Baji Quan Explained - Combat Applications and demonstrations by Wudang Kung Fu Master Yuan Xiu Gang

This is a short documentary on Baji Quan as practiced in the Wudang Mountains and taught by Master Yuan Xiu Gang.
We see some definition of the style and it's characteristics, fighting applications, combat strategy and some history.
I've translated the audio and added subtitles. They may not be perfect, but should give you a fairly accurate understanding of the dialogue.
This is an amazing view into the life and practice in the Wudang Mountains in China.

To learn more about Wudang Kung Fu in China:
http://www.wudangwushu.com

To learn more about Wudang Kung Fu in Canada:
http://www.wudangtoronto.com


1. Brief introduction of Baji Quan
The full name of Baji Quan is “Kaimen Bajiquan” or “Yueshan Bajiquan”. “Kaimen” means to break the defense of the opponent with 6 techniques of sparring. “Baji” means that the force can reach the extreme far of all directions. “Yueshan” comes from “Yueshan Temple” in Jiaozuo, Henan, where this style of kungfu origins.
Baji Quan has a long history through hard research by descendants of every generation. Featuring its unique style and techniques, it has developed its own school and many famous Baji masters appear. Those masters have great influence to the circle of Chinese Wushu. The movements of Baji Quan are powerful and solid, simple but vigorous. Therefore, there’s a saying that “Taiji can rule the world for the civilian, and Baji can settle the world for the military”.

2. Main content of Baji Quan
Baji Quan has 6 postures of preparation in sparring: butting, holding, rising, lifing, moving upward, twisting, and 8 typical movements: Yanwang san jiao shou, Menghu ying pashan, Yingmen san bugu, Yingfeng changyang shou, Huangying san baozhua, Bawang yingshejiang, Zuoyou ying kaimen, Lidi tongtian pao. Taolu (routine) includes Baji small posture, Baji Quan (i.e. Baji duijie), Liu zhoutou, Ganggong baji, Baji new posture, and Baji shuanggui, etc.
The main weapons are Liuhe spear, Duizha daliuhe. The force techniques are bursting, shaking, tu, kicking, ai, poking, pressing, leaning, striking force and twisting force. Movements are simple, long and short, it is characterized by fast and powerful force, outstanding striking, frequent use of elbow techniques and stable lower body.
The single-hand of Baji duijie is called “Baji Quan”. There are 42 styles. The main fist postures are Dading elbow, Left and right lift attacking, Duandang, Tuochang, Zhuanhuanzhang, Dachan, Xiaochan, Kuata, Guixi, Pumianzhang, Luobuza.

3. Features of Baji Quan
Baji Quan is classified as short attacking fist technique and its movements are solid and powerful. Attacking techniques Cunjie cunna, Yingda yingkai (Fighting and blocking forcedly bit by bit) with the actual characteristics of ai (cling to the opponent), Bang (Shoulder-hit), pressing, leaning, brusting and shaking. The force comes from the heels, moves through the waist, and reaches finger tips, so that the force is very powerful. This makes the style full of combat features.

In Baji Quan, the head and feet are respectively imagined as the sky and the earth; the shoulders, knees, elbows, and hip are figuratively regarded as the four directions. Arms are opposite to each other, and Dantian is at the center. The intention leads the breath, and breath drives force. The three parts of the trunk (upper body, waist and abdomen, and legs) and six points (shoulder, elbow, hands, crotch, hip joint, knees and ankles) conforms with each other, and with the interior body and spirit. The movements are powerful. Baji Quan emphasizes constant changes. Movement leads to changes, change leads to efficaciousness. Baji Quan emphasizes on the practice of attacking and defending and the commonly used actions include “Ai, Bang, pressing, leaning” etc.