The eight mother palms each develop a different method of moving and a different understanding of how baguazhang works. The first four changes concentrate on koubu and baibu. The final four changes concentrate more on directional changes. All the footwork and techniques are practised when one performs the mother palms. They should always be done carefully and perfectly, with no ambiguity. Never just 'go through' them for memory, as this develops bad habits.
- 1 First dragon change: Single palm change
- 2. Second dragon change: Double palm change
- 3. Third dragon change: Following palm change
- 4. Fourth dragon change: Triple chuanzhang exchange
- 5. Fifth dragon change: Dodging body change
- 6. Sixth dragon change: Grinding body change
- 7. Seventh dragon change: Returning body change
- 8. Eighth dragon change: Spinning body change