Structure is King

 Well, if it isn’t king, then it’s right up there in the hierarchy. Structure is what gives one stability and ‘rootedness.’ And it is from this base, this root, that all movements derive their ability to strike with tremendous force. When the body is aligned properly, all action through it is braced by the ground, regardless of whether we are standing still or moving. Jiulong Baguazhang (JBG) is known for its ‘rolling root,’ in other words being able to carry structure while moving.

 This is especially important when facing multiple opponents because it’s not a good idea to stand still, root yourself, throw a punch or kick, and then look for another bad guy to hit. Chances are good that a bar stool will be broken over one’s head before a second (or first) punch is thrown. Being able to move and strike with authority, with ‘rootedness,’ is important in encounters because bad guys don’t travel solo.

 Structure is so important that it is one of the first things taught in this art. Quiet Sitting is another. Quiet Sitting is important because, among many other things, it gets one’s mind right so he doesn’t get himself in a situation where he’s facing multiple opponents in a bar somewhere…
 Structure is comprised of the right body alignment; hips tucked, head reaching to the sky, shoulder over hips, knees and toes facing the same direction, etc.

 Structure is comprised of proper movement; stepping (rolling step, immortal man step, etc.), turning (ba turn, night swallow turn, etc.), crossing the great river (the name of a concept where one does not become double-weighted and have all of one’s force applied to the hand, arm, elbow, etc. that’s on the same side as the supporting leg), breathing (proper breathing provides internal structure), and so on.

 Proper structure is a complex set of body mechanics that when properly configured and set in motion, provides the same body rigidity as standing still, bracing with the legs, and punching or kicking. It’s quite a sophisticated set of body mechanics and a foundation of the art. All other aspects of JBG build on these concepts, so they are taught right from the get-go.

 When the Akron, Ohio group first got together, we met in Coop’s basement. We did that for about a year before moving to our current location. After the first few classes in his house, Jean, Coop’s wife, asked him what was being taught. He answered something about standing, walking, and breathing. Jean then asked with an innocence that belies a certain impishness, “And what will you learn next week, how to roll over?”