Bajiquan
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Bajiquan is a style of Chinese martial arts renowned for its short but powerful punches and elbow strikes. It originated in Hebei Province in northern China, but is also well-known in other places today, especially Taiwan. This art is often studied together with Pigua Quan. Bajiquan is literally translated as "Eight Extreme Fists," as there are eight methods of hand-strikes. This art is very popular in Japan. The Japanese translation of the name is Hakkyoku Ken.
History
Bajiquan was created by Daoist monks in Hebei Province in the 18th century. Many Imperial bodyguards were trained in this art, hence its nickname, "the bodyguard style." One famous practitioner, Li Shuwen (1864-1934), is said to have killed several men over the course of his adventurous life, all with only a single strike. He often boasted, "I've never hit anyone twice."
Training
Bajiquan training focuses especially on development of leg strength, a prerequisite for the extreme power students later learn to produce. The grueling leg training forces many students to flunk out or quit. This style is not easy to learn, and not everyone is suited for it. Those who pass move on to developing upper-body power through Iron Palm training. The most prominent weapon in the study of Bajiquan is the long spear.
Techniques
Bajiquan's movements do not require swinging motions to create momentum and power; rather, it uses a one-hit push-strike movement at very close range. Power is generated both from the legs and by the movement of the hand from the waist up to the target. The charging step called zhen jiao can be used both for getting within close range of the opponent and to further increase the power of the punches, palm-strikes and elbow strikes. There are no kicks in Bajiquan.
