In my Ba Gua training we always cover applications right along side form. To learn the form is to learn the function as well. How is your intention going to be developed if you don't know what it is that you're supposed to be doing? How will your Chi flow properly if you don't know what the movement feels like martially? How are you going to defend yourself with movements you only practice in the air?
My advice is to look elsewhere for your training. That applies to ANYONE who is wasting thier time with a watered down martial art, or an antiquated, confucianistic teacher. Avoid ANYONE who says: "I won't teach you the secrets until you prove yourself.", or worse yet, "It takes ten years to learn to fight with this style.". Chances are they're just trying to cover up the fact that they don't know what the h@ll they're doing.
" You must use your Dan Tien, spine, ligaments, tendons, joints, muscles, and chi for power. Your whole body together, not seperate parts. If you don't, you are not practicing Ba Gua Chang, you are practicing Ba Gua Bullsh*t." - Master George Xu