The Bakwa is an "X" with an + super imposed on it. It is based on the Taoist system of the eight trigrams (Tsai li fo is made up of both Buddhism and Taoism), and the Buddhist 8 spoked (directional) wheel. It is used to teach the stylist how to react properly to a fight situation on any of these 8 directions in an automatic and natural way, and how to control, and fight a man on any of these points under any circumstances. In addition, it is used to teach the stylist proper distancing (what parts of the hands, feet, and body must be used at particular ranges), angling and footwork. Note: The eight spokes point to the eight base directions.
Eight Directional Wheel
In Buddhism, the base wheel can have either four spokes, symbolizing the Four Jins, or the four "moments" in the life of the Buddha; or with eight spokes, or octagonal, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path. In martial arts, the 4 points refer to the 4 directions, while the 8 point wheel refers to the eight directions (trigrams). In addition, the hub symbolized the stylist (refers to discipline and concentration), the spokes, ones limbs, and the rim, the path the opponents travels, or is minipulated on by the stylist.
Spiritual Side
The 8 directional wheel is also interconnected to the yin/yang theory. The wheel also symbolize the Wheel of Buddhist Law, the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. It teaches the student that everything begins, and everything must end. It also teaches the student the cycle of life and death (impermanent). That is, we begin in the center of the form (birth), travels all around the circle in all the four directions (life), then returns you back to the center where you started, ending your journey (death). It is this circle, its cycle of movement, and the 8 directions that makes up the form.
The Sphere And Triangles
At this theories advance stage, the wheel is place at various location along ones body. This is done by imagining yourself inside a large bubble with the hub of one 8 spoked wheel place horizontally in your navel, and another hub placed horizontally in the center of your chest at shoulder level. In addition, there many other wheel and angle used along the body.