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{{Short description|Chinese martial art}}
{{Italic title}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2007}}
{{Infobox martial art
| logo         =
| logocaption  =
| logosize     =
| image        =
| imagecaption = Characteristic elbow strike of Bajiquan, "Lǐ Mén Dǐng Zhǒu".
| imagesize    = 100px
| name         = ''Bajiquan''<br />{{nobold|八極拳}}
| aka          = Eight Extremities boxing, Bodyguard style
| focus        = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]], [[Grappling]]
| country      = [[Greater China]]
| creator      = Unknown<ref name= "Brief h">{{cite web| url= http://www.wufamilybajiquan.com/brief-history-of-baji-quan.html| title= Brief history of Baji Quan| website= wufamilybajiquan.com| publisher= | date= | access-date= July 12, 2021}}</ref>
| famous_pract = [[Li Shuwen]], [[Liu Yunqiao]], [[Adam Hsu]], [[Su Yu-chang]], [[Ryuchi Matsuda]], [[Li Jianwu]], [[Wu Lianzhi]], [[Wu Yue (actor)|Wu Yue]]
| olympic      = No
}}
{{Chinese martial arts}}

'''''Bajiquan''''' ({{zh|c=八極拳|p=Bājíquán}}) is a [[Chinese martial arts|traditional Chinese martial art]] that features explosive, short-range power in close combat and is well-known for its rapid [[Elbow (strike)|elbow]] and [[Shoulder strike|shoulder]] strikes.<ref>{{cite book|editor=Ma Mingda|editor2=Zhao Shiqing|editor3=Deng Changyou|editor4=Stanley E. Henning|editor5=Ma Lianzhen|title=Journal of Chinese Martial Studies|publisher=Chinese Martial Studies|year=2009}}</ref> Its full name is '''''kaimen bajiquan''''' ({{zh|c=開門八極拳|p=Kāimén bājíquán|l=open-gate eight-extremities boxing}}).

The ''eight extremities'' in Bajiquan refers to the eight distalmost parts of the body to strike the opponent. This includes the fist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, hip, thigh, knee, and foot to deliver a powerful blow in close range. Bajiquan is also known as the "''bodyguard style''", as this was the pugilism style taught and used by personal bodyguards for [[Mao Zedong]], [[Chiang Kai-shek]], and [[Puyi]] (the last [[Qing dynasty]] emperor).

''Bajiquan'' is now popular in northern [[China]] and [[Taiwan]]. Later, it was introduced to [[Japan]], [[South Korea]], and other countries such as the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[United Kingdom|Britain]], [[France]] and [[Italy]], among others.

==Etymology== 
{{Infobox Chinese
| title = Bajiquan
| picupright = 0.425
| t = 八極拳
| s = 八极拳
| showflag = p
| p = Bājíquán
| w = Pa Chi Ch'uan
| l = "Eight Extremities Fist"
| kanji = 八極拳
| kana = はっきょくけん
| romaji = Hakkyoku ken
}}

According to most common etymology, ''bajiquan'' was originally called ''baziquan'' ({{zh|labels=no|c=耙子拳|l=rake fists/boxing}}) because the fists, held loosely and slightly open, are used to strike downwards in a rake-like fashion. The name was considered to be rather crude, so it was changed to ''bajiquan''. The term ''baji'' comes from the ''[[I Ching]]'' and signifies an "extension of all directions". In this case, it means "including everything" or "the universe".<ref name="Lu2006_A"/><ref>Liu and Oyanagi (1992) p.15</ref>

{{blockquote|Most people believe that ''Bajiquan'' was originally known as ''Bazi Quan'', in which ''bazi''' means "rake." The style acquired this name because of the shape of most of the fists used. The term ''bazi'' was later changed to ''baji'', which means "to reach far away in all directions." This was considered a more apt and noteworthy description of the style, because it suggests the ability to achieve great things.|Lu Shengli<ref name="Lu2006_A"/>}}

However, this etymology is not universally accepted.<ref>李会宁 (Li Huining), 八极拳文化论 (Discussions sur la Culture du Bajiquan), 中国文联出版社, 2004, 300 p. ({{ISBN|978-7-5059-3559-4}})</ref>

== History ==
Little is known about the origin of the style. Information before the [[Republican era of China]] is extremely rare, with clearest documentation beginning circa 1920s-1930s.

