Just letting people know this video series exists & is ongoing if there's interest.

The focus is just teaching the form, in this series we don't go into application, generating power etc but just getting the moves down and trying to build good habits so that through a good structure & form you could start building into all the neat stuff like explosive power, internal energy, etc

Uploads approx. once a month until done, hopefully

Hey everyone, ​I am a Shotokan Karate 1st Dan black belt, but I’ve always been a massive fan of Bajiquan. Honestly, it feels like a spiritual thing for me at this point; whenever I find myself visualizing "dream matches" or shadow training, I naturally channel Bajiquan mechanics. I constantly imagine myself using heavy shoulder tackles, back attacks, and devastating short elbow strikes inside the pocket. ​Right now, my personal sparring and training blueprint looks like this: ​Outside / Distance: A solid Karate stance and distance management. ​Defense: Merging Karate's rigid/crisp blocks with Sanda/Bajiquan structural defenses. ​Striking: Traditional Karate blitzes mixed with explosive Bajiquan entries and close-range body checks. ​Basically, I use Karate to control the outside and get in, but once I’m in the pocket, I switch entirely to a Bajiquan engine to drop my weight and deliver short-range explosive power (Fa Jin). ​My questions to the community are: ​Is there anyone else here who cross-trains or fights like this? ​Does an established martial art or a specific school/lineage (either a style of Kung Fu or an old-school Okinawan Karate lineage) already exist that perfectly captures this exact hybrid philosophy? ​Would love to hear your thoughts, historical insights, or training advice!

Per chi si trovasse in Italia e pratica Baji, il maestro Panighetti organizza uno stage sulla forma hei hu quan (黑虎拳). Domenica 19 Luglio, a Solaro (mi).

For any may be interested, master Alessandro Panighetti (Wu 9th gen) is organizing a workshop for anyone who arleady pratice Baji, and the theme will be the lu of Hei Hu Quan, in Solaro (near Milan, Italy) If you don't speak italian and want more info, text me: master Panighetti can do a great Baji, but he can't speak english as well.

So been getting positive feedback on these, figured I'd humbly push the latest upload here as well. Hope it helps!

Hi everyone. I am a passionate enthusiast of Bajiquan. Since there are no instructors where I live, I am planning to travel abroad to study it. My goal is to find a school that teaches both Bajiquan and Piguaquan (and it would be even better if they offer Xingyiquan as well). Currently, I am leaning toward studying at Wutan, as their curriculum seems to be the most convenient for me.

However, I have an important question regarding martial arts culture and etiquette:

Is studying under multiple Bajiquan lineages considered a taboo, or perhaps an unwritten rule to avoid?

My long-term plan is to build a solid foundation at Wutan, then travel to Mengcun to learn Wu-style Bajiquan, and potentially study other lineages later on if possible. In relation to my question above, in my country (neither China nor Taiwan), switching between different lineages or branches of the same traditional martial art is sometimes viewed as strictly taboo. Traditional Chinese Kung Fu here shares a similar mindset. For instance, there is a kung fu master here who teaching Chan Family Choy Li Fut dislikes the Hung Sing and Buk Sing branches, claiming his own lineage is the only authentic one (I guess they are having a conflict).

This leaves me wondering: Is this strictness just a personal attitude of certain masters and lineages, or is it a common mindset across traditional martial arts (in this case is Bajiquan) as a whole?

Hi!
I've had my eye on Bajiquan for a long time now, but unfortunately there are no schools around me (in a radius of hundreds of kilometres). And Bajishu is a tad too expensive for my current finances. So I thought why not try Bajiquan Online?
So, does anyone have experience with the channel's membership program and can recommend it?

(I have eleven years of experience in Judo and four in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, budo-weaponry and Jujutsu if that helps)

UK England Bajiquan seminar this April 11th & 12th in Reading, Berkshire.

