Ba Ji Small Frame Routine
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Ba Ji Quan or Eight Extreme Boxing methods were widely practiced in Cang County, He Bei province, northern China. The basic structure or fighting postures are compiled into a routine called small frame or Xiao Jia. This book introduced over 20 postures in the routine. The practice is also for breathing exercise. We have to do the moves as slowly as possible. Each posture consists of several moves. They are illustrated with pictures. In the beginning, we have to practice to get each posture right. And then we practice how to transition from one move to the next correctly. Pay attention to the body alignment and movement of hands and feet. If you are a beginner, it is advised to find a good teacher for lessons and guidance. This book is only a summary for review. For fighting applications for these postures, tactics and strategy, please read “Ba Zi Jie Xi: A Talk on Rake Fist”. For further understanding and analysis of the hand methods, please refer to “Ba Ji 24 Hand Methods and Classics”.
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About the Book
Ba Ji boxing methods were used by the special service units both in Taiwan and China. The key tactics and strategy are by getting close to the opponent first. There are 6 ways of opening the door or gaining access to the vital area of an opponent. They are Ding (push), Bao (enclose), Ti (rise), Dan (single), Kua (hip) and Chan (entanglement). In the previous book “Ba Zi Jie Xi: A Talk on Rake Fist”, the hand