The first practitioner clearly identified in written history was a man named Wu Zhong ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=吴钟|p=Wú Zhōng}}; 1712–1802), a member of the [[Hui]] minority and from the Wu family clan of the [[Mengcun Hui Autonomous County|Mengcun]] region of [[Cangzhou]], [[Hebei]].<ref>Liu Yunqi (1992), p.18</ref><ref name="Lu2006_A"/>

According to the genealogical records of the Wu family, Wu Zhong's great-grandfather left the family stronghold to settle about 50&nbsp;km away in the isolated hamlet of Houzhuangke (后庄科) in the neighboring province of [[Shandong province|Shandong]]. Wu Zhong is said to have been born in Houzhuangke before returning to settle with the main branch of his family in the village of Mengcun, Hebei province. Little is known of Wu Zhong, except that he quickly reached an unparalleled level in the practice of martial arts. His prowess earned him the nickname "god of the spear", as well as being recruited to serve as an instructor at the imperial court under [[Yunti, Prince Xun|Prince Xun]]. When he was about 60 years old, Wu Zhong returned to Mengcun where he devoted the last thirty years of his life to transmitting his fighting art, and the village became the source of the development of ''bajiquan''.<ref name="ReferenceA">Collectif, 沧县直 (Annales du comté de Cang), 沧县志书局, 1933</ref>

The origin of the mastery acquired by Wu Zhong remains unknown to this day, it is currently the subject of many controversies between the different branches of ''bajiquan''. Historical documents contain two versions of the origins of ''bajiquan'':
* The Cang County annals,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> the ''baji'' manual of the Wu family,<ref>吴会清 (Wu Huiqing), 吴氏八极拳术秘诀之谱 (Manuel des Secrets du Bajiquan de la Famille Wu), Manuel lithographié, 1936</ref> and the Pobei manuscript indicate that an itinerant [[Taoism|Taoist]] monk by the name of Lai ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=癞|p=lài|l=the leper}}) and his disciple Pi ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=癖|p=pǐ|l=the enthusiast}}) would have stayed in Mengcun to teach ''bajiquan'' as well as the handling of the great spear to Wu Zhong. By the admission of the Wu family of Mengcun, this reference is probably to be considered as a legend.;<ref>(zh) 吴丕请 (Wu Piqing), « 回族武术八极拳考述 (Investigations sur le Baji Quan de la minorité Hui) », 回族研究 (Journal de recherche sur la minorité Hui), 2004 (n°3), p. 83-86</ref><ref name="Matsuda and Nogami 1986 p.38">Matsuda and Nogami (1986) p.38</ref><ref>[http://www.gxu.edu.cn/stuUnion/wushu/webs/baji.html ''Bajiquan Jianjie 八极拳简介'' in] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207014541/http://www.gxu.edu.cn/stuUnion/wushu/webs/baji.html |data=7 dicembre 2009 }}</ref> 
* The other is Zhang Yueshan, a monk from [[Yueshan Temple]] in [[Henan Province]] (either [[Zhengzhou]] or [[Jiaozuo]]), who was returning to secular life and traveling around. It is said that he taught the great spear method.<ref name="Matsuda and Nogami 1986 p.38"/><ref name="Lu2006_A">Lu Shengli (2006), p.110</ref><ref>Ma MingDa, "About "About the Baji Quan of YueShan"", Wulin (Cercle Martial), December 2000</ref>
* Besides those two theories, there is also speculation that the martial art originates from Shaolin Temple in Henan, unrelated to Zhang Yueshan.<ref>Su Fa, Baji Quan de Shaolin, Beijing Institute of Physical Education Press, 1992</ref>

In any case, all sources agree on the fact that Wu Zhong traveled a lot, and that it was only at the end of his life that he devoted himself to teaching ''bajiquan''. It is presumed that the legend of Lai and Pi simply symbolizes the martial knowledge that Wu Zhong was able to acquire throughout his life, probably from the study of the other styles of the region, and that he crystallized it in the form of ''bajiquan''.

The first historical reference to ''bajiquan'' appears in military treaty called [[Jixiao Xinshu]] written by general [[Qi Jiguang]] (1528–1588). It is inferred that ''bajiquan'' may have been a well-established martial art during the 16th Century.<ref>Liu and Oyanagi (1992) p.14-15</ref><ref name="Lu2006_A"/><ref name= "Brief h"/><ref>Zhang Shizhong "Bajiquan: The Essence of Traditional Chinese Fist" Fuchangdo, 1998, page 19, {{ISBN|978-4892248436}}</ref>

