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.
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