Two Bagua Moves to Escape an Arm Lock - Baguazhang Self Defense

arm lock escapes bagua self-defense baguazhang Apr 21, 2014

Baguazhang is an internal martial art that relies on circular movement, turning, spiraling, and relaxed power similar to Taijiquan.

Many types of arm locks are used in martial arts. One of the locks that we use is sometimes called "Pat the Bull." Your opponent has you in the lock and has grabbed your shoulder to make it more firm.

In the Cheng style Baguazhang form "Eight Main Palms," two movements in the section called Grinding Palm are very useful for escaping this arm lock. The movements are called "Green Dragon Swings Its Tail" and "White Snake Twists Its Body." In the form, these movements follow each other.

Photo 6-9 shows the start of "Green Dragon Swings Its Tail." You continue to turn, stepping your right foot around into a pidgeon-toe stance, and spiral the arm upward. You continue to spin for the movement called "White Snake Turns Its Body."

When you finish, you are standing upright again.

Someone who applies force to you is often thinking in one direction. An opponent who is applying an arm lock is trying to apply upward pressure on your arm, and in this particular case, downward clamping pressure to the shoulder.

To escape, go in a different direction. In the bottom three photos, black sash Chris Miller applies "Pat the Bull." In our practices, we don't want to let go - we try to make it realistic because we do not like to practice weak and ineffective techniques.

When I bend over to begin the movement "Green Dragon Swings Its Tail," I spiral the arm upward. Both of these actions relieve pressure. As I bend over, I am going in the direction he is applying to

my shoulder, but my arm is turning and spiraling, escaping the upward pressure he is applying to the arm.

In the Bagua movement, the arm spirals straight upward, but as we all know, self-defense is not often as perfect as the form. The intent of the movement is to escape. Notice when I bend over, how the hand that had been clamping down on my shoulder is being moved in a different direction. I am neutralizing his downward pressure.

As I continue turning, I am suddenly in position to apply an arm lock or elbow break to Chris.

This is a good technique to practice with a partner -- just be careful, as in all joint lock practice. You do not want to injure your partner, but it is important to apply enough pressure to the arm lock to immobilize your partner if possible.

Some of this silk-reeling movement takes practice, and is part of the Internal Strength, Silk-Reeling, Taiji and Bagua teaching that we do. It is an excellent technique and shows how relaxed internal technique can often overcome muscle and brute strength.

--by Ken Gullette

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Two Bagua Moves to Escape an Arm Lock - Baguazhang Self Defense

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