Baguazhang is mandatory for dan-level students but optional for other students.
To qualify:
-
You need to have passed your yellow belt
-
You must know Yang Cheng Fu form (section 1) pattern to a reasonable standard
It is important to see baguazhang as an extra, a bonus.
Baguazhang cannot be trained at the expense of your basic skills: qigong, Yang Cheng Fu form, partner work.