Bajiquan (八极拳), sometimes written as “Ba Ji Quan” and literally translated as “Eight Extreme Form,” is a powerful and distinctive Chinese martial art known for its explosive force, direct approach, and practical combat applications. Unlike the flowing, gentle movements of Taijiquan, Bajiquan emphasizes forceful, vigorous techniques delivered with steadfast stability. This comprehensive guide explores the 47 postures of traditional Bajiquan, detailing each movement’s execution and significance.
Origins and Philosophy
Bajiquan originated in Hebei Province during the Ming Dynasty. The “Eight Extremes” in its name refers to the eight directions (north, south, east, west, and the four corners) and symbolizes the art’s comprehensive coverage of combat angles. The style is known for generating explosive power (发劲, fājìn) from short distances, making it exceptionally effective in close-quarters combat.
The philosophy of Bajiquan centers on direct, decisive action. Practitioners develop what is called “taking the gate and seizing the courtyard” (占门夺院, zhàn mén duó yuàn), meaning they aggressively enter an opponent’s space to control the engagement. This approach has made Bajiquan historically popular among imperial guards, military personnel, and bodyguards.
Key Characteristics
Bajiquan is distinguished by several core attributes:
- Explosive Power: Techniques deliver concentrated force from short distances
- Elbow Strikes: Heavy use of elbow techniques (肘法, zhǒufǎ)
- Steady Stances: Strong, stable foundation for power generation
- Linear and Circular Movements: Combines direct attacks with wrapping techniques
- Versatility: Effective at both long-range and close-quarters combat
The 47 Postures of Bajiquan
Section 1: Foundation and Opening Techniques
1. Qi Shi (起势) - Beginning Posture
The practitioner begins in a neutral standing position, feet shoulder-width apart. The body relaxes while maintaining proper alignment, with energy sinking to the dantian (energy center). This posture prepares the mind and body for the form.
2. Shang Bu Tiao Zhang (上步挑掌) - Step Up and Snap the Palm
From the beginning posture, step forward with one foot while simultaneously executing an upward palm strike. The force originates from the waist, travels through the arm, and culminates in a sharp, snapping motion of the palm. This technique aims to strike the opponent’s chin or chest area.
3. Zhen Bu Ma Bu Ding Zhou (震步马步顶肘) - Stamp Foot and Putt with Elbow in Horse Stance
After the palm strike, stamp the foot firmly into a horse stance (马步, mǎ bù) while thrusting the elbow forward. This elbow strike (顶肘, dǐng zhǒu) channels force directly into the opponent. The stamping action adds power and stability, demonstrating Bajiquan’s emphasis on whole-body coordination.
4. Shang Bu Fan Guan Quan (上步反关拳) - Step Forward with Reverse Strike-Ear Blow
Step forward and execute a backhand fist strike aimed at the opponent’s temple or ear region. This strike rotates from the waist with the arm moving in a hooking motion, combining linear stepping with circular striking action.
5. Ge Zhou Cheng Quan (格肘撑拳) - Parry with Elbow and Punch
Perform a defensive elbow movement to intercept and redirect an incoming attack, followed immediately by a straight punch. This combination demonstrates Bajiquan’s principle of defense and counterattack occurring almost simultaneously.
6. Bing Bu Zai Quan (并步砸拳) - Bring Feet Together and Plunge Downward with Fist
Bring the feet together while executing a powerful downward punch. This technique channels energy from the ground through the connected feet, through the body, and out through the fist in a downward smashing motion.
Section 2: Transitional Movements
7. You Ge Dang Cheng Quan (右格当撑拳) - Parry at the Right and Punch
Perform a right-sided parrying movement to deflect an incoming attack, followed by a powerful straight punch. The parry and punch form a continuous flow of energy, exemplifying Bajiquan’s principle of “continuous attack” (连续攻击, liánxù gōngjī).
