It may be surprising, but the practice of acrobatics is a very old one, dating back over 2000 years in China! Such feats of strength and alacrity were common part of cultural festivals and gatherings.
This robust practice is a popular one, and has spawned iterations the world over.
In Pa Kua, Acrobatics serves two purposes: It is a very physical discipline, pushing students to grow stronger and more flexible through a variety of power poses, tumbling exercises, and calisthenics.