǎng Tóu Zuān)
“If the attack comes from the right, cross over and drill toward the throat.”
Exploiting the opponent’s openings.
19. 蓋頂下帶盤跟棍 (Gài Dǐng Xià Dài Pán Gēn Gùn)
“Cover the top, lead downwards, and sweep with the staff’s base.”
Circular techniques embodying the essence of Bagua.
20. 盤跟棍帶雙插花 (Pán Gēn Gùn Dài Shuāng Chā Huā)
“Circle the staff and execute double flower strikes.”
Elegant yet powerful, blending artistry with practicality.
21. 更有直來直去法 (Gèng Yǒu Zhí Lái Zhí Qù Fǎ)
“Use straight techniques and maintain direct movements.”
Simplicity and efficiency, balancing circular and linear strategies.
22. 輕快靈兮自勝他 (Qīng Kuài Líng Xī Zì Shèng Tā)
“Be light, agile, and naturally surpass the opponent.”
The guiding principle of Baguazhang: agility and flow.
Philosophical Insights
The Seven Star Staff reflects the core principles of Baguazhang: adaptability, balance, and strategic intent. Each technique integrates body mechanics with the philosophy of circular motion, harmony, and leveraging the opponent’s energy. The practitioner learns to move seamlessly, think creatively, and stay rooted in the principles of the art.
This set is not merely a physical exercise but a journey into the heart of Baguazhang’s wisdom. It reminds us that mastery lies in balance, precision, and the unyielding pursuit of growth.