8. Ma Bu Tui Zhang (马步推掌) - Push Hands in Horse Stance
From a solid horse stance, execute a powerful pushing movement with both palms. The power originates from the legs and waist, transferring through the arms and into the palms. This technique can uproot opponents and create distance.
Section 3: Advanced Techniques
11. Shuang Tuo Zhang (双托掌) - Push Up Both Palms
Raise both palms upward in a lifting motion, as if supporting a heavy object from below. This technique can be used to disrupt an opponent’s structure by attacking from underneath their guard or directly targeting the chin.
12. Shuang Jie Zhang (双接掌) - Double Intercepting Palms
Execute a double palm technique that intercepts and redirects the opponent’s energy. This movement demonstrates the “receiving” aspect of Bajiquan, where force is absorbed before being redirected.
13. Xu Bu Liang Zhang (虚步亮掌) - Flash Palm in Empty Stance
Step into an empty stance (虚步, xū bù) where most weight remains on the rear leg, while executing a “flashing” palm strike. This technique combines deceptive footwork with a quick, surprising strike.
14. Ti Xi Bao Tui (提膝抱腿) - Uplift the Knee and Hug the Leg
Raise one knee while performing a grappling movement to catch and control the opponent’s leg. This posture demonstrates Bajiquan’s close-range fighting techniques and takedown capabilities.
15. Fan Shen Tui Zhang (翻身推掌) - Turn Body Over and Push the Palm
Execute a spinning movement followed by a powerful palm push. The turning motion generates centrifugal force that is channeled into the palm strike, creating significant impact.
16. You Da Chan (右大缠) - Big Right Wrap Kick
Perform a large circular kick with the right leg, which “wraps” around defensive barriers to strike the opponent. This technique demonstrates Bajiquan’s incorporation of lower-body attacks.
17. Zuo Da Chan (左大缠) - Big Left Wrap Kick
Mirror the previous technique with the left leg, executing a large circular wrapping kick. These kicks target the opponent’s lower or middle section.
18. Xiao Chan Beng Quan (小缠崩拳) - Small Wrap Kick and Inch Punch Fist
Combine a smaller, quicker wrapping kick with an “inch punch” (崩拳, bēng quán), Bajiquan’s signature short-distance explosive punch that can generate tremendous force over minimal distance.
19. Shang Bu Ma Bu Tui Zhang (上步马步推掌) - Step Up and Push Palm in Horse Stance
Step forward into a horse stance while executing a powerful palm push. The solid stance provides stability while the palm strike delivers focused force.
20. Yu Fu Gong Bu Gua Jie (鱼腹弓步挂接) - Fish Belly Bow Stance with Hanging Connection
Adopt a bow stance (弓步, gōng bù) while performing a hanging and connecting hand technique. The movement resembles a fish’s underbelly, suggesting suppleness combined with internal strength.
Section 4: Intermediate Combination Movements
21. Zuo You Ge Dang Zhou (左右格当肘) - Parry with Elbows at Both Sides
Execute alternating elbow parries to the left and right sides. This technique demonstrates Bajiquan’s effective use of the elbow for both defense and attack.
22. Shang Bu Zai Quan (上步砸拳) - Step Forward to Plunge Downward with Fist
Step forward while delivering a powerful downward punching strike. The stepping action adds momentum to the downward force of the punch.
23. Ma Bu Shuang Bian Zhou (马步双鞭肘) - Double Whipping Elbows in Horse Stance
From a horse stance, execute “whipping” motions with both elbows. This technique generates force through rotational energy from the waist transferred to the elbows.
24. Zhuan Shen Jie Zhang (转身接掌) - Turn Body and Intercept with Palm
Perform a turning movement followed by a palm technique that intercepts incoming force. This demonstrates Bajiquan’s ability to redirect attacks while changing position.
25. Ma Bu Li Za Quan (马步力砸拳) - Smash with Fist in Horse Stance
From a stable horse stance, execute a powerful downward smashing punch. The solid stance allows for maximum power transfer from the ground through the body.
