This form rose out of the ancient Chinese philosophy surrounding the concept of the eight trigram.

Together with Hsing-I and Tai Chi, it completes the trinity of internal martial arts. Ba Gau is the treasure of the Cheng MIng Martial Arts System. Based on the theory of the "I-Ching", characterized by the use of close quarter techniques and evasion strategies. This fighting style is reserved only for the highly advanced students, so that its secrets remain protected. It also requires great strength and stamina which is only built up by regular practice of the other forms.Students that have completed pre-requisite training in Tai Chi, Hsing-I forms and Qi Gong are offered this training.

Training begins with "walking the circle" then Dan Zhou, Ba-Mut Zharn or the Eight Mother Palms and progresses through them many patterns of Ba Gau and weapons forms. This is the prelude to a period of intense preparation and conditioning.