Wu Zhong had only one child, his daughter Wu Rong ({{lang-zh|c=吴荣|p=Wú Róng|labels=no}}), who at the age of 30 married an expert in [[Changquan]] and stopped practicing ''bajiquan'' after a few years. To avoid remaining childless and ensure the continuity of his art, Wu Zhong adopted Wu Ying ({{lang-zh|c=吴溁|p=Wú Yíng|labels=no}}), a distant nephew of the Wu family of Mengcun. Wu Zhong transmitted all his knowledge to Wu Ying, as well as to Wu Zhongyu ({{lang-zh|c=吴钟毓}}), another distant nephew of the Wu family of Mengcun. In 1790, at the request of his master, Wu Ying officially introduced the name "''bajiquan''" and he wrote the first martial manual of the Wu family to ensure the transmission of the family art among generations to come. Thus, ''bajiquan'' was transmitted within the Wu family who also ensured the dissemination of the style to other families in Mengcun and the surrounding villages.<ref>{{cite book |author=Wu Lian-zhi |date= 1997|title=ベースボール・マガジン社; 増補 edition |publisher= ベースボール・マガジン社|trans-title= Wu Family's Gate-Opening Eight Extremities Fist)|language=ja|isbn= 978-4583028835}}</ref><ref name="WimChris">Wim Seeuws & Christophe Tiffreau, ''Seeking old school KungFu in China's villages'', Kung Fu Magazine, Nov/Dec 2011, page 66 {{ISSN|1050-2173}}</ref>

At first, ''bajiquan'' was transmitted mainly to the Hui people of Meng Village, but it was also transmitted to Luohan, an area where many [[Han people]] live. Eventually, it came to be divided into the Hui lineage of Mencun and the Han lineage of Luo.

===Contemporary history of ''bajiquan''===
Li Shuwen (1860–1934) was considered one of the most important movers of the martial art during [[Qing dynasty]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wu-tang-and-the-three-levels-of-a-martial-artist/|title=Wu Tang and the Three Levels of a Martial Artist|author=Nick Wong|work=Vice Sports|date=2016-03-02|access-date=2017-07-02}}</ref> He was from Cangzhou ({{zh|labels=no|t=滄州}}), Hebei, and acquired the nickname "God of Spear Li".<ref>{{cite book |author= Frank Allen|author2=Tina Chunna Zhang|name-list-style=amp|title=The Whirling Circles of Ba Gua Zhang: The Art and Legends of the Eight Trigram Palm|publisher=Blue Snake Books| year=2007|isbn=978-15-839-4189-8}}</ref> A [[Beijing opera]] ''Wu Shen'' (martial male character) by training, he was also an expert fighter. His most famous quote is, "I do not know what it's like to hit a man twice."<ref name= "Bajimen Bajiquan">{{cite web| url= http://www.bajimen.com/index.php?page=baji| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120206033952/http://www.bajimen.com/index.php?page=baji |title= BaJiQuan | work=bajimen.com| archivedate= 2012-02-06| access-date= 2021-07-12}}</ref> Li Shuwen's students included Huo Dian Ge ({{zh|labels=no|t=霍殿閣}}) (bodyguard to [[Puyi]], the last Emperor of China), Li Chenwu (bodyguard to [[Mao Zedong]]), and [[Liu Yunqiao]] ({{zh|labels=no|t=劉雲樵}}) (secret agent for the nationalist [[Kuomintang]] and instructor of the [[Chiang Kai-shek]]'s bodyguards).<ref>{{cite web|author=Nick Wong|date=4 February 2016|title=Wu Tang and the Three Levels of Martial Artist| url= https://www.vice.com/en/article/wu-tang-and-the-three-levels-of-a-martial-artist/|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161230002931/https://sports.vice.com/ca/article/wu-tang-and-the-three-levels-of-a-martial-artist|archive-date=December 30, 2016|access-date= 2016-12-29 |publisher= Vice Sports}}</ref> ''Bajiquan'' has since acquired a reputation as the "bodyguard style".<ref>{{cite book |author=Randell Stroud |title= SanshouXingYiQuan: & Commentaries on Modern Martial Arts|year=2010|publisher= Randell Stroud|isbn=978-05-575-8753-7}}</ref><ref>Crudelli 2008, p.68</ref> Ma Fengtu ({{zh|labels=no|t=馬鳳圖}}) and Ma Yintu ({{zh|labels=no|t=馬英圖}}) introduced ''bajiquan'' into the [[Central Guoshu Institute]] (Nanjing Guoshu Guan {{zh|labels=no|t=南京國術館}}) where it is required for all students.<ref>Ba Zi Jie Xi: a talk on rake fist 耙子解析</ref>

The impetus that set  the spread of ''bajiquan'' throughout China was that of the [[Central Guoshu Institute]], as a regular course common to the two training courses "Shaolin Gate" and "Wudang Gate". It all started with the establishment of "''bajiquan'' teaching materials for group training" (団体訓練用八極拳教材). As the branch of Central Guoshu Institute expanded, ''bajiquan'' became more popular and popularized.

