Hello ... I'm interesting in beginning to learn and practice martial arts. I've never taken any martial arts before, but I've been doing cursory studies of the different forms on and off for a couple years. I think I've settled on Ba Gua, but apparently it's kind of hard to find a teacher. I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good, affordable teacher in the Bay Area, preferably near Oakland ...

Also, I would love to hear any comments or advise about my choice to begin my martial arts studies with Ba Gua. My short/mid-term goals in studying MA is for physical/emotional/spiritual strength and health while in the long-term actually cultivating real fighting ability.

Thanks,
Sean.