26. You Gong Bu Dang Zhou (右弓步挡肘) - Block with Elbow in Right Bow Stance
Adopt a right bow stance while using the elbow to block incoming attacks. This posture combines defensive capability with readiness to counterattack.
27. Ma Bu Tui Zhang (马步推掌) - Push Palms in Horse Stance
Similar to the earlier push palm technique, but with subtle variations in execution and application. This demonstrates the importance of the horse stance as a power generation platform.
28. Zhuan Shen Ma Bu Tui Zhang (转身马步推掌) - Turn Body Over and Push Palms in Horse Stance
Combine a turning movement with a horse stance and palm push. The rotation adds force to the pushing action while changing the direction of engagement.
29. Tui Bu Ma Bu Tui Zhang (退步马步推掌) - Step Backward to Push Palms in Horse Stance
Step backward into a horse stance while executing a palm push. This technique creates space while delivering force, useful when disengaging from close combat.
30. Lun Pi Za Quan (轮劈砸拳) - Swing and Punch Downward with Fist
Execute a circular swinging motion followed by a downward punching strike. The circular momentum enhances the downward force of the punch.
31. Xiao Chan Zhen Bu Zuo Gao Tan Tui (小缠震步左高弹腿) - Small Grapevine, Stamp Foot and High Left Leg Kicking
Perform a small wrapping step movement, stamp the foot for stability, then execute a high snap kick with the left leg. This complex movement demonstrates coordination of multiple body parts.
32. Zuo Fan Za Quan (左反砸拳) - Left Reverse Smash Fist
Execute a reverse smashing punch with the left hand. The “reverse” aspect refers to the unusual angle and rotation of the strike, making it difficult to anticipate.
33. Bing Bu Zai Quan (并步砸拳) - Bring Feet Together and Plunge Downward with Fist
Similar to the earlier technique, bring the feet together while executing a powerful downward punch. This consolidated stance channels energy through a unified body structure.
Section 5: Advanced Combinations
34. Za Quan Chan Tui (砸拳缠腿) - Smash Fist and Kick Sideways with Outer Edge of Foot
Combine a downward smashing punch with a sideways kick using the outer edge of the foot. This technique demonstrates Bajiquan’s capability to attack multiple levels simultaneously.
35. Kou Tui You Gong Bu Fan Za Quan (扣腿右弓步反砸拳) - Turn the Leg Inward, Form a Right Bow Step and Smash with Fist
Perform an inward turning motion with the leg while adopting a right bow stance and executing a reverse smashing punch. This complex movement changes angles of attack unexpectedly.
36. You Ge Dang Cheng Quan (右格当撑拳) - Parry at the Right and Punch
Repeat the earlier parrying and punching technique, demonstrating the cyclic nature of Bajiquan forms where core techniques reappear with greater refinement.
37. Ma Bu Tui Zhang (马步推掌) - Push Palms in Horse Stance
Execute the pushing palm technique from a solid horse stance, reinforcing this fundamental movement of Bajiquan.
Section 6: Concluding Sequences
38. He Ji Zhang Bian Xiao Chan (合击掌变小缠) - Clap and Form a Small Wrap Kick
Bring the palms together in a clapping motion, then transition to a small wrapping kick. The clap can distract or disrupt the opponent’s focus before the kick lands.
39. Shou Zhou Zuo Gong Bu Chong Quan (收肘左弓步冲拳) - Withdraw the Elbow, Punch with Fist in Left Bow Stance
Pull back the elbow while assuming a left bow stance, then execute a thrusting punch. This technique demonstrates the compression and release of energy characteristic of Bajiquan.
40. Fan He Ji Zhang Bian Xiao Chan (反合击掌变小缠) - Clap with the Back of Hands and Form a Small Wrap Kick
Execute a reverse clapping motion using the backs of the hands, followed by a small wrapping kick. This variation adds versatility to the practitioner’s arsenal.
