The main essence and practice of Cheng Baguazhang is walking the circumference of an imaginary circle, whilst performing Ding Shi Zhang 'eight basic palms' this is an exercise to develop internal strength 'Nei Gong', Ba Da Zhang '8 main palms' the basic routines and forms of Bagua, these forms use all the basic skills for opening and closing all of the joints as well as the skills for combat. After studying the basic forms and exercises we move onto more complicated forms such as Lian Huan Zhang 'swimming body palm'.

Bagua is ideally suited for all ages and abilities.
The constant practice of moving the waist, twisting, turning, bending etc, results in an effective exercise for the joints, sinews, muscles, internal organs, it helps regulate blood pressure, improves general health and vitality, so not only are you learning to train in a fighting art but also a healing art. It is interesting that most of the old Bagua practitioners lived to very old ages, those who weren't killed in the 'boxer rebellion' that is!
Bagua is closely related to acupuncture because of the constantly twisting movements the acupressure points, lymphatic glands, meridians lines are being worked and massaged, which in turn works upon each organ sending life giving Qi or energy to all parts of the body.

Baguazhang is also known for practicing with many different weapons such as the deer horn blades, judge pens, ring daggers, single pointed spear, double ended pointed spear, poles, horse whip, it is more famous for the use of extremely large weapons, such as the BaGuaDao or 'Bagua Broadsword', Bagua Jian 'straight sword'