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.

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.

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.

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.