Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang) means "8 Trigram Palm."  It is the third of the three major internal martial arts taught in the Cheng Ming system.  Ba Gua movements typically emphasize open palms rather than closed fists. Practitioners develop flexibility, evasiveness, and adaptability by executing Ba Gua's dynamic techniques while walking in a circle.  The eight trigrams in Ba Gua's name derive from the symbolism of yin-yang, natural elements, and changing directions contained in the ancient classic, the I Ching, or Book of Changes.  Instruction in Ba Gua is reserved for advanced students. (Photo courtesy Pratyeka, CC 3.0 license)