This is a series of movements developed by Li Ruidong and taken into use by Li Shuwen (pictured). Also known by its Chinese name Jin Gang Ba Shi, it consists of eight techniques which develop the basic skills of Bajiquan. The first four movements are training for attack while the remaining four include training for defence during an attack. Currently all Baji styles contain this training method.
1. 撑 捶, Cheng Chui, Punter's fist
The name of this technique consists of two parts. The latter, Chui, means fist. The word Cheng refers to the connection of the body and the arm; while punching the body pushes the arm forward like a punter pushing a boat. The purpose is to use the fist like a knife which is stabbed into the opponent with the idea that the power penetrates through them. The exercise develops the coordination of the body and the arm when punching and teaches to find the point where the power of the whole body is released in a explosive manner. This exercise is for everyone from beginners to masters.
2. 穿 掌, Chuan Zhang, Piercing palm
This movement emphasizes explosive power generation in a palm strike. The word "Chuan" includes the meaning of opening a hole and going through it. This technique differs from Cheng Chui in the sense that in Chuan Zhang one aims to open up the opponents defence and to deliver a palm strike into his body, following his arm like a file. Palm strikes are in general more advanced techniques due to their wider applicability. For example, a potential palm strike can quickly be changed into a finger jab or a grab.
3. 劈 山 掌, Pi Shan Zhang, Mountain Splitting Palm
Bajiquan has traditionally borrowed a form from Pi Gua Zhang. This movement develops power for axe-like, long distance strikes. The movement is composed of two parts, Pi and Gua. Pi is an axe-like strike whereas Gua is an upward strike, usually applied as a follow up for Pi. The important points in strikes like this are relaxation, heaviness of the strike, a whip-like movement as well as the opening up and strecthing of the shoulders and the back.
4. 降 龙, Xiang Long, Tame the Dragon
Xiang Long develops power generation for upward directed punches. Similarly to Cheng Chui, the aim is to find and develop a point where the power is suddenly released in an explosive manner. The name of the technique comes from the idea that a dragon is flying high and to hit it one must attack upward. The footwork differs from the previous techniques; here the aim is to step inside the opponents defence meaning between the arms.
5. 伏 虎, Fu Hu, Tame the Tiger
This technique contains footwork for evading incoming attacks as well as knee attacks combined with steps. The final part of the technique combines attack and defence into a one-arm movement. The punch in the final part is also intended for situations where one must strike downwards, for example when the opponent is shorter or in a lower stance. The name comes from the idea that to attack a tiger one must attack downwards unlike in Xiang Long where one attacks upwards to strike a flying dragon.
6. 探 马 掌, Tan Ma Zhang, The Spying Palm
The idea in this technique is to knock on the opponents guard with finger strikes and to thus cause a reaction which will be used to enable ones own attack to penetrate. One concentrates on grabbing the opponent as an immediate follow up for the attack and to simultaneously carry out the next attack. The name of the technique comes from the fact that the striking arm attacks from under the defending arm, making it more difficult to detect.
7. 虎 抱, Hu bao, Tiger Embraces
This movement contains a quick change of sides combined with a punch. Such a skill is useful for situations where one must change ones technique according to the opponents movements or when attempting to deceive the opponent. The first part of the movement is for grabbing and unbalancing the opponent in a circular movement using the power of the body. It can also be applied as a round defensive movement without grabbing the opponent. Furthermore, the movement can be used for defence by applying the upper part of the arm and continuing directly to a forearm strike.
8. 圈 抱 掌, Quan Bao Zhang, Three Circle Embrace
The main purpose is to learn to combine defence and attack using body rotations. The idea can be used for example to open up the opponents defence and to continue with a suitable attacking movement. As a fighting application, the technique contains whip-like, curved strikes which can be used as such or to open up the opponents guard. The final part of the technique is for forcefully stepping into the opponents space and thus upsetting their balance.
