Baji Quan (Eight Extremes Chuan)

Baji Quan or the eight extremes Chuan is also known as the open-door eight extremes Chuan, which is one of the traditional Chinese Chuan schools. Baji Quan is known for its force-fullness, simplicity and combative techniques. According to Wushu proverbs: "For ministers, Tai Chi Quan is used to run the country and for generals, Baji Quan is used for defending the country." From this it can be seen that Baji Quan holds a significant position among various Chinese Chuan school. The Meng Village of Cangzhou in Hebei Province is the birthplace of the Eight Extremes and while it is mainly practised in north China, it is also found in some places in the south. The Wu-style eight extremes Chuan is said to have a history of more than 260 years. It was passed on from a traveling senior monk to Wu Zhong of the Meng Village. The book of Secrets of the Eight Extremes Chuan, therefore, proclaims that the Monk was the creator of the eight extremes Chuan and Wu Zhong was the first successor. Because of his excellence at spear play, Wu Zhong was known as Spear God Wu, the number one spear fighter from Nanjing to Beijing.

The eight extremes Chuan is simple and plain. It consists of short and yet menacing moves which are forceful, powerful and abrupt and demands hard play in both attack and defence. Elbows are often used in straightforward ways. The explosive powers generated are stimulated through breathing which is articulated by two sounds of "Heng" and "Ha." Powerful blows are delivered from elbows and shoulders in close combat against the opponent .