Bagua, Pakua etc. Out of the 3 internal styles usually lumped under Chinese soft styles, it's probably the hardest to interpret the motions as martial techniques. Hsing I being the "hardest" and easiest to interpret. Bagua is very useful for learning to slip attacks and avoid directly meeting power directed by an opponent. IMO Tai Chi and Bagua are very good for learning techniques and methodologies for close range actions. Slipping, redirecting and absorbing are very useful for infighting. W/ the proper practice enough "feel" should be developed to not have to rely on what you can see only. At close range feeling the pressures exerted helps considerably in controlling your opponents movements and balance.
All of the more subtle aspects are much more difficult to learn to the point of being useful, IMO. Unless the individual has a talent or prior experience, it can take years to develop useful skills when training in internal styles. However, the skills learned will often be more useful in later years when age sets in and strength, speed, and endurance decreases.
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