===Relation to ''piguaquan''===
In the tradition of Ma brothers, ''bajiquan'' is believed to share roots with another Hebei martial art, ''[[piguaquan]]''. It is said that Wu Zhong, the oldest traceable master in the ''bajiquan'' lineage, taught both arts together as an integrated fighting system.<ref name="Piguazhang">{{cite web|title=Piguazhang|url=http://www.bajimen.com/index.php?page=pigua|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206033910/http://www.bajimen.com/index.php?page=pigua|archive-date=February 6, 2012|access-date=2015-11-14|work=bajimen.com}} {{Cite web |url=http://www.bajimen.com/index.php?page=pigua |title=Bajimen |access-date=2007-01-03 |archive-date=2012-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206033910/http://www.bajimen.com/index.php?page=pigua |url-status=dead }}</ref> The legend has it that they eventually split apart, only to be recombined by Li Shuwen in the late 18th to early 19th century. As a testament to the complementary nature of these two styles, a proverb states: "When ''pigua'' is added to ''baji'', gods and demons will all be terrified. When ''baji'' is added to ''pigua'', heroes will sigh knowing they are no match against it." ({{zh|labels=no|t=八極參劈掛，神鬼都害怕。劈掛參八極，英雄嘆莫及}})<ref name="Piguazhang"/><ref>[[Su Yuchang]], ''Pachi Tanglang Chuan: Eight Ultimate Praying Mantis'', 2014, p. 175ff.</ref>

No historical proofs supporting this version, however, were found.

== Branches and lineages ==
Prominent branches and lineages of the art survived to modern times, including Han-style, Huo-style, Ji-style, Li-style, Ma-style, Qiang-style, Wu-style (from Wu Xiefeng), Wutan-style, and [[yin and yang|yin yang]]-style ''bajiquan''. Each has a unique element while sharing core practices. Some lineages are more common or only exist in [[China]], while others have spread to Western countries.

=== Mengcun ''bajiquan'' ===
Meng Village ([[Mengcun]]) is said to be the original birthplace of ''bajiquan'', or at least the modern versions of the art.<ref name= "Brief h" /> ''Baji'' is still widely practiced there.

=== Nanjing ''bajiquan'' ===
''Bajiquan'' of Nanjing was introduced to the Guoshu Institute by students of Zhang Jingxing, Han Huiqing, and Ma Yingtu. Han had a great influence on the spread of ''baji'' in southern China, to the point that there was a saying ''bei li nan han'' meaning "Li [Shuwen] in the north and Han [Huachen] in the south".<ref>{{cite web |url= https://wulinmingshi.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/2-heroes-of-the-central-guoshu-institute/| title=2 Heroes of the Central Guoshu Institute |work=Masters of the IMA| date=19 September 2009 | access-date= 2015-11-14}}</ref>

=== Wu Xiufeng ===
Wu Xiufeng<ref>{{cite web| title= Celebrity |url= http://www.wsbjq.com/ecele2.asp| url-status= unfit |website= wsbjq.com|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090101183124/http://www.wsbjq.com/ecele2.asp |archivedate=January 1, 2009 | accessdate= July 12, 2021}}</ref> (1908–1976) is the "grandfather" of many modern ''baji'' lineages. The following lineages descend from him.

==== Tian-style ====
Tian-style is a branch which has mutual influences from Jingang Bashi—the second art practiced by Tian Jinzhong. Practitioners include Wu Xiufeng, Tian Jinzhong, and Shen Jiarui<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ObA9OQOmKI|title=Grandmaster Shen jiarui - Bajiquan Black Tiger form|date=19 January 2007 |via= YouTube |access-date=2015-11-14}}</ref> >> Zhou Jingxuan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swz.weebly.com/|title= Shang Wu Zhai |work= weebly.com |access-date=2021-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://cookdingskitchen.blogspot.co.il/2012/12/master-zhou-man-artist-teacher.html|title=Cook Ding's Kitchen: Master Zhou: The Man, The Artist, The Teacher |work= cookdingskitchen.blogspot.co.il|date=30 December 2012 |access-date=2015-11-14}}</ref> Tian-style is practiced in China and abroad.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://internalarts.weebly.com/ |title=Shang Wu Zhai שאנג וו ג'אי - ביס לאמנויות לחימה|work= internalarts.weebly.com| publisher= Zhang Wu Zhai Israel | date= | language= Hebrew |access-date=2021-07-12}}</ref>

==== Yin Yang–style====
Yin Yang-style was created by Zhao Fujiang, who combined his knowledge of ''baji'', ''[[xingyiquan]]'' and ''[[yiquan]]'' to create a new art form.<ref>{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln09z4zZwCk |title= The Great Zhao Fujiang |date= | publisher= |via=youtube.com|access-date=2015-11-14}}<!--video has been terminated due to multiple third-party notifications of copyright infringement.-->{{dead link|date= July 2021}}</ref> Yin-Yang is primarily practiced in China.

