i have been doing BGZ for about a year now, and while i understand some of the basic pricples of shenfa I still have some difficulty walking the circle etc.

I know i should practice more than i do (about 4 nights a week)but still when i am walking the circle i slide put of alinement, my hips start to turn away from inside the circle, i use my muscle too much.....

so my question is, how long did it take you before you could walk the circle comfortably, should i be better after one year of practice? or i am i really stupid

thanks very much

I have been doing bagua for 8 years.

It took me a good 4 years of walking (for at least 30 minutes a day) to get the feeling of walking downhill. I also spent six months doing 45 to 60 minutes a day walking.

At some point the tissue in the kua (crease/where the leg joins the torso) got supple and I began to walk lower. Previously, I thought the only way you walk lower is to bend your knees more. Now, when I take a step I am pushing forward with the tissue in the kua and I feel more sunk.

It only took me half an hour. You guys must be retarded.

It's a good thing 'apprentice' retired- because that 'retarded' comment would've garnered a biting reply.

I think he'll prolly be back.