Intermediate

Pi Gua is a style that features explosive, long range power and is famous for its palm techniques. It originated in Hebei Province of northern China, but is also well-known in other places as well today, especially Taiwan. Pi Qua’s power is from the accelerational force of the arms which are often in rotation. The hip movement in Pi Gua is more subtle and gentle than its rougher counterpart because you only need enough to guide the powerful strikes whereas in ba Ji, the hammers, punches, elbows and swings rely heavily on the quick and powerful rotation and sinking of the hips to generate its power.

Originally Ba Ji and Pi Gua were the same art but split from each other hundreds of years ago. Master Li Shu Wen remarried the two systems in the late 18th Century/early 19th Century. Today these two styles are often taught together and are said to complement each other. (History and Definition courtesy of Wikipedia.)

The Man Tao Pi Gua Quan style has existed since the Ming Dynasty (400 years ago). The form was taught by Master Guo Chang Sheng and Master Ma Ying Tu in the Nan King Guo Shu Institute in 1928. Its four major characteristics are flexibility, quickness, variety and a long reach. The speed of punching is like a flying star, the sharpness of eyes is like lightning, the flexibility of the waist is like a creeping snake, and the stability of the feet is like tree roots. In fighting, Pi Gua Quan is a long distance offensive-oriented Kung Fu style. The arms are relaxed with swift, explosive power connected throughout of the body. Pi Gua Quan is a total body workout. By practicing Pi Gua Quan, a practitioner will improve his or her flexibility, speed, agility, and coordination.

Chuo Jiao Quan translates as Piercing Feet Boxing. It is representative of a Northern Chinese kicking style. The first historic record can be found as early as in the Song Dynasty, over 1,000 years ago. The style was taught by Master Liu Bin Lou in Beijing in the 1930s and spread rapidly. Its main characteristic is hands and feet attacking the opponent simultaneously, with a focus on the kicking aspect. The fist and feet work in unison and strike continuously forward, like “falling meteorites,” never giving the opponent a moment to recover.

It is not only very practical in fighting but also very beautiful to watch. By practicing Chuo Jiao, a practitioner will improve his or her body strength, especially lower body strength, flexibility, speed, and arm-leg coordination.

Ba Ji Quan translates as the Eight Extreme Fists. It is believed to have been passed down by Wu Zhong in the 18th Century, and was taught by Master Meng Xiang Zhong in Nan king Guo Shu Institute in 1928. Its major characteristics are explosive power, foot stomping and close quarter fighting. Ba Ji’s movements are simple, quick and explosive by using linear attacks, low stances, straight steps and breath control when striking to maximize power.

Ba Ji Quan was originally called Ba Zi Quan, or “rake fist,” due to the fact that when not striking, the fist is held loosely and slightly open, resembling a rake. However, the name was considered to be rather crude sounding in its native tongue, and so it was changed to the more pleasing Ba Ji Quan.

The essence of Ba Ji Quan lies in “jin” (i.e. power or power methods). Unlike most western forms of martial arts which require swinging motion to create momentum, most of Ba Ji Quan’s moves utilize a one hit push-strike from a very close distance. The bulk of the damage is dealt through the momentary acceleration that travels up from the waist to the limb and is further magnified by the charging step.

A Ba Ji practitioner will improve his or her body stamina, body strength, and explosive power.