The 88 form routine is intended to develop clean, perfect, square lines in the body.
All stepping is done so that the stance is completed as if stepping on a chess board, very square. All moves will turn completely to change direction. All steps must be koubu or baibu, very clear and distinctly baguazhang, not any other style.
Stances are almost all mabu or 'mabu feeling'. Strikes are almost always on the same side – hand and foot aligned. If crossing, then they are done with an 'aligned feeling'.
The body is always straight, no leaning. The power comes always from the body, not the arms.
Each movement is completed cleanly before going on to the next. Each movement has a natural end and beginning that you must find. Do not try to flow smoothly from one move to the other - the power remains smooth but the action stops briefly.
Baguazhang always does everything equally on both sides. 'One repetition' means to do the routine once on both sides.
The routine starts out with upper body training similar to the tendon changing exercises that we do.
I posted photos to help my students remember the routine. The stances still aren't perfect, but I have redone them so at least they are in focus. The routine is available in pdf format.
