Written by the author: This guide is written by Sifu Kendra Mahon (Kung Fu Kendra), who wrote this book. It describes what the book covers and who it suits. It is not an independent review.
At a glance
- Series: Masters of Kung Fu, Book 6
- Type: Life story of the founder of Baguazhang, in 59 chapters and five parts, with a lesson after each chapter and a workbook after each part
- Formats: Kindle and paperback (coming soon)
- Best for: Readers curious about Bagua’s history, martial artists of any style, and book groups
- Not for: Anyone wanting to learn Bagua technique from a book: the author is a Wing Chun master, not a Bagua teacher, and points readers to a qualified Bagua teacher
What the book covers
A short introduction explains Baguazhang, the eight trigrams of the Yijing and where Bagua and Wing Chun meet. Part One (chapters 1–7) covers Dong’s birth in Zhujiawu village, Wen’an County, the disputed dates (1797, 1813 or 1804; died in late 1882 according to most accounts), Qing China, the martial arts of Hebei, his early training (most often named as Bafanquan) and his wandering years in Jiangsu and Anhui. Part Two (8–14) weighs the legends of his mountain teachers, the theory linking circle walking to Quanzhen Daoist practice, claims of Bagua before Dong, and the art’s first name, Zhuanzhang, “Turning Palms.” Part Three (15–30) follows him to Beijing in the 1860s, into the household of Prince Su, through the eunuch question and the legends of the crowded banquet and Yang Luchan, and on to his disciples Yin Fu, Cheng Tinghua and Liang Zhenpu, his death and the 1883 stele at his grave. Part Four (31–45) explains the principles: walking the circle, the palm changes, the eight mother palms, the trigrams, yin and yang, the open palm, stepping off the line and adapting the art to the student. Part Five (46–59) looks at how he became a legend, the Guo Yunshen story, the internal family and Sun Lutang, the major lineages, weapons, the 1980 moving of his tomb, Bagua on screen, its 2011 heritage listing in China, and Bagua and Wing Chun. The book closes with a group guide, a timeline, recommended reading and viewing, and a glossary.
Who should read it
- Readers new to martial arts. The book says you do not need to know anything about martial arts to use it, and the opening chapter on Baguazhang covers the basics.
- History lovers who want sources, not myths. Each legend is set beside what the records and historians say, and disputed points are left open rather than forced.
- Martial artists of any style. Wing Chun students in particular will find chapters on the principles the two arts share, from relaxed structure to taking a better angle.
- Book clubs, classes and teams. The lessons, five workbooks and group guide are written to be discussed together.
How to use it
Read it one part at a time; the group guide suggests each part as a natural session, with a group meeting weekly. Each of the 59 chapters ends with a section called “The Lesson,” so you can pick one or two to focus on between readings, and each part ends with a workbook of reflection questions and space for notes, which members can complete privately. The group guide adds ground rules, discussion questions, a suggestion for leaders to open sessions with slow breathing or a few slow steps walked in a circle, and a note on professional support. It is a life story and a set of principles, not a training course: the author is a Wing Chun master, not a Bagua teacher, and she says the best way to understand Bagua is to see it practised by a qualified teacher.
A short excerpt
“The people who love us write our story. Dong left no writings of his own, and almost everything we know of him comes from what his students carved in stone.”
Where to get it
Dong Haichuan: The Founder of Bagua is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback. In the meantime, see Kendra’s other books on her Amazon author page or on Goodreads under Kendra Mahon, and read what students say on the Kung Fu Kendra reviews page. For other Wing Chun books, see our guide to Wing Chun books.
About the author
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, has trained since 2005 and holds Master level (purple sash). She teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. She is the author of 13 books and counting, including the ten-book The Way of Wing Chun series and the Masters of Kung Fu series.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Dong Haichuan: The Founder of Bagua?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, who teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. She writes about Dong Haichuan as a martial artist from a different tradition and is not a Bagua teacher.
When was Dong Haichuan born?
It is disputed. Traditional accounts say 1797, some modern researchers argue for 1813 and one lineage gives 1804; the book gives the dates without claiming to know which is right.
What was Baguazhang originally called?
According to his first-generation students, Dong called his art Zhuanzhang, “Turning Palms.” The name Baguazhang, “Eight Trigram Palm,” came into use later.
Is it available yet?
It is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback.