Baji

• History of the Art

• Style's Characteristics

• Routines

History is the Art
 

In the arts, Taiji brings peace to the world
In the wars, Baji brings harmony to the cosmos

                                                            - Ancient Chinese saying -

 

Baji is one of the more uncommon forms of martial arts seen in Hong Kong. It is one kind of Shaolin Style which originated from Chuanjiao of the Hebei province. Its techniques are simple and direct. Powerful and straightforward with the stamping of the foot to increase strength. As for routines, there exists Jingang-Bazi, Xiaobaji, Daibaji, duibaji,.  Also, there are other more higher level routines such as Ludaikai and badaiZhou

Baji only became known to the common people during the late period of the Qing Dynasty. The famous " Spear-god Li Shu-Wen" from the north and the martial arts teacher of the last emperor of China, Huo Dian-Ge were all -practitioners of this art. His nephew Huo Qing-Yun became the imperial guard. Later, it was recorded into the Central Chinese Martial Arts Institute that Baji was required learning for all imperial guards.

            Baji is now popular in the northern parts of China and Taiwan. Since it has flowed into Japan though Taiwan, it has became one of China's signature practical combat system. It reigns in the same popularity level of the Chen style Taiji.

Style's Characteristics

             One of the most obvious characteristics of Baji is its efficiency in close quarter combat. Its unique advancing footwork could approach opponents. Block and twine opponents' hands in the upper body, bundle and lock opponents' legs in the lower body, tightening attack with powerful lunge having hand and leg techniques used simultaneously.  It's attack is rapid and continuous and requires the concepts of Ai ( lean ), Bang (arm lean ), Ji ( hand quick push ) and  Kwa ( push using body weight ). While at the same time, using Zhou ( elbowing ), Jian ( shouldering ), Xi ( kneeing ) and Kua ( hip twist ) for colliding. Along with grappling and wrestling, it is often known for its dynamic, power-based, quick changing factors.

            To learn Baji, one must first learn the basic routine " Jingang-Bazi ". This is continued with Daibaji, Xiaobaji and Duibaji for intermediate training.  Lastly, Ludaikai and Badaizhou will contain the essence of this art. Xiaobaji requires one to be stable and firm in his stance while training their grappling and striking abilities. DaiBaji trains footwork to be quick and easily maneuverable. While at the same time learns about how a hard step could increase power of a move dramatically. This would allow the practitioner to learn how to draw power from the whole body into one technique. The main offensive moves used in this routine is predominantly wrestling ones. Duibaji is a sparring routine which explains the techniques used in Daibaji. Ludaikai and Badaizhou is one of the secrets of the style. These routines has retained the deepest power of this style.

Known Routines