Baguazhang: Directed Energy, First of Eight "Mothership" Palms by Kevin Wikse.

 

Kevin Wikse Vimana Vajra Baguazhang

The "Directed Energy" turn-around is the "Single Palm" change of my Vimana Vajra Baguazhang's "Eight Mothership" palms foundational set. Exceptionally "yang" in nature, meaning aggressive and straight to the point, the Directed Energy turn-around features a triple palm strike employing the same hand, utilizing the three shapes most responsible for all the death, damage, and destruction palm strikes in human history.

In addition to serving as a platform for launching the mind, body, and spirit into a weaponization process, Directed Energy turn-around teaches the practitioner how to direct their energy to a singular focus point, maintain it even while altering its trajectory, and toggle between right and left sides of the body. This training keeps the practitioner's mind and body active even when they appear static.

The applications are great, and many not just for a martial artist but for anyone developing any practice were directing energy and intent into and out the hand is essential—Paramount for all energy workers (Reiki), bodyworkers, massage therapists, healing touch, etc. 

Overtly offensive, Directed Energy turn-around does impart less obvious defensive capabilities. Like the jab and the straight of Western Boxing, its linear approach will often beat the opponent to the punch, especially if there is any hint of circularity in the opponent's attack (and there nearly always is). Also, Direct Energy is well suited for limb destruction, attacking the attack, and emphasizing that the best defense is often a great offense. 

Psychologically, the Directed Energy turn-around integrates bold action and calculated fearlessness into the practitioner. Act like prey and get treated like prey (yes, there are purposeful modalities of "cat and mouse" and times when you can entrap others by assuming a strategic "victim stance," but these are specialized maneuvers and not typically part of one's day-to-day). Directed Energy turn-around implants a hunter's instincts. Instincts that steadily cross over from Bagauzhang practice into one's everyday outlook and attitude. 

Lastly, from a Daoist perspective, regular practice of the Directed Energy turn-around energizes the whole of a person's being with purified yang energy, removes stagnation, increases circulation, stimulates mental and psychic energy, strengthens concentration, and sharpens focus while reducing cowardliness, procrastination, and indecisiveness. 

-Kevin Wikse

Vimana Vajra Baguazhang

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