Baji Quan
Baji Quan, a Chinese martial art renowned for its explosive short-range power and famed elbow strikes, carries the full name Kai Men Baji Quan, translating to "open-gate eight-extremities fist." Originating in Meng Village, Hebei Province, China, it holds popularity in Northern regions of China. The inaugural Grand Master of Baji Quan, Wu Zhong (1712–1802), a Chinese Muslim, learned this art three centuries ago from two wandering monks named Lai (癞) and Pi (癖), with Pi being a disciple of Lai.
During the reign of Emperor Yong Zheng (1723-1735), Baji Quan gained official recognition, becoming part of the imperial bodyguards' training regimen to safeguard the monarch. Among its distinguished masters were Wu Xiufeng 吳秀峰 and Li Shuwen 李書文 (1864–1934). Li Shuwen's notable students included Huo Dian Ge 霍殿閣 (bodyguard to Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China), Li Chenwu (bodyguard to Mao Zedong, the first Chairman of P. R. China), and Liu Yun Qiao 劉雲樵 (instructor of Chiang Kai Shek's bodyguards). Consequently, Baji Quan gained acclaim as the "bodyguard style."
During the reign of Emperor Yong Zheng (1723-1735), Baji Quan gained official recognition, becoming part of the imperial bodyguards' training regimen to safeguard the monarch. Among its distinguished masters were Wu Xiufeng 吳秀峰 and Li Shuwen 李書文 (1864–1934). Li Shuwen's notable students included Huo Dian Ge 霍殿閣 (bodyguard to Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China), Li Chenwu (bodyguard to Mao Zedong, the first Chairman of P. R. China), and Liu Yun Qiao 劉雲樵 (instructor of Chiang Kai Shek's bodyguards). Consequently, Baji Quan gained acclaim as the "bodyguard style."
The custodian of Wu's family-style Baji Quan in China is Grand Master Wu Lian Zhi (吳連枝). Master Leon Xu represents the 8th generation of disciples in Wu's Baji Quan lineage under Grand Master Wu Lianzhi. The legacy of Wu’s Baji Quan is perpetuated through generations by the Wu family members residing in Meng village. Notably, the renowned Baji Quan International Training Center was established in Meng village in 2006. Spanning 6660 square meters, it comprises a vast outdoor training area and an indoor hall covering 520 square meters.
Key elements of Baji Quan comprise:
- Stance Training (LiangYi Ding 两仪顶)
- Explosive Power: Cultivated through specialized methods such as "six big opening" (liu da kai 六大開) (Ding, Bao, Dan, Ti, Kua)
- Internal Training: Focuses on Qi circulation techniques (known as Xing Qi, or moving internal energy), incorporating “Heng” and “Ha” sounds.
- Fighting Techniques and Tactics: Characterized as a close-range fighting style, employing principles like “Ai, Bang, Ji, Kao”(挨, 膀, 挤, 靠), and “San Pan Heji” (三盘合击).
- Bare Hand Forms: Include 12 Baji Quan Small Frame Routines, Baji Black Tiger Routine, Baji Dan Zhai, Baji Dan Da (Dui Da), Baji Luohan Gong, and Baji Si Lang Kuan, among others.
- Weapon Forms: Encompass various forms like Liu He Da Qiang (spear), Chun Yang Jian (sword), Ti Liu Dao (sabre), Xing Zhe Gun (staff), Pudao, and Chun Qiu Da Dao, and more.
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The primary components of Baji Quan that we instruct include:
• Traditional Training Basics of Baji Quan
• Basics of Stances in Still and Movement pose
• Liu Zhou Tou (Six Elbow Techniques六肘头)
• Jin Gang Ba Shi (8 Warrior Style Techeniques 金刚八式)
• Liu Da Ba Zhao of Wu’s Baji Quan (吴氏八极六大八招)
• Wu’s Baji Quan Routines in Bare Hand and with Weapons
o Baji Xiaoji 1 Lu (Baji Small Frame 1八极小架一路)
o Baji Ti Liu Dao (Baji Broad Sword八极提柳刀)
o Baji Dan Da (Baji Single Routine八极单打)
o Baji Xing Zhe Gun (Baiji Monk Stall 八极行者棍)
o Baji Dui Da (Baji Fighting Set八极对打)
o Baji Liu He Da Qiang (Baji Spear八极六合大枪)
o Baji Si Lang Kuan (Baji Si Lang Kuan八极四郎宽)
o Baji Pu Dao (Baji Pu Dao八极扑刀)
o Baji Chun Qiu Da Dao etc (Baji Chun Qiu Da Dao八极春秋大刀)等
• Traditional Training Basics of Baji Quan
• Basics of Stances in Still and Movement pose
• Liu Zhou Tou (Six Elbow Techniques六肘头)
• Jin Gang Ba Shi (8 Warrior Style Techeniques 金刚八式)
• Liu Da Ba Zhao of Wu’s Baji Quan (吴氏八极六大八招)
• Wu’s Baji Quan Routines in Bare Hand and with Weapons
o Baji Xiaoji 1 Lu (Baji Small Frame 1八极小架一路)
o Baji Ti Liu Dao (Baji Broad Sword八极提柳刀)
o Baji Dan Da (Baji Single Routine八极单打)
o Baji Xing Zhe Gun (Baiji Monk Stall 八极行者棍)
o Baji Dui Da (Baji Fighting Set八极对打)
o Baji Liu He Da Qiang (Baji Spear八极六合大枪)
o Baji Si Lang Kuan (Baji Si Lang Kuan八极四郎宽)
o Baji Pu Dao (Baji Pu Dao八极扑刀)
o Baji Chun Qiu Da Dao etc (Baji Chun Qiu Da Dao八极春秋大刀)等
