2024 Autumn Season Info Packet III

BAJI ASSOCIATION
Autumn season 2024

Heya to the darkening evenings!

The autumn season is already halfway over. The Tuishou seminar was such a hit that we will probably organize another one in the spring! In anticipation of the spring season starting on the 7th January 2025, we have some winter activities for our kung fu family:

The Baji Association’s autumn meeting will take place on 14.12.2024 at 16:00 at Robert’s Coffee in Sähkötalo; an official invite with the meeting plan will be published closer to the event. Afterwards, we will move downstairs to restaurant Osaka Sushi for our annual Christmas party at 18:00. We have reserved our own cabinet in Osaka Sushi – pay your buffet when you come in (22,90€), and order your drinks from the bar. Don’t forget to sign-up so we know we have enough space!

There have been inquiries about our trip to China. Our time together in China is scheduled for next summer from the 9th to 20th of June 2025. More detailed information about the arrangements for the trip inclusive of signing up will be published sometime in January 2025.

Wishing you inner light,
The Board of Baji Association

2024 Autumn Tuishou Seminar

Autumn Seminar News!

Baji Association is organising a Tuishou seminar to introduce the principles of Tuishou under the guidance of Master Lü Baochun. The seminar will take place in Arabian nuorisotalo on the 26th to the 27th of October 2024.

WHY TUISHOU?

Tuishou, or push hands, is an exercise in which the fundamentals of movement are explored with a partner. It is suitable for a wide range of practitioners of oriental arts, regardless of tradition. This seminar is also suitable to those who have no previous experience on push hands or whose interest is not in martial arts. Master Lü´’s principles in push hands is that these techniques can be practised from understanding and internalising the basics all the way to discovering, mastering and introducing inner movement. The aim is to learn high level control of yourself through contact with your partner. The seminar is thus not a competition to win your partner, but a practice method to help each other to find that control inside. The seminar is structured according to the student so that everyone can participate, regardless of their starting level.

Under Master Lü’s guidance, this seminar is sure to have something to offer for everyone, whether you are an experienced practitioner or a newcomer! So please join us, and bring a friend!

PRICE

One day 60€
Full weekend 100€

PLACE

Arabian nuorisotalo, Arabianpolku 1 A, 00560 Helsinki

SCHEDULE

Saturday
16:00-18:00 Practice
18:00-19:00 Break
19:00-21:00 Practice

Sunnuntai
10:00-12:00 Practice
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-16:00 Practice

REGISTRATION

To register for the seminar, please use this registration form. Please remember to register as soon as possible to secure your place at this great seminar. Last date for registration is 19.10.2024.

Once you’ve received the confirmation email, you can pay the course fee to Baji ry account FI96 4108 0013 1692 17. Write “Tuishou Seminar” in the message. You can also pay for the seminar at the location by card or sports vouchers.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS

For more information about the seminar, please email: baji ( ät ) baji.info .

With autumn coloured greetings,
Baji Association

Baji Association History 2014 – 2024

Bosön, 2023

A Decade of Growth and Resilience: Baji Association’s Journey
from 2014 to 2023

The last ten years have been a remarkable period of growth, resilience, and international outreach for Baji Association. Established in 2001 by Master Lü Baochun after his move to Finland, the association has remained steadfast in its mission to spread the knowledge and practice of traditional Chinese martial arts and concepts of wellness. With each passing year, Baji Association has not only deepened its roots in the local community but also extended its influence globally, bringing the rich traditions of Bajiquan, Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Qigong, and other Chinese martial arts to an ever-growing audience.


2014: Solidifying the Foundation and Expanding Locally
By 2014, Baji Association had firmly established itself as a thriving martial arts community in Finland. This year was particularly significant as it marked the association’s third training trip to China, underscoring its commitment to authentic learning and cultural exchange. During this trip, students trained under Master Lü and had the invaluable opportunity to learn directly from Han lineage Bajiquan masters.