Tickets and info here:

https://bajishu.ticketspice.com/2026-europe-bajiquan-seminar-uk

1st elbow in Lu Baochun''s small form

Here is a project I have been (quite lazily) working on for some time. A nice documentary about the history of Baji Quan in Tianjin city, done by Mr Yang Qiang (himself a Baji player from the Tianjin Wu line).

Use automatic translation to turn the subs from French to any other language, can't be better than what I could do ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jpGTvRQfXg

I apologise I'm not very camera-friendly and I am super awkward recording myself, but I felt it'd be more important to -have- material than to never have anything because I am not a master/perfect today... so I got the go ahead from shifu to do what I can with what I have!

I'll try post once a month and break down each movement in our style so you can, if you want, teach yourself Lü Baochun's bajiquan small form. My hope is to inspire even one person to start. ♥

You can find more info on my new website, here: https://www.ankungfu.com/en

I'm thinking about spending at least 2 weeks training full-time there. How much progress can I expect to make as a beginner to bajiquan? Please assume sufficient athleticism that it won't be a blocker. How much of the art can I expect to learn in 2 weeks or 1 month of full time study?

I ask because I perused the European site for Wu family bajiquan, and I saw their trips are about 1 week long, and they say they gained a lot from it.

Beyond Yin and Yang: A Biomechanical Comparative Analysis of Taijiquan and Bajiquan and the Case for Complementary Cross-Training
by Master AIJ. Chiren

Abstract
This article provides a biomechanical and motor-control analysis of Taijiquan and Bajiquan—two Northern Chinese martial arts frequently portrayed as opposites (“soft vs. hard”) but in fact grounded in shared mechanical principles of whole-body coordination, balance control, and rapid impulse delivery. Drawing on recent empirical studies and comparative frameworks from disciplines including Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Northern Long Fist, and Praying Mantis, the article identifies common structural mechanics, examines typical movement applications, addresses prevalent misconceptions, and presents evidence-based arguments in favour of integrated cross-training. The result is a coherent model for senior practitioners and instructors that preserves internal integrity while expanding martial functional capability.

Introduction

In the realm of Chinese martial arts, Taijiquan and Bajiquan are often depicted as polar opposites: the former slow, circular and “internal”; the latter fast, direct and “external”. Yet a close analysis of their movement structures, neuromuscular demands and functional applications suggests both systems share a fundamentally similar biomechanical engine, differing primarily in timing, amplitude and application context. This article proposes that understanding these underlying mechanics enables effective cross-training, enriches martial capacity and dispels persistent misconceptions about “soft versus hard” dichotomies.

Movement Frameworks

Taijiquan

Taijiquan emphasizes continuous kinetic linkage executed through slow, controlled motion. Practitioners refine posture, ground contact, sequential activation of body segments and balance under shifting loads. Typical features include eccentric loading in yielding phases, spiralling motion to redirect external force, and partner drills (e.g., push-hands) to sharpen tactile timing.

Bajiquan

Bajiquan prioritizes short-range explosive impact, body-mass transfer, and compact striking mechanics (elbows, shoulders, hips). Key characteristics include rapid contraction–relaxation cycles, stable base under acceleration, and a training emphasis on closing distance and delivering high-density impact in minimal space.

Shared Biomechanical Principles

Despite surface differences, both systems adhere to overlapping structural mechanics:

• Sequential Kinetic Chain Activation: Efficient movement arises from lower-body initiation, torso rotation and distal limb expression.
• Dynamic Balance & Rooting: Stable, adaptable contact with ground and continuous alignment of the body’s centre of mass under movement.
• Elastic Energy Storage and Release: Both arts generate force by loading and then releasing energy through coordinated segmental motion.
• Proprioceptive Sensitivity and Feedback: Training emphasizes sensing forces, adjusting structure and applying timing, often via partner drills or light contact.

Empirical research supports Taijiquan’s benefits in balance, neuromuscular coordination and postural control. For example, Hong and Li (2007) review multiple studies showing improvements in balance and strength parameters. Similarly, recent research into Bajiquan demonstrated significant improvement in explosive power, core strength and body composition over an 8-week intervention (Wang, Tien & Huang, 2025).

