Bajiquan although fairly simple on the onset internally includes alot of deep concepts and theory to support the development of power and techniques. Some of the obvious features are the unique stepping that aggressively enters an opponents high risk zone, the well conceived Elbows and of course the powerful opening palms that foil any attempt to attack by opponents. The rooting and explosive full body power development takes quite some time master and the sequence of practice ensures the most benefical outcome.
Our practice is derived from the teachings predominantly of Zhou Yuxiang (studied with Xu Yusheng, who learnt from Qiang Ruiqing's disciple and from Huo Diange) which is mostly Huo Family Bajiquan. Exchange expeditions by the Taiping Institute members to Wu Family practitioners have also added some additional elements in recent years.
Essential Basics
Training in Bajiquan commences with some general body developing exercises and Zhuang Gong (Standing/stance training) since it is the essence on which a good foundation can be built given that so much of Bajiquan's power is derived from a strong, agile and stable root. This practice includes the learning of the different stances but most importantly is the standing in the Xian Tian Zhuang ( Horse stance), which also has strict requirements on how to sink the hip, round the chest and hold up the back relaxing each aspect whilst maintaining firm structure.
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Xian Tian Zhuang (Pre Heaven Standing Posture), also known as Liang Yi Zhuang
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San Xing Zhuang (Three Stars Standing Posture)
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Shi Zi Zhuang (Intersectional Standing Posture)
Some stepping methods are then gradually introduced, of which the most important are Chuang Bu and Xun Bu. At this same time students learn various upper body exercises that provide the foundation for later techniques. Upon successfully grasping some of the basic stepping and motion concepts, then some of the important Kau Zhuang which are knocking motions against opponents or other matter are practiced. Here this reinforces the Zhuang Gong as the movements and impacts ensure good stability of footwork and rooting of stance. Some of the Kau Zhuang as examples include:
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San Kau Bi (Three Closing in Arms)
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Kau Jian (Closing in shoulders)
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Kau Bei (Closing in Back)
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Kau Kua (Closing in Hips)
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Kau Zhou (Closing in Elbows)
Fundamental - Dan Cao (Single Techniques)
Ba Shi (Jin Gang Ba Shi)
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Cheng Chui (Propping up Strike)
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Pu Mian Zhang (Pounce on Face Palm)
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Xiang Long Shi (Subduing Dragon Posture)
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Fu Hu Shi (Taming Tiger Posture)
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Pi Shan Zhang (Splitting Mountain Palm)
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Tan Ma Zhang (Sneeking Palm)
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Hu Bao Chui (Tiger Embracing Strike)
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Chuan Bao Zhang (Circular Embracing Palm)
Ba Ding (Jin Gang Ba Ding)
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Tao Pu Ding
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Bei Ding
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Zhuan Gua Ding
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Bao Tou Ding
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You Kao Ding
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Fan Ding
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Jin Liang Ding
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Shan Ti Ding
Ba Da Kai
Liu Da Kai are the way that essential combat principles of Bajiquan are first practiced in order to understand the wider concepts. These include Ding (Pressing), Bao (embracing), Dan (Singles), Ti (Lifting), Kua (Closing) and Chan (Wrapping). When this are practiced they are represented by key techniques such as Ding Zhou (Pressing Elbow), Bao Zhou (Embracing elbow), Dan Yang Da (Single Strike), Ti Zhou (Lifitng Elbow), Kua Da (Hip Strike) and Da Chan (Large Wrap). Since Huo Diange added an additional two techniques Chao Yang Shou (Sun Facing Hands) and Te Wang Jin Liang (King tries the weight) this later became known as Ba Da Kai to lineages thereafter.
Combined Techniques/Sets
In the original Ba Ji system of Wu Zhong's time it is likely that there were not as many sets as there are some of the lines today. Many of the latter descendants either had studied other martial arts which they supplemented Bajiquan with or had through their own experiences added additional methods/approaches and techniques. As a result each line has their own mix of sets accordingly.
Combat Sets
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Baji Liu Zhou Tou (6 Elbows)
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Baji Dui Jie ( Baji Matching Set)
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Pigua Dui Jie (Pigua Matching Set)
Weapons