Additionally, one of Master Lü’s long-term students moved to Vaasa and started his own Bajiquan school, further spreading the reach of Baji Association across the country. Master Lü also routinely travels to Sweden and France, where he is invited by his local Taijiquan students to teach. He typically visits both countries one to three times a year, with the Taijiquan summer camp in Bosön, Sweden, becoming a highlight event for his students abroad.

2015: Expanding Horizons and Community Outreach
The momentum continued in 2015, a year marked by a series of seminars that broadened the reach of Baji Association across Europe. A second Piquazhang seminar was held in Helsinki, and Master Lü brought the teachings of Taijiquan and Bajiquan to London, strengthening ties with martial arts communities in the UK. The association’s international connections grew further when some practitioners traveled to France to meet up with another Bajiquan family line’s master and students, deepening their understanding of the different variations in Bajiquan.

In addition to seminars, Baji Association actively engaged with the local community by participating in the Kallio Block Party event. Serving both as security and by showcasing their teachings, the association demonstrated its commitment to community safety and cultural enrichment. This event not only increased the association’s visibility but also attracted new members interested in learning about traditional Chinese martial arts. The year culminated with a seminar in Uppsala, Sweden, focusing on Xingyiquan’s Five Animals form, showcasing the association’s dedication to preserving and disseminating a wide range of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Kallio Block Party 2015



2016: Focused and Consistent Training
In 2016, the Baji Association focused on its core activities, continuing its regular training seasons during the spring, summer, and autumn from Monday to Thursday. The annual Easter Camp, a staple of the association’s yearly schedule, provided members with in-depth learning experiences. This year, however, the emphasis remained primarily on the regular curriculum of training across all seasons. The association’s close-knit community was once again brought together at the end of the year for the traditional Christmas party, celebrating their shared progress.

2017: A Year of Growth and Celebration
The year 2017 kicked off with the annual Lapland Camp in January, which set the stage for an active year of training and community events. Throughout the year, the Baji Association organised a diverse range of seminars, including Bajiquan & Shuaijiao, QiGong & Push-Hands, the Five Animals form, and an international Chen Taiji & Bajiquan seminar in Paris. These seminars not only showcased the association’s growing international presence but also provided valuable opportunities for students to refine their skills and deepen their understanding.

The association’s annual Easter Camp continued to be a central event, focusing on Taijiquan and master Lü’s Five Steps of Taiji. The year ended with the traditional Christmas party, a moment for members to come together, reflect on their progress, and celebrate the community that has grown around Master Lü’s teachings.

2018: Strengthening Community Bonds
In 2018, the Baji Association continued its mission of high-quality martial arts instruction, while strengthening its internal community. Seminars on Taijiquan, Qigong, and Bajiquan were held in Helsinki, offering members new insights and refinements in their practice. The annual Easter Camp in Lohja, focused on the deeper aspects of Taijiquan, remained a key event in the training calendar.

Internationally, the association further extended its reach with an international Bajiquan & Taijiquan seminar in Rome, which attracted martial artists from around the world. In September, the association organized a Family Day, fostering camaraderie among members in a relaxed environment with light training, food, and conversation.

2019: Expanding Global Reach and Deepening Expertise
2019 was another pivotal year for the Baji Association, marked by an increased focus on international collaboration and expanding its global footprint. The association organised a Taijiquan seminar, followed by a fighting styles seminar both in March in Helsinki. These events attracted martial artists from various backgrounds, enhancing the diversity and richness of the training environment.

The Easter Camp in Lohja continued to explore Master Lü’s Five Steps of Taiji, a central theme in the association’s Taijiquan teachings. This focused approach provided students with a structured and in-depth understanding of Taijiquan, reinforcing the association’s commitment to comprehensive martial arts education.

One of 2019’s most significant events was the international Bajiquan & Taijiquan camp held in Beijing, China, in collaboration with the Chinese Combat Martial Arts (CCMA) group. This camp not only provided students with advanced training but also deepened the association’s ties with martial arts communities in China, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning.

