Here, Bruce demonstrates ‘Roll the Ball’, a practice that is associated with bagua, rou shou, and fighting applications, rather than with the circle-walking and meditation aspects.
In this bagua practice, the arms encase a sphere in space and the movement originates from the lower tantien and feet, expressing itself in the arms and hands. As the arms move, the sphere must remain stable and not be cut in any direction or angle.
Bagua: Roll the ball
This is what I’m talkin’ about. 🙂
Love it.
In the Bagua program do you get into the deeper meanings behind the movements? I appreciate how the teachings, being presented sometimes in an abstract way gives space for personal interpretation, yet it seems that (for me) to be able to have focused intent is helpful. I love being helpful. <3
This is a really good video
This is a really good video of bagua. More post like this please!
Roll The Ball
Hello,
I forgot where I learned it, probably when Bruce was in NY in the 70’s. It reminds me of playing with a Slinky. Years later I got bored doing it the way it was taught to me – double weighted stance, stable, so the waist has a good base upon which to rotate – I started having playing with the size of the ball, the speed of the movement, shifting of weight, stepping while rolling the ball, even the intent, angles and applications of the movement, since I actually apply my meager skill on rare occasion in the course of my employment as a nightclub manager in the Big Apple..
I was sure I was inventing moves just for fun, now it turns out I wasn’t far from the mark, after all. Imagine my relief! Now when I practice I have a much clearer image of what I am doing, and a guide for improvement. Cool!
Thanks for letting me bore you for a few minutes.
Joy to you all.
Looking in this direction for wisdom and self discovery
I am intrigued your work. I am a counselor in Montrose, CO. I have been in practice here for over 40 years and will be completely retiring by my 70th birthday–I am 69 now. I am interested in meeting you and talking about how your work could help me in my transition. Hope to meet you soon. I have been hearing about you for several years from my work with PTSD Vets, and several other clients.
Fortunate ones
Hello Tim.
Thank you for your interest in Energy Arts! It’s very fortuitous that you contacted us as we have a Senior Instructor named Lee Burkins who lives and teaches in Montrose, working specifically with veterans and those suffering from PTSD.
You can read more about him here:
http://www.energyarts.com/instructors/taichi-qigong/montrose/lee-burkins
There’s also a short documentary film highlighting his career here:
http://www.energyarts.com/blog/bruce-frantzis/warrior-within-tai-chi-documentary-lee-burkins
We are going to email Lee and let him know to be in touch and hope that you are able to connect soon! He’s a fantastic instructor and human being.
Kind Regards,
Energy Arts Team
nice training video…wow
nice training video…wow you’ve been training for a long time. awesome that you’ve stuck with it for so many years. I just started looking into this type of marital arts and I’m liking it. Looking forward to some more of your instructional videos.
I like how you break it down…good commentary !
Curious how many instructors are in Colorado. I have a strong background in the YiZong generation of Gao style Bagua and Xing Yi. I would like to continue to deepen my studies and further my training to be able to help heal others.
Beautiful movement patterns. Thanks for sharing this.
Does Bruce or any of his instructors teach in europe? In 2022 – 23?
Yes, Seweryn, you can find instructors in your area at this link https://www.energyarts.com/instructors-search/