Learn Baji Quan

Baji Quan, or Eight Extremes, is a powerful close-in fighting style that relies on the sudden use of explosive force, or Fa Jin, to shatter an opponent’s defenses, destroy his root and achieve a quick and decisive victory. 

The style developed and spread around the Cang Zhou Prefecture of Hebei Province in Northern China, an area famous for its martial arts. It was first mentioned in writing during the Ming Dynasty and became popular in the Qing Dynasty.

The Eight Extremes refer to the usage of power that is administered through eight major body parts: the head, the shoulders, the elbows, the hands, the buttocks, the waist, the knees, and the feet. It is also known as the Bodyguard Style because many of its exponents served to protect the Chinese Emperors and other members of the Imperial Family for many generations.

Baji training includes Zhan Zhuang or Zhuang Gong (Post Standing) training to develop the Qi (Vital Energy) and different types of Jin (Force). Various stances and footwork patterns, and Jin Gang Bashi, or Eight Fundamental Fists, are practiced individually and with a partner. The style emphasizes empty hand and weapons routines that are designed to advance the student’s knowledge and overall skill. 

Our Baji lineage derives from the famous master Li Shuwen who was nicknamed Magic Spear Li and God Spear Li for his superb skill and fighting prowess with the spear. He was also an expert in Pigua Zhang (Split Deflect Palm). Supposedly, Master Li learned the styles from two different teachers and integrated them into his own teaching style. The two systems complement each other. 

Note: Baji Quan training is only available through private lessons.