CCMA seminar in China, 2019


The year ended with seminars in Qigong and Piguazhang, followed by the traditional Christmas party, which celebrated another year of growth and achievement.

2020: Adapting to Challenges and New Opportunities
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges in 2020, affecting the Baji Association’s operations. Despite these obstacles, the association adapted by offering outdoor training and using social media to keep members engaged. The year began with the Lapland Camp in January, but the Easter Camp and other in-person events were canceled due to restrictions. In August, the association held an outdoor Taijiquan seminar in Helsinki, followed by another in September.

In addition to these adaptations, the association participated in a Taolu competition organized by Turku Wushu ry, one of the association’s partner organizations. This event provided a rare competitive outlet during the pandemic and allowed members to showcase their skills in a different format. Although the traditional Christmas party was not held this year, the association maintained its strong sense of community through virtual and socially distant activities.

2021: Recovery and Renewal
As the world began to recover from the pandemic in 2021, the Baji Association resumed more regular activities while ensuring the safety of its members. September saw the return of in-person seminars, with a focus on both Taijiquan and Bajiquan; though these were held outside and with an emphasis of holding your distance for safety. Although the year was quieter than usual, these seminars marked the beginning of the association’s return to full activity, signalling the gradual recovery of the martial arts community.

2022: A New Beginning and Milestone Celebrations
2022 marked a significant year of recovery and celebration for the Baji Association. The annual Easter Camp in Lohja, once again focused on Taijiquan and Master Lü’s Five Steps to Taiji, reaffirmed the association’s dedication to this core aspect of its curriculum. A Shuaijiao seminar in Helsinki in June provided further training opportunities, while the association celebrated its delayed 20th anniversary in Helsinki, a year late due to COVID-19 restrictions. This joyous event brought together past and present members to commemorate two decades of dedication to Chinese martial arts.

Baji Association 20th anniversary party in Helsinki, Finland.


The year also saw the return of the Open Doors season start in September, which attracted new members and revitalised the community. October featured seminars on Chen style Taijiquan Erlu form, and free extra Taiji lessons were offered to compensate for the lost summer intensives during the pandemic. The association ended the year on a high note with the traditional Christmas party, restoring a cherished tradition after two years of disruption.

2023: A Return to Full Strength and Cultural Outreach
By 2023, the Baji Association had fully returned to its pre-pandemic strength, with regular training sessions and seminars across the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. The year’s seminars included a focus on Shuajiao and multiple Erlu seminars in Helsinki, reinforcing the association’s dedication to deep, traditional training. The Easter Camp, with its emphasis on the Five Steps of Taiji, remained a key event in the yearly calendar.

The association also broadened its community outreach by participating in a Chinese New Year celebration in Espoo, where members showcased traditional Chinese martial arts as part of the festivities.

2023 also saw the introduction of a summer season grand opening party, which included social activities like meeting, eating, drinking, and enjoying the sauna—a perfect blend of Finnish and Chinese traditions. This event fostered camaraderie and provided a relaxed environment for members to connect and unwind.

The year concluded with another well-attended Christmas party, capping off a successful year of martial arts training and community building. This festive event reinforced the strong bonds among members and celebrated another year of dedication and achievement.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As the Baji Association looks to the future, it does so with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The last decade has been one of significant growth, international outreach, and overcoming challenges. The association has successfully expanded its influence beyond Finland, reaching martial arts communities across Europe and Asia. Master Lü’s regular travels to Sweden and France, along with the international seminars and camps, have solidified the association’s reputation as a global ambassador of Chinese martial arts.


Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, the association has emerged stronger, more resilient, and more committed than ever to its mission of spreading the rich traditions of Chinese martial arts, wellness, and meditation. Community outreach initiatives, such as establishing new schools, participating in local events, and showcasing martial arts in cultural celebrations, have further enhanced the association’s impact and visibility.

