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Baji big form 大八极, the expansion of the Baji structure 八极小架 is the main source of techniques from the entire Baji system. Like all ancient forms, we always take the form apart & practice its most significant techniques seperately, aiming to perfect them. This is how the 8 Major Techniques 八大招式 evolved, progressing from the 8 basic techniques 金刚八式 of the structural form. Keep in mind that the techniques are not dead, but fluid, & the student must use his own initiative to use all 8 parts of the body to apply them as the distance changes constantly in a real fight. For example, a technique that uses a knife hand strike at the maximum range could be changed to a forearm, an elbow, or even a shoulder strike as the range gets closer, without sacrificing power in delivery. Thus a student should learn to adapt each technique to deal with different situations. Also one must remember to strike/stomp down/exhale in one unified movement.

Here are the 8 techniques:

1) Rising Elbow Strike 挑打顶肘

High block/ front kick followed by a rising elbow strike to an opponent's centerline. One of strongest techniques in Baji, it requires one to sink deep & penetrate straight through an opponent. The back arm should be extended & in parallel with the body & elbow. The expert above tends to swing his back arm to the side, which is not ideal as this disrupts the issuing of 十字劲 cross force or jing. 

2) Horizontal Palm Strike 横打

Outer block followed by a knife hand strike to the opponent's temple/ribs. The extended arm should follow the twisting torso & swing in a horizontal wheel into the opponent. If the opponent is close one can use one's forearm/elbow/shoulder to strike. Again one should keep the back arm parallel with the striking arm, instead of tucking it sideways by the waist (karate style?) as shown above.  

3) Low Punch 揣打

Inner parry followed by a low punch in a 并步 closed leg stance. The fist should be twisted inwards such that the thumb faces your body. It should also sink down straight with one's whole body weight, to strike a crouched or stooped opponent. This is a technique to demonstrate 沉坠劲 sinking force or jing. In actual application one could punch/elbow in a diagonal angle downwards instead of striking vertically. 

Low parry/ front kick followed by an overhead backfist strike. The parrying arm is the striking arm. The extended arm should swing in a vertical wheel from the crotch into an opponent's forehead, nose or shoulder. Again one could switch to using the forearm or elbow if the range is close. The back arm rule applies. 

5) Left Right Palm Thrust 双撑掌

Step forward upper parry followed by a twisting left right palm thrust into an opponent's ribs or solar plexus. This is another good technique to demonstrate cross force or jing. Done correctly, the jing issued in this thrust is very powerful. One should keep the torso upright & the back arm should be in one line & height with the striking arm in its execution. The above expert has tilted his body forward & raised his back arm too high. Take note also that the palms should point sideways, not upwards. 

 6) Double Palm Strike 双扑掌

Step forward upper parry with both hands, then strike both palms in a small inward arc from the head down into the opponent's abdomen. Alternatively one could do a lower parry with both hands, then strike both palms in a small outward arc from the hip into the opponent's chest. For the former the palms point diagonally down, whereas in the latter they point diagonally up. Also called 虎扑 'tiger pounce', this is another one of Baji's strongest techniques, & it exists in most other internal martial systems like Xingyi, Bagua & Taiji. Legend has it that Xingyi Master 郭云深 Guo Yunshen perfected this technique while he was jailed. Although his hands & legs were shackled, he still managed to practice a very compact version this technique for those 3 years, called the 虎扑子 'little tiger pounce'. It was applied to fatal effect on a hostile challenger later on. Knowing its effectiveness, the serious student should thus put more effort into its practice. 

 7) Flipping Palm Thrust 缠翻掌

From the 独立步 one legged stance spin/flip body & arms 360 degrees & strike behind you with a palm thrust. This is a more complex technique used when an opponent grabs you from behind, from which you break away by spinning & immediately striking him with a palm thrust as he is drawn forward. The back arm is held over one's head in a high parry. 

 8) Forward Palm Thrust 按掌

Turn arms & body sharply to perform an 小缠 arm trap, then step forward & deliver a single palm thrust. This is another powerful Baji technique. The back arm is again held up to parry, but one could tuck it by the waist parallel with the striking palm instead. It is also called 猛虎硬爬山 'tiger climb' & it's one of Baji Master Li Shuwen's favorite techniques, which he learnt from his Teacher, 金殿升 Jin Diansheng. The jing of his palm strike could immediately send shock waves deep into an opponent's internal organs, almost certainly fatal. Take care to learn & practice this technique well.

Other Significant Techniques: Body Trapping 大缠

Besides the 8 major techniques there are also 2 significant trapping techniques always present in the Baji system - body & arm trapping. They are techniques that reveal the use of 缠丝劲 reeling force or jing in Baji. In Baji big form, the emphasis is more on body trapping. As shown above it is performed by clasping the opponent's attacking hand, trapping it by swinging the back arm over it & then wrapping it around the opponent's back, efficiently immobilizing him. At the same time stick your lead leg close behind the opponent's lead leg to prevent him from kicking. From here one could strike with a palm thrust or take him down by twisting backwards, or preferably do both. Take note that you need to control the opponent's balance throughout, or risk being struck immediately in the face by the opponent's free hand. 

Arm trapping is also featured in the Baji big form, but it has more importance in the structural form. It is performed by clasping the opponent's attacking hand with both hands, turning it upward & inward with a pull, effecting a wrist lock. The lead leg is placed in the same way. From here one could counter with a reverse punch, elbow strike or body check without meeting any resistance. Trap before striking - this is the ideal counter attack in Baji. 

Other Significant Techniques: Shoulder & Foot Sweep 挂塌

The signature take down technique of the big form is the shoulder/foot sweep. It is done by simultaneously smashing the opponent's shoulder downwards & sweeping his lead leg backwards, sending the opponent on all fours. From here one could use the Low Punch/Elbow on the back of his head, or proceed to knee him straight in the ribs. Not particularly easy to use in a real fight, but does have its merits. 

Body checking is an advanced close range technique not taught in the structural form, but only touched on in the big form. It requires a student to have developed good internal power or in order to effectively strike an opponent with the shoulder, hip or back from very close. It takes deep rooting & a efficient body check would send an opponent reeling away & losing his balance from a distance of only half a foot, maybe less. If one could not achieve this then it is wiser not to use body checking for it exposes you totally to a counter take down/throw/lock. However it is also the power of body checking techniques like 铁山靠 "Iron Mountain Check" that gives fame to Baji.

Keep in mind that all these explanations & illustrations alone cannot make one a Baji expert, but only through finding the right teacher, paying attention to details & an rock like determination can one fully realize the power of Baji.

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