41. Shou Zhou You Gong Bu Chong Quan (收肘右弓步冲拳) - Withdraw the Elbow, Punch with Fist in Right Bow Stance
Mirror the previous technique on the right side, pulling back the elbow, assuming a right bow stance, and delivering a thrusting punch.
42. Zuo Cha Zhang Di Tan Tui (左插掌低弹腿) - Thrust Palm Downward at the Left and Kick the Leg Low
Perform a downward thrusting palm strike to the left side while executing a low snap kick. This combination targets multiple areas simultaneously.
43. Lou Xi Zuo Gong Bu You Jie Zhang (搂膝左弓步右接掌) - Embrace the Knee in Left Bow Stance with Right Intercepting Palm
Adopt a left bow stance while performing a knee-embracing movement and executing a right palm intercepting technique. This complex posture demonstrates Bajiquan’s integrated approach to stance and hand techniques.
44. Zhuan Shen Beng Quan (转身崩拳) - Turn Body Over and Give an Inch Punch Fist
Execute a turning movement followed by Bajiquan’s signature inch punch. The turning motion adds rotational force to the explosive short-distance punch.
45. You Gong Bu Tui Zhang (右弓步推掌) - Push Palm in Right Bow Stance
Assume a right bow stance while executing a palm pushing technique. The bow stance provides directional force for the push.
46. Zuo Gong Bu Tui Zhang (左弓步推掌) - Push Palm in Left Bow Stance
Mirror the previous technique on the left side, combining a left bow stance with a palm pushing movement.
47. Shou Shi (收势) - Finishing Posture
Return to a balanced, centered posture, bringing the form to completion. This final movement allows the practitioner to collect and internalize the energy generated throughout the form.
Symbolism in Bajiquan
The various movements in Bajiquan contain symbolic meanings connected to Chinese philosophy and martial principles:
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马步 (Mǎ Bù) - Horse stance represents stability and connection to the earth, symbolizing the practitioner’s grounding and power generation.
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崩拳 (Bēng Quán) - The “inch punch” symbolizes the principle that true power comes not from distance but from internal force generation.
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肘法 (Zhǒu Fǎ) - Elbow techniques represent Bajiquan’s philosophy of close-range fighting and direct approach to combat.
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八极 (Bā Jí) - The “Eight Extremes” represent the comprehensive coverage of all directions and angles in combat, symbolizing completeness.
Training Approaches
Traditional Bajiquan training includes:
- Stance Training (站桩, Zhàn Zhuāng) - Developing foundational stability through static postures
- Power Training (发劲, Fā Jìng) - Cultivating explosive force through specialized exercises
- Form Practice (套路, Tào Lù) - Learning the sequence of movements as described above
- Partner Drills (对练, Duì Liàn) - Applying techniques with a partner to understand combat applications
- Weapons Training (兵器, Bīngqì) - Extending principles to traditional weapons, particularly the spear
Contemporary Applications
Today, Bajiquan is practiced for various purposes:
- Self-defense - Its direct and powerful techniques make it effective for personal protection
- Health cultivation - The demanding movements develop strength, flexibility, and coordination
- Cultural preservation - As a traditional art, it maintains an important piece of Chinese heritage
- Competitive sport - Modified versions appear in wushu competitions
- Military and security training - Still valued for its practical combat applications
Bajiquan represents one of China’s most distinctive martial arts. Its emphasis on explosive power, direct approaches, and practical applications has ensured its continued relevance across centuries. By understanding the 47 postures detailed above, practitioners gain not only a physical sequence of movements but access to a comprehensive combat system and philosophical approach to confrontation. The form’s integration of footwork, hand techniques, and body mechanics demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of biomechanics developed by traditional Chinese martial artists, making Bajiquan a treasured cultural heritage and effective martial system worthy of continued study.