With a solid foundation built over the past two decades, the Baji Association is poised for an even brighter future. The dedication of its members, the expertise of Master Lü, and the association’s commitment to fostering a deep understanding of traditional Chinese martial arts ensure that it will continue to thrive in the years to come. As the association moves forward, it remains committed to its core values of teaching, community, and cultural exchange, ensuring that the legacy of Chinese martial arts will be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Shuai seminar 2023

2024 Autumn Season Info Packet II

Autumn greetings!

A nice start to another great season. Here’s some more information about the upcoming season and events therein.

The autumn season begins on Monday 2nd of September and the last set of practice in the autumn season is on Thursday 12th in December, and the autumn season ends with our Christmas party on Saturday 14th of December. Our Schedules have been updated on our website and will be actively kept up to date as changes occur – take note of the outdoor training in September!

The association bank account has now been successfully changed (the reason; the association’s bank Handelsbanken is shutting down their Finnish branch entirely – our new bank is OmaSP). Don’t be shy about using the sign-up system now to sign up for our courses so you can receive the new bank account number in the bills sent through the sign-up forms!

Exceptions in Schedule 2024 (Autumn)

2.9 Season start as intended in Brändö is och gym
9.-30.9 Monday lessons outdoors in Itäkeskus (Kajaaninlinnantie 10, 00900 Helsinki).
10.10 lessons cancelled
11.11 Master Lü away, lessons held by substitute
9.-12.12 Master Lü away, lessons held by substitutes

Upcoming Events

Tuishou seminar 26.-27.10 Arabian nuorisotalo, Helsinki.
Autumn meeting 14.12.2024 [location to be announced closer to December],Helsinki.
Christmas Party 14.12.2024 Restaurant Osaka Sushi,Helsinki.

See you at training!

With autumn regards,
Baji Association announcers

2024 Autumn Season Info Packet

Hi there!

The summer has been kind in regards to both weather and training, and now it’s time to turn our heads toward the autumn season!

The autumn season begins on Monday 2nd of September and our training places remain the same as last season. The last set of practice in the autumn season is on Thursday 12th of December, and the autumn season ends with our Christmas party on Saturday 14th of December. Our Schedules have been updated on our website and will be actively kept up to date as changes occur – take note of the outdoor training in September!

We also ask for your patience with paying for the season, as between August-September our association’s bank account will change, and it will take a while to make this change for all our payment services. We will update you once this is done. 

During the autumn we plan on hosting at least on weekend seminar, on which there will be more information later.

See you at training!

With autumn regards,
Baji Association announcers

2024 Summer Info Packet III

Hope the summer has treated you well!
Rumour has it Helsinki Day was a great success for our association – thank you kindly to all who attended!

Next week we will have our last free Wednesday evening training in Hesperia Park, and afterwards it’s time to hit the first intensive course week of the summer between the 15th of July to the 18th. The schedule for the first intensives are as follows:

Monday 
Yang & Chen Taiji
Tuesday 
Yang & Chen Taiji
Wednesday 
Master Lü’s Fighting Principles (Baji, Xingyi & weapons)
Thursday 
Qigong & Chen 24

The intensives are between 18-20 o’clock at Itäkeskus peruskoulu at the address Kajaaninlinnantie 10, 00900 Helsinki.

The intensives cost 25 euros per lesson, or you can buy the summer season pass for 150 euros which will allow you to participate in all 12 intensive lessons during the summer.

The next intensive weeks will be Mon-Thu 29.7 – 1.8 & Mon-Thu 12.-15.8 with the same prices and schedule.

Should the weather allow, we will be arranging a picnic for our gongfu family on Saturday the 20th of July from 15:00 onwards in Lastenlehdon puisto ( Ruoholahdenkatu – Lapinrinne – Lapinlahdenkatu, 00180 Helsinki).

The park has nice even ground for some training, grass to sit on, trees to take shade under, and some fun playgrounds for kids to enjoy, should you take your family with you! The event itself will be free, but we do expect you to bring your own food & drinks. Should you run out of something, there are plenty of restaurants and shops around for potential refills.

