Routines help the player to connect techniques. Sometimes performing a skill in a different context helps the player to understand it. You get a rich movement vocabulary when you learn a routine, and can pick out the techniques to practise separately. A routine is also a good way to show other people about Ma Gui bagua, as it can make a beautiful performance.
Additionally, bagua is difficult to teach because as soon as you start to do a change, everyone is turned in the opposite direction. A routine is a way of lining everyone up and following along without getting all twisted up trying to watch the teacher.
Our system has three routines from Ma Gui through Liu Wanchuan. There was apparently another routine, but it is lost.
