Baji

Baji Quan was also known as “rake fist” due to the fist being held loosely and slightly open when not striking, resembling a rake and the art involving many downward strike moves, like a rake’s movement in the field. The name was considered to sound rather crude in its native tongue and so was changed to Baji Quan. The term “Baji”, which comes from the oldest book in China, signifies “an extension of all directions.” In this case, it means “including everything” or “the universe.” ‘Ba’ (Chinese for eight) denotes the eight major points of the body: head, shoulders, elbows, hands, buttocks, kua, knees, and feet, and ‘Ji’ (polar) is extended in the eight polar directions.

Baji is characterized by direct, culminating and powerful fast strikes that will render an opponent unable to continue and is used in close combat, giving attention to elbow, knee, shoulder and hip strikes. When blocking an attack or nearing an opponent, Baji techniques emphasize striking major points of vulnerability, the thorax (trunk of the body), the legs and neck. The major purpose of Ba Ji training is to develop ultimate snapping power. After gaining this type of power, some very efficient techniques can be performed or applied.