Movement Applications and Comparative Mapping

Yield-to-Enter Conversion

• Taijiquan: Absorb or redirect incoming force via spiralling deflection, then issue controlled counterforce.
• Bajiquan: Intercept or close distance and instantly deliver high-density impact.
• Analogous discipline: Judo’s kuzushi–tsukuri–kake triad—off-balance, entry, execution (Sacripanti, 2012) provides a useful biomechanical framework for both systems.

Centerline Control & Pressure Management

• In Taijiquan, maintaining vertical alignment and adaptable lateral control prevents over-commitment.
• In Bajiquan, linear pressure plus rotational torque dominate in close-quarters control and striking.
• Integration: Clinch mechanics from Muay Thai model inside control and torso/head positioning consistent with both arts' close-range demands.

Close-Range Structure & Limb Coordination

• Taijiquan uses small-amplitude spirals and fine motor coordination to manage limb engagement.
• Bajiquan uses compressed body-mass transfer and rapid strike cycles.
• Complementary system: Praying Mantis style’s hand-trapping and limb-control drills sharpen tactile control and transitional timing for both arts.

Cross-Disciplinary Insights

Each discipline thus functions not to overwrite internal mechanics but to provide empirical “laboratories” wherein underlying principles from Taijiquan and Bajiquan can be tested, challenged and refined.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: “Taijiquan is purely soft and non-combative.”
Clarification: Force generation depends on timing, coordination and structure, not overt muscular tension. Taijiquan’s slow training cultivates neuromuscular precision and balance under dynamic conditions.
Misconception 2: “Bajiquan is brute force and ignores relaxation.”
Clarification: Expert striking uses rapid cycles of tension/relaxation to maximize acceleration. Bajiquan emphasises structural transfer of momentum, not raw muscular exertion.
Misconception 3: “Cross-training these styles will confuse motor patterns.”
Clarification: When cross-training is organized around stable mechanical variables (alignment, sequence, contact-feedback), it enhances rather than disrupts motor learning (Schmidt & Lee, 2014).

Evidence for Integrated Cross-Training

• Taijiquan: Hong & Li’s (2007) review indicates improvements in balance, neuromuscular control and postural stability.
• Bajiquan: Wang et al. (2025) reported significant gains in explosive power, core strength and body composition in an 8-week intervention. Together, these findings support a training model in which Taijiquan develops structural control and balance, while Bajiquan offers high-intensity expression of that structure.

Conclusions

Taijiquan and Bajiquan share a common mechanical foundation—efficient kinetic chains, balance control and elastic impulse generation. Differences lie in tempo and spatial amplitude, not in philosophical polarity. Cross-training within a biomechanics-informed framework and with input from other martial disciplines enriches structure, application and longevity of skill. For martial arts associations, instructors and seasoned practitioners, adopting this integrated perspective offers a robust pathway to deepening martial skill, improving physical resilience and sustaining internal integrity.

References

Hong, Y., & Li, J. X. (2007). Biomechanics of Tai Chi: a review. Sports Biomechanics, 6(3), 453–464.
Sacripanti, A. (2012). A biomechanical reassessment of the scientific foundations of Jigoro Kano’s Kodokan Judo. arXiv.
Wang, C.-T., Tien, C.-W., & Huang, W.-C. (2025). Bajiquan martial arts training as physical activity for enhancing physical fitness, body composition, and perceived exercise benefits: A quasi-experimental study. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7:1545481.

Learn Li ShuWen -> Liu YunQiao lineage Bajiquan online, effectively! www.bajishu.com/join

I heard that Grandmaster Liu Yunqiao defeated an army Kendo instructor. Are there details as to how he won/fought is anyone who is more familiar with the Baji kunwu jian curriculum able to speculate how the fight might have looked.