Shinkageryu
Guidance and control
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu: By employing techniques like "Kake" (suspension) and "Machi" (waiting), it guides the opponent’s movements, luring their reactions with feints and thereby predicting and controlling the situation
Yizong Baguazhang: Through methods like "inducing movement" and "engaging, controlling, and striking," it redirects the opponent’s attacks, skillfully neutralizing or countering them to seize the initiative in offense and defense.
Commonality: Both systems emphasize leading the opponent into a strategically designed "scenario," using adaptability and intelligence to achieve tactical objectives.
Dynamic and static balance
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu: Emphasizes "softness within strength," responding with flexibility when defending, and suppressing the opponent with firm structures when attacking, creating a harmonious interplay of hardness and softness.
Yizong Baguazhang: Combines motion and stillness, transforming between hardness and softness. It can overpower opponents with explosive force or neutralize attacks with fluid footwork and palm techniques.
Commonality: Hardness and softness are not absolutely distinct but interconvert and alternate, achieving a dynamic balance.
Following the momentum and transformation
Using the opponent's strength
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu: During sword crossing, it uses "following the momentum" to guide the opponent's force and swiftly transforms it into an advantage (Aiki).
Yizong Baguazhang: Upon contact, it employs supple palm techniques and smooth footwork to redirect the opponent’s strength, neutralizing the attack and turning it into an opportunity for counterattack or breaking their structure.
Commonality: Both systems emphasize sensing and dynamically transforming force, avoiding direct confrontation and prioritizing the application of intelligence and skill.
Transformation between emptiness and substance
In Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, "emptiness" is not a false action but rather a strategic yielding or adjustment of position to avoid direct confrontation, thereby gaining an advantageous position through transformation. "Substance" refers to direct engagement and counterattacks, where swift execution of attacks or control is based on the opponent's reactions.
In Baguazhang, "emptiness" is the adjustment of footwork to guide the opponent's force in the intended direction. "Substance" lies in stable structure and the precise application of power, enabling effective control or strikes.
Both palm and sword share profound principles.
The control of combat rhythm
Proactive Offense and Rhythm Control
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu: Drives the opponent’s reactions through offensive actions, using sword techniques to dictate the rhythm and confining the opponent within the framework of one’s design. Every reaction from the opponent falls into the planned "scenario."
Baguazhang: Utilizes continuous variations in footwork and palm techniques during offense and defense to control the opponent’s center of gravity and movement direction, forcing them into a dynamic rhythm beyond their control.
Integration of Offense and Defense
In Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, every attack retains the possibility of defense, and every defense is prepared for a counterattack. Whether in emptiness or substance, it ensures a comprehensive response to both offense and defense.
In Baguazhang, through circular movements and the fluidity of palm techniques, every attack inherently contains the potential for defense, and every defense can seamlessly transform into an attack.
The Commonality of Philosophy and Wisdom
Achieving Maximum Effect with Minimal Effort
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu: By utilizing precise structure, timing, and sword techniques, it forces the opponent to expose weaknesses, achieving complete control over the situation.
Baguazhang: By leveraging the opponent's strength and employing circular footwork and palm techniques, it redirects their power to a position of advantage.
The Spirit of Winning Without Fixed Techniques
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu: In swordsmanship, it seeks formless control, relying not on specific techniques but on principles and timing to dominate the opponent.
Baguazhang: Overcomes opponents through fluid and harmonious movements, avoiding rigid forms of attack, instead using body mechanics and energy flow to achieve victory.