See you!
Training regards,
Baji Association spokesteam 

2025 China Trip

Hi everyone! 


In 2025 it is finally time to return to the roots of gong fu into China! All of those who have been before can regale you with tales of how  worthwhile and legendary these trips always are, so mark the dates into your calendar and start saving up! The trip takes place between 9th to the 20th of June 2025. The trip is open to all regardless of your skill level – if you wish to learn from master Lü, you are welcome!

A more detailed travel plan will be available closer to our departure, but for now you need to know:

  • Our trip begins from Hong Kong. We will stay in Hong Kong for one night, and move onto Guangzhou by train.
  • Hong Kong does not require a visa, but China proper (Guangzhou & Guilin) does – remember to apply for a visa before the trip! (we’ll give out more detailed instructions on this as well closer to the trip).
  • From Guangzhou we will move on into Guilin, which according to master Lü “everyone should visit once in their life.” From Guilin we’ll move back to Guangzhou and from there to Hong Kong and fly home. 

Everyone needs to book and purchase their own flights & hotels. You may join and leave the trip as best suits your schedule (earlier, in the middle, or near the end, etc). We’ll give out the dates and places of master Lü’s hotels when available. Based on his hotel reservations, you can aim to either have the same hotel, a nearby one, or join us later on in the trip. 

During the trip, master Lü will occasionally collect money from everyone for our collective train trips, meals & sightseeing payments as a group. Because of this, we recommend you reserve a lot of local cash on hand (note; Hong Kong & China proper use different currencies).

The trip consists of interchanging training & tourism days. During training days we usually have training in the mornings, during lunches and in the evenings. On tourism days we either tour sights together as a group or on our own – more information on this later as well.

We are also in discussion of the possibility to meet local martial artists or a master. We will give you more info on this when we have it.

In short:

  • 9.-20.6.2025 Hong Kong – Guangzhou – Guilin – Guangzhou (+ flight home from Hong Kong)
  • Book your own flights & hotels. We will let you know where & when master Lü is staying so you can book yours accordingly
  • Get a visa for China proper
  • We’d recommend saving up approximately 1500 – 2000 euros for the trip (inclusive of your stay) + flights on top 
  • Reserve a lot of cash for the trip, as master Lü will collect it for payments as a group for dinners, trips & sightseeing.

Oh boy! Anyone else struck with travel fever? Because us announcers certainly are!
We will give out a more detailed travel plan & guidance once we have it, but in the mean time, if you have any questions about the trip, you can email your questions to baji [ at ] baji.info .

With summer greetings ☀
Baji Association board


2024 Summer Season Info Packet II

Salutations!

Thank you everyone for a great spring season!
Summer absolutely does not mean a break from training! 

As we have done in previous years, this year as well the association will be hosting free summer training in the summer. We assemble on Wednesdays at 18:00 in Hesperia Park, by the old sugar factory wall. 

On Helsinki Day on the 12th June 2024, the association and the styles we teach will be on display. Everyone and anyone is welcome to try out any and all styles we teach. Welcome and feel free to invite your friends to get to know the activities of the association!

The summer’s intensives will be held on the following dates:

Mon-Thu 15. -18.7
Mon-Thu 29.7 – 1.8 
Mon-Thu 12.-15.8 

The intensives will mirror the content of the spring & autumn training programs as follows:

Mon
Yang & Chen Taiji & Tuishou

Tue
Yang & Chen Taiji

Wed
Master Lü’s Fighting Principles & weapons

Thu
Qigong & Chen 24

The intensives last for two hours between 18-20 and cost 25 euros per lesson. 

Alternatively, you can purchase a summer season pass for 150 euros and train as much as you can during the summer. The location for all summer training will be Itäkeskus, at Kajaaninlinnantie 10, 00900 Helsinki.

Should the weather allow, we will be arranging a picnic for our gongfu family on Saturday the 20th of July from 15:00 onwards in Lastenlehdon puisto ( Ruoholahdenkatu – Lapinrinne – Lapinlahdenkatu, 00180 Helsinki).

