Every summer, Baji Association brings practitioners together for intensive courses that dive deep into one theme at a time — fully and without compromise. All sessions are led by Master Lü Baochun, and each year’s topics are chosen based on the wishes of our students.

All summer intensives take place from 18:00 to 20:00. In summer 2026, the intensives will be held outdoors at Hertsikan ala‑aste (Hillerikuja 4, 00800 Helsinki).
The price is 25€ per intensive, or you can join all sessions with a summer pass for 150€. Payments are made on-site; we accept cash, card payments, and (digital) exercise benefits.

The results of the 2026 vote are in — and the themes are:

Week 29

Mon 13 July – Taiji: Tuishou

Tuishou, or push hands, is partner training in Taiji where you explore balance, body control, and sensitivity to another person’s movement. Together with your partner, you learn where your root truly is and how to move someone without pushing with force — lightly, softly, yet effectively.

Tue 14 July – Master Lü’s Fighting Principles: Footwork

Master Lü’s fighting principles are legendary, and footwork is one of their foundations. This intensive focuses on rooting, step length, and positioning — how to place yourself so that the situation is already decided before the first strike is thrown.

Wed 15 July – Baji: Liu Da Kai

Liu Da Kai consists of six key Baji movements used to open an opponent’s guard and take control of the encounter. The training develops timing, the seamless blending of offense and defense, and the ability to recognize openings before they even appear. This is Baji at its best: simple, direct, and powerful.

Thu 16 July – Taiji: Master Wei’s Secrets

One of Master Lü’s most influential teachers was Wei Shuren, known for his exceptional understanding of Taiji and its application in Tuishou. In this session, Master Lü shares Wei’s teachings and insights — the kind you won’t find in books. Master Wei was especially known for his ability to guide movement with the mind.

Week 31

Mon 27 July – Master Lü’s Fighting Principles: Qinna

Qinna is high-level control work in Chinese martial arts: gripping, joint manipulation, and structural control. Under Master Lü’s guidance, you learn how to guide an opponent into a position where you have complete control — soft in touch, firm in intention.

Tue 28 July – Taiji Lecture: Discussing Wang Zhongyue’s Taiji Classic

Wang Zhongyue’s Taiji Classic is one of the most important texts in Taiji, blending Taoist philosophy with the art’s core principles. Master Lü explains how Taiji arises from the boundless stillness of Wuji, how Yin and Yang separate in movement and reunite in stillness. Through these ideas, Taiji becomes more than a sequence of movements — it becomes a way to understand the body, the mind, and the world.

Wed 29 July – XingYi: Five Animals

XingYi means form and intent, and the Five Animals sets you explore the art’s five elements through the qualities of five different animals. The training strengthens clear body structure and sharpens the mind toward direct, decisive martial movement — simple yet powerful.

Thu 30 July – Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health practice combining soft movement, breathing, and focused awareness. Its aim is to balance the body’s energy, support overall health, and bring calmness to the mind.

Week 33

Mon 10 August – Master Lü’s Fighting Principles: Takedowns and Throws

This intensive focuses on takedowns — how to break an opponent’s balance with subtle shifts in angle and direction. Master Lü teaches how to guide someone safely and cleanly to the ground using clear principles, drawing on decades of experience, including his background in Beijing wrestling (shuai jiao).

Tue 11 August – Baji: Jingang Bashi

Jingang Bashi consists of eight fundamental Baji routines that form the backbone of the style. Practicing the movements on both sides develops strong rooting, clear structure, and the explosive power characteristic of Baji — simple and highly rewarding training.

Wed 12 August – Weapons

Our club’s ever-popular weapons training gets its own spotlight. You can try everything from the Biangun whip‑staff and the Dao saber to the Jian straight sword, or even the ambitious three‑meter spear — or focus on your personal favorite. This session is the perfect chance to unleash your inner child and enjoy the pure joy of movement.

Thu 13 August – Taiji: Chen 24

We close the summer with the Chen‑style 24‑movement form, often recommended as the best starting point for learning Taiji. The form is clear and beautiful, yet offers depth and challenge for all levels — a calm, focused, and rewarding end to the intensive season.