=== Wutan-style ''baji'' ===
Wutan-style ''baji''<ref>Named after the [[Wutan Center for the Promotion of Chinese Wushu]] (武壇國術推廣中心), not to be confused with the ''Wudang'' (武當) of the [[Wudang Mountains]].</ref> is the most common lineage in the West today. Originally from Taiwan, where its founder, Liu Yunqiao, lived. This lineage includes additional arts that are taught alongside ''baji'', such as ''[[piguaquan]]'' and ''[[baguazhang]]''.

Jian Diansheng<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goldeneaglemac.com/lishu-wen.html|title=Li Shu Wen|work=goldeneaglemac.com|access-date=2015-11-14|archive-date=2015-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107015237/http://goldeneaglemac.com/lishu-wen.html|url-status=dead}} {{Cite web |url=http://goldeneaglemac.com/lishu-wen.html |title=Li Shu Wen - Golden Eagle Martial Arts Center |access-date=2013-05-17 |archive-date=2015-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107015237/http://goldeneaglemac.com/lishu-wen.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> >> Li Shuwen<ref name= bajimen.com>{{cite web| url=http://www.bajimen.com/|title=bajimen.com|access-date=2015-11-14|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181118125226/http://www.bajimen.com/|archive-date=2018-11-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> >> [[Liu Yunqiao]] >> [[Adam Hsu]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adamhsu.com/|title=AHKFS Home Page|work=adamhsu.com|access-date=2015-11-14|archive-date=2017-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512151333/http://www.adamhsu.com/|url-status=dead}} {{Cite web |url=http://www.adamhsu.com/ |title=AHKFS Home Page |access-date=2006-12-13 |archive-date=2017-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512151333/http://www.adamhsu.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Su Yuchang]], and Tony Yang<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.wutangcenter.com/|title=Tony Yang's Wu Tang Center For Martial Arts| work=wutangcenter.com|access-date=2015-11-14}}</ref> >> Many students in [[Taiwan]] and abroad (taught by one or more of them).<ref>{{cite book| author=Su Yuchang| authorlink= Su Yuchang| title= Pachi Tanglang Chuan: Eight Ultimate Praying Mantis| year= 2014| pages= 11, 37, 42| publisher= | place= |isbn= }}</ref>

== Features ==
=== Tactics and strategy ===
''Bajiquan'' opens the opponent's arms forcibly (''qiang kai men''; {{zh|labels=no|t=強開門}}) and mount attacks at high, mid, and low levels of the body (''san pan lian ji''; {{zh|labels=no|t=三盤連擊}}). It is most useful in close combat, as it focuses on elbow, knee, shoulder and hip strikes. When blocking an attack or nearing an opponent, ''bajiquan'' techniques emphasize striking major points of vulnerability, namely the thorax (trunk of the body), legs and neck.
[[File:Master zhou baji quan posture.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Zhou Jingxuan of Tianjin, holding a typical ''bajiquan'' posture. The sideways-protruding elbow is often used for striking in this art.]]

The "six big ways of opening" (''liu da kai''; {{zh|labels=no|t=六大開}}) are:<ref>{{cite book|last=Jaw|first=Peter|title=The Treasure Book of Chinese Martial Arts|publisher=Authorhouse|volume=1|year=2004|isbn=978-1-4140-7573-0}}</ref>

* ''Ding'' ({{zh|labels=no|t=頂}}): using the fist, elbow or shoulder to push forward and upward.
* ''Bao'' ({{zh|labels=no|c=抱}}): putting arms together as if hugging someone. It is usually followed by ''pi'' {{zh|labels=no|c=劈}} (splitting).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wuchikungfu.com/classes_xingyi.htm|title=Xingyi|publisher=Perry Lo and the Shou-Yu Liang Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute|access-date=2009-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124072617/http://wuchikungfu.com/classes_xingyi.htm|archive-date=2009-01-24|url-status=dead}} {{Cite web |url=http://wuchikungfu.com/classes_xingyi.htm |title=Welcome - Wu Chi Kung Fu Academy |access-date=2019-10-09 |archive-date=2009-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124072617/http://wuchikungfu.com/classes_xingyi.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Ti'' ({{zh|labels=no|c=提}}): elevating the knee to hit the thigh of the opponent, or elevating the foot to hit the shin of the opponent, etc.
* ''Dan'' ({{zh|labels=no|t=單}}): using a single move.
* ''Kua'' ({{zh|labels=no|c=胯}}): using the hip.
* ''Chan'' ({{zh|labels=no|t=纏}}): entanglement with rotation around the wrist, elbow and shoulder.

