Over time all systems of martial art mature from a few simple "combat" techniques to a system of "combat" techniques. These "system's of combat techniques" are eventually further enhanced by a "civil" content that seeks to balance the extremes of "combat" training and to help insure that the art has a dependable method of being passed down from generation to generation with integrity; and that the health and longevity of it's practitioners are protected as well.

 

Zhaquan has sets of  pre-defined movement that contains combinations of combat techniques and strategies that are constructed for one to practice repeatedly. We call these sets of movement "forms," and in a sense the entire set of "forms" can be said to define the entire style.  Learning a form is more than simply learning to go through the motions it is made up of. One must know the corresponding spirit, objectives, principles, applications, and traditional knowledge that accompanies the motions too. These sets are archives of martial knowledge, profoundly formulated exercise, a kind of moving meditation, and a deep form of art.

 

On this page you will find the major "forms" and "practices" that make up the Zhaquan system as we practice it. The "forms" are not necessarily taught in the order listed.