The park has nice even ground for some training, grass to sit on, trees to take shade under, and some fun playgrounds for kids to enjoy, should you take your family with you! The event itself will be free, but we do expect you to bring your own food & drinks. Should you run out of something, there are plenty of restaurants and shops around for potential refills.

Last but not least we’d like to mention that master Lü will be travelling to teach this summer:
Teaching Taiji in Paris, France between 5. -7.7
Teaching Taiji in Bosön, Sweden between 10.-14.7.
(We have always heard nothing but good things about this summer event!)

Wohoo! A whole summer full of gong fu!

With sunny greetings,
Baji Association spokesteam

2024 Summer Season Info Packet

Hey all!

Some information in relation to the ending spring season & upcoming summer season. If you have any questions, feel free to poke the board via email or at training! 

The association spring meeting will be held on the 30th of April at 17:00 at Talin siirtolapuutarha, Pitäjänmäentie 32 (Metsäpolku 32), 00370 Helsinki. You can find the agenda here.  If you’re planning on showing up, please confirm your attendance by texting our chairman Congi at xxxxxxxx so we know how much food to reserve for the meeting. (You can also call him if you get lost or the gates to the cottages is locked, so we can come open the door for you!) 

The spring season ends on Thursday 16.05.2024.
To celebrate the end of a successful spring season, we’ll be hosting a Tuishou-seminar on 18.-19.05.2024; more information can be found here.

The summer’s intensives will be held on the following dates:

Mon-Thu 15. -18.7

Mon-Thu 29.7 – 1.8 

Mon-Thu 12.-15.8 

The intensives will mirror the content of the spring & autumn training programs as follows:

Mon Yang & Chen Taiji & Qigong
Tue Yang & Chen Taiji
Wed Master Lü’s Fighting Principles (& weapons)
Thu Qigong & Chen 24

The intensives last for two hours between 18-20 and cost 25 euros per lesson. Alternatively, you can purchase a summer season pass for 150 euros and train as much as you can during the summer. The location for all summer training will be Itäkeskus, at 

Kajaaninlinnantie 10, 00900 Helsinki.

We’re also planning on throwing together, should the weather allow, an association hosted picnic (with training), the place, date and time will be specified later. We are also planning on releasing more detailed information on our summer 2025 trip to China later in the summer.

The autumn season starts on Monday 2nd of September.

See you at practice!

Kind regards,
Baji Association Board 

Spring seminar news!

Baji Association is organising a Tuishou seminar to introduce the principles of Tuishou under the guidance of Master Lü Baochun. The seminar will take place outside in Itäkeskus on a beautiful weekend between the 18th & 19th of May, 2024.

WHY TUISHOU?

Tuishou, or push hands, is an exercise in which the fundamentals of movement are explored with a partner. It is suitable for a wide range of practitioners of oriental arts, regardless of tradition. Under Master Lü’s guidance, techniques can be practised from understanding and internalising the basics all the way to discovering, mastering and introducing inner movement: in other words, the seminar is structured according to the student so that everyone can participate, regardless of their starting level.

This seminar is sure to have something to offer for everyone, whether you are an experienced practitioner or a newcomer!

PRICE

Saturday 60€

Sunday 60€

Full weekend 100€

PLACE

Kajaaninlinnantie 10, 00900 Helsinki

SCHEDULE

10:00-12:00 Practice

12:00-13:00 Lunch

13:00-16:00 Practice

REGISTRATION

To register for the seminar, please use this registration form. Please remember to register as soon as possible to secure your place at this great seminar. Last date for registration is 17.05.2024.

Once you’ve received the confirmation email, you can pay the course fee to Baji ry account FI78 3131 3002 4255 77. Write “Tuishou Itäkeskus” in the message. You can also pay for the seminar at the location by card or sports vouchers.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS

For more information about the seminar, please email: baji ( ät ) baji.info .

Sunny greetings,

Baji Association announcements