=== Stepping and body methods ===
Footwork in ''bajiquan'' has three special features:

* ''Zhenjiao''
* ''Nianbu''
* ''Chuangbu''<ref>[[Su Yuchang]], ''Pachi Tanglang Chuan: Eight Ultimate Praying Mantis'', 2014, pp. 131ff.</ref>

These striking techniques are related to [[traditional Chinese medicine]], which states that all parts of the body are connected, either physically or spiritually.

=== Forms ===
The forms of ''baji'' are divided into armed and unarmed routines. There are twenty fist forms, which include twelve ''baji'' Small Structure Fists, ''baji'' Black Tiger Fist, ''baji danzhai'', ''baji danda''/''duida'', ''baji luohan gong'', and ''baji si lang kuan''. There are eight weapons forms, including ''liuheda [[Qiang (spear)|qiang]]'' (spear), ''chun yang [[jian]]'' (sword), ''san yin [[Dao (Chinese sword)|dao]]'' (sabre), ''xing zhe bang'' (staff), ''[[pudao]]'', and ''chun qiu [[Dao (Chinese sword)|dadao]]'' (a long two-handed heavy blade, used by Generals sitting on their horses).

Most schools focus on a much smaller curriculum. Standard across almost all groups are ''xiaobaji'' and ''dabaji''; two weapons forms, the sabre and the spear; a two-man training routine called ''baji duijie'' or ''baji duida'' and a series of 8 short attacking methods called the "''bashi''" (Eight Postures), which are derived from the art of Shaolin ''jingang bashi''.

=== Power generation and expression ===
The major features of ''baji'' include elbow strikes, arm/fist punches, hip checks and strikes with the shoulder. All techniques are executed with a short power, developed through training; among Chinese martial artists, ''baji'' is known for its fast movements. ''Baji'' focuses on infighting, entering from a longer range with a distinctive charging step (''zhenjiao'').

The essence of ''bajiquan'' lies in ''[[Neijin|jin]]'', or power-issuing methods, particularly ''[[fa jin]]'' (explosive power). The style contains six types of ''jin'', eight different ways to hit and several principles of power usage. Most of ''bajiquan'''s moves utilize a one-hit push-strike method from very close range. The bulk of the damage is dealt through the momentary acceleration that travels up from the waist to the limb and further magnified by the charging step known as ''zhenjiao''.

The mechanics of ''jin'' are developed through many years of practice and ''bajiquan'' is known for its strenuous lower-body training and its emphasis on the [[horse stance]].<ref name="Bajimen Bajiquan" /> Its horse stance is higher than that of typical ''[[changquan]]'' styles. Like other styles, there is also "the arrow-bow stance", "the one-leg stance", "the empty stance" ({{zh|labels=no|t=虛步|p=xūbù}}), "the drop stance" ({{zh|labels=no|c=仆步|p=pūbù}}), etc. There are eight different hand poses, in addition to different types of breathing and ''zhenjiao''.

== Influences ==
''Baji'' focuses on being more direct, culminating in powerful, fast strikes that will render an opponent unable to continue. Even so, there are some styles that are derived from ''baji'''s main principles or concepts on how to hit the opponent:
* Eight postures (''Bashi'')
* Eight movements method (''Bashi gong'')
* Eight movements method (''Bashi chui'')
* Double Eight Postures (''Shuang bashi'')
* Eight postures of the dragon style (''Longxing bashi'')

Many of these forms are also based or mixed with ''[[luohanquan]]'', a [[Shaolin kung fu|Shaolin]] style.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} The term ''bashi'' may also refer to ''baji''. The term is also used in ''[[xingyiquan]]''.

