Introduction
The term Baji, which comes from one of the oldest classic texts in China, the I Ching, signifies "an extension of all directions." Baji Quan (Eight Extremes Fist) is a Chinese martial art that features explosive, short range power.
Baji was known to the common people during Qing Dynasty. The famous “Spear-god Li"—Li Shu-Wen from the north (1864-1934), was the most famous Baji master. In the 40 years leading up to his death, he was never beaten in combat. His most famous quote about fighting was, "I do not know what it is like to hit a man twice." Certainly a bit of hyperbole, but it still speaks for the shocking power Baji training develops. Li Shu-Wen's most famous students include Huo Dian-Ge (the only martial arts teacher of the last emperor of China - Pu Yi), his nephew Huo Qing-Yun (became the chief imperial guard), Li Chen-Wu (bodyguard to Mao Ze-Dong, first Chairman of People’s Republic of China), Liu Yun-Qiao (secret agent for the nationalist Kuomintang and instructor of the bodyguards of Chiang Kai Shek). Baji played an important role in that period as one of the most successful forms of martial arts.
Baji is now popular in the northern parts of China’s Mainland and Taiwan. It has become one of China's signature practical combat systems.
Popular culture
Bajiquan was brought to popular attention, in the West, largely by the video game, ‘Virtual Fighter’. The style the main character, Akira Yuki, practices is Baji (though none of the many representations of Baji Quan in popular media have ever been very accurate). Baji appears in other virtual fighting games, such as, Tekken 6, Virtual Fighter, Dead or Alive. Although, many characters “use” Baji Quan fighting style, there is very little accuracy in the representations.
Instruction
Our instructor, Li Shu-Dong, was born in 1956. He is the first apprentice of Huo Qing-Shan, the 2nd son of Huo Dian-Ge. He has also been taught by Huo Qing-Yun’s first son—Huo Wen-Bai. Li Shu-Dong has been practicing Baji Quan for more than 20 years. Some of his apprentices received first place awards in the national Baji competition, while others are combat instructors of the China Police School.
Goal
Many people’s understanding of kung fu is that it is for show more than actual combat. But, Baji Quan is one of the most practical kung fu styles in the martial arts world. This is one reason why Baji masters played important roles, protecting people like Sun Yat-Sen, emperor Pu Yi, Mao Ze-dong and Chiang Kai Shek, in Chinese history. On the other hand, although Baji is famous in the martial arts world, it is not as famous, among ordinary people, as other forms, like Taichi. Because they do this as a profession, the masters often don’t have many apprentices and they don’t teach others apart from their apprentice. The goal of this program is to let people see the practical side of kung fu; to let more people know what Baji Quan is about and how to practice this kung fu style.
Teaching
You will be taught Baji traditional stance training, step training, and other general forms, all of which haven’t changed in over 80 years. The program is very flexible. Instruction can be as short as 2 to 4 hours, or if some of you are very interested, a one week period or longer session is possible.
This program could be independent or could be added to other programs.