Gao Style Baguazhang

Gao Style Baguazhang is the style of Baguazhang descended from Gao Yisheng , a student of Cheng Tinghua, who founded one of the two main branches of Baguazhang. Gao originally studied with Song Changrong , later studying with one of Cheng's students, Zhou Yuxiang,. Gao style is one of the most widely practiced Baguazhang styles in the West; there are also many practitioners in Tianjin and Taiwan. It has many variations held within various lineages, some which are given below:

*Dong Haichuan
**Cheng Tinghua
***Zhou Yuxiang
****Gao Yisheng
*****Wu Jinyuan
*****Wu Huaishan
******Wu Guozheng
*****
******Wang Shusheng
******Liu Shuhang
******Chen Baozhen
******Han Fangrui
*****He Kecai
******Cheung Sing Tang
*****Zhang Junfeng
******Hong Yixiang
*******Luo Dexiu
*******Su Dongchen
******Hong Yiwen
******Hong Yimian
*****Wu Mengxia
******Wu Min'an
*****Bi Motang
******Bi Tianzuo


The Gao style system is referred to as the Gao Yisheng branch of the Cheng Tinghua system of Baguazhang. Essentially, Gao Style Bagua is a unique subsystem. The Gao style system, because of Gao's own martial progression over time, can be found to have a number of different permutations, represented in these various lingages. All are valid examples of Gao style Bagua because they all represent Gao Yisheng’s progression as a martial artist. Gao was refining and creating sets until he died. He changed his straight line, pre-heaven and weapons sets more than once in his life but at its core it is a complete Baguazhang system.

Gao style divides training into two categories: pre-heaven and post-heaven . Pre-heaven training includes walking the circle and practicing changing palms on the circle; this material is similar to that found in the other Cheng styles. Post-heaven training consists of 64 linear palms said to be passed down by a man known as Song Yiren ; these palms are unique to the Gao system.

Many Gao style practitioners can be found in Tianjin , Taiwan , and Hong Kong .