==Notable people==
* [[Li Shuwen]]
* [[Liu Yunqiao]]
* [[Adam Hsu]] - Taiwanese ''bajiquan'' master
* [[Su Yu-chang]]
* [[Li Jianwu]]
* [[:zh:吴连枝|Wu Lianzhi]]
* [[Wu Yue (actor)]]
* [[Ryuchi Matsuda]] - Japanese author behind ''A Historical Outline of Chinese Martial Arts''<ref>Matsuda, Ryuchi (1986). Zhōngguó wǔshù shǐlüè 中國武術史略 (in Chinese). Taipei 臺北: Danqing tushu.</ref> and a manga called ''[[Kenji (manga)|Kenji]]''. Matsuda is known for introducing and publicising various Chinese martial arts in Japan, such as ''bajiquan''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tokitsu.com/fr/presentation/articles/fr/lhistoire-du-karate-19-le-regard-dans-le-combat-du-kiseme/pratique-de-methode-efficace-en-combat-de-karate-matsuda-sawai.html |title=L'histoire du karaté 19 : Le regard dans le combat du kisémé |access-date=2007-05-27 |last=Tokitsu |first=Kenji |author-link=Kenji Tokitsu |date=1990-03-29 |publisher=Tokitsu-Ryu |language=fr |quote=R. Matsuda est connu au Japon pour avoir introduit et fait connaître par de nombreuses publications différents arts de combat chinois dans le milieu des arts martiaux contemporains. |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928092832/http://www.tokitsu.com/fr/presentation/articles/fr/lhistoire-du-karate-19-le-regard-dans-le-combat-du-kiseme/pratique-de-methode-efficace-en-combat-de-karate-matsuda-sawai.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-09-28}}</ref><ref name="kennedy-guo">{{cite book |author1=Kennedy, Brian |author2=Elizabeth Guo  |name-list-style=amp |title=Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey |year=2005 |publisher=North Atlantic Books |location=[[Berkeley, California]] |isbn=1-55643-557-6 |pages=61–62}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2024}}
{{In popular culture|date=March 2024}}

''Bajiquan'' is a staple in [[martial arts]] media, appearing in various [[movies]] and [[video games]].

* It is featured in the Chinese movie ''[[The Grandmaster (film)|The Grandmaster]]'' (2013), performed by character Yixiantian (played by [[Chang Chen]]), and Hong Kong drama ''[[A Fist Within Four Walls]]'' (2016), performed by character Chou Au-kuen (played by [[Ruco Chan]]), character Fa Man (played by [[Grace Wong]]) and character Duen Ying-fung (played by [[Benjamin Yuen]]).
* The Taiwanese idol drama ''Baji Teenagers'' (一代新兵之八極少年, ''Yīdài xīnbīng zhī bā jí shàonián''), which showcases actor Chiu Pin Cheng (alias Leo Chiu).
* It is featured in ''[[The Matrix]]'' film franchise. Smith, played by [[Hugo Weaving]], exhibits basic ''bajiquan'' techniques in the film.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
* Li Mei from ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'' uses ''bajiquan'' as one of her fighting styles.
* It inspired lightning bending used by some firebenders including [[Zuko]], [[Azula]], [[Iroh]], and [[Mako (The Legend of Korra)|Mako]] on the [[Nickelodeon]] animated show ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'' and its sequel series ''[[The Legend of Korra]]''.
* It is featured in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]]. ''Bajiquan'' is first used in ''[[Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings]]'' as one of the fighting styles of [[Shang Chi]]. It is later used in ''[[Black Panther: Wakanda Forever]]'' by [[Namor]].

===Japan===
''Bajiquan'' has hugely impacted the Japanese pop culture. In Japanese, it is known as ''hakkyokuken'', a Japanese reading of the [[Chinese characters]] used to write ''bajiquan''. ''Bajiquan''{{'}}s impact would begin with [[Kenji (manga)|''Kenji'']], a manga series written by [[Ryuchi Matsuda]] and illustrated by [[Yoshihide Fujiwara]]. It follows a teenage practitioner of ''Bajiquan'' and is supposedly based on Ryuichi Matsuda's own journey in [[Chinese martial arts]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.tokitsu.com/fr/presentation/articles/fr/lhistoire-du-karate-19-le-regard-dans-le-combat-du-kiseme/pratique-de-methode-efficace-en-combat-de-karate-matsuda-sawai.html |title= L'histoire du karaté 19 : Le regard dans le combat du kisémé |access-date=2007-05-27 |last=Tokitsu |first=Kenji |author-link=Kenji Tokitsu |date=1990-03-29 |publisher=Tokitsu-Ryu |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928092832/http://www.tokitsu.com/fr/presentation/articles/fr/lhistoire-du-karate-19-le-regard-dans-le-combat-du-kiseme/pratique-de-methode-efficace-en-combat-de-karate-matsuda-sawai.html |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1993, [[Yu Suzuki]]—who got interested in martial arts because of the manga ''Kenji''—would direct ''[[Virtua Fighter (video game)|Virtua Fighter]]'', a groundbreaking [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[fighting game]]. The game was hugely successful in Japan and amongst the roster was a ''bajiquan'' practitioner [[Akira Yuki]], solidifying ''bajiquan''{{'}}s status in Japanese pop-culture. ''Bajiquan'' is also central to Yu Suzuki's ''[[Shenmue]]'', a "sister" game to ''Virtua Fighter'' series.

''Bajiquan'' is featured in many manga/anime series, including ''[[Air Master]]'', ''[[Gantz]]'', ''[[Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple]]'', ''[[Fist of the Blue Sky]]'', ''[[Undead Unluck]]'', ''[[Love Hina]]''{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}, ''[[Negima! Magister Negi Magi]]''{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}, ''[[Beelzebub (manga)|Beelzebub]]''{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} and ''[[Garōden]]'' <ref>{{cite web |title=Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf, Season 1, Episode 5 Transcript |url=https://tvshowtranscripts.ourboard.org/viewtopic.php?f=2236&t=69271 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

In Japanese video games, it is featured in:

* ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]'' series by [[Tecmo]], used by [[List of Dead or Alive characters#Kokoro|Kokoro]]
* ''[[Fatal Fury]]'' by [[SNK]], used by [[List of Fatal Fury characters#Tung Fu Rue|Tung Fu Rue]]
* ''[[Fighter's History]]'' by [[Data East]], used by Lee Diendou
* ''[[Guilty Gear]]'' by [[Arc System Works]], used by [[Jam Kuradoberi]]
* ''[[Judgment (video game)|Judgment]]'' and ''[[Lost Judgment]]'' by [[Sega]], used by [[Takayuki Yagami]] in some of the moves of his Tiger-fighting style.
* ''[[The King of Fighters]]'' also by SNK, used by [[List of The King of Fighters characters#Psycho Soldier Team|Sie Kensou]]
* ''[[Melty Blood]]'' and the [[Fate/stay night|''Fate'' franchise]] by [[Type-Moon]], used by Miyako Arima in the former, and Kirei Kotomine, [[Rin Tohsaka]], and Li Shuwen in the latter
* ''[[Rival Schools]]'' also by Capcom, used by [[List of Rival Schools characters#Introduced in Rival Schools: United By Fate|Akira Kazama]] who also guest stars in ''[[Street Fighter V]]'' as a DLC character
* ''[[Street Fighter]]'' by [[Capcom]], twins [[Yun and Yang]] as well as by [[Karin Kanzuki]]
* ''[[Tekken]]'' by [[Namco]], mainly used by [[Leo Kliesen]] and secondarily by [[Michelle Chang (Tekken)|Michelle Chang]] and [[Julia Chang]]
* ''[[Tobal 2]]'' by Square, used by Chaco Utani
* ''[[Virtua Fighter]]'' series by [[Sega]], used by [[List of Virtua Fighter characters#Akira Yuki|Akira Yuki]]

==See also==
* ''[[Piguaquan]]''
* [[Sanda (sport)|''Sanda'' (sport)]]
* ''[[Xingyiquan]]''

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Crudelli |first=Chris |title=The Way of the Warrior|year=2008|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Ltd|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlI0fxSm1vgC|isbn=978-14-0533-750-2}}
* {{cite book |author=Liu Yunqi |translator=Masaru Oyanagi (to Japanese)|date= 1992|title= 八極拳|trans-title= Bajiquan|language= Japanese|publisher= Shinsei Publishing|isbn= 4405080593}}
* {{cite book |author=Lu Shengli |title=Combat Techniques of Taiji, Xingyi, and Bagua: Principles and Practices of Internal Martial Arts |translator=Zhang Yun|publisher=Blue Snake Books|year=2006|isbn=9781583941454|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=dkPTM3IzeawC}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Matsuda |first1=Ryuchi |author2=Kotatsu Nogami |date=1986|title=中国伝統開門八極拳 実戦武術の精粋 通備門の全容 |trans-title=Chinese Tradition Opening the Gate of Bajiquan: The Essence of Practical Martial Arts, the Full Picture of Pathway |language=Japanese |publisher=Fukushodo |isbn=4405080593}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bajiquan}}
* [http://www.wufamilybajiquan.com Official website of the Wu family BajiQuan]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181118125226/http://www.bajimen.com/ Bajimen.com - Grandmaster Liu Yun Qiao] (archived)
* [http://swz.weebly.com Website of Master Zhou Jingxuan]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100328115448/http://www.hollowfist.com/ Hollowfist.com - Essays about Bajiquan's internal theory]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060613062723/http://pachitanglang.com/ Pachitanglang International] - Grandmaster Su Yuchang, disciple of Liu Yunqiao

{{Kung Fu schools}}
{{Martial arts}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bajiquan}}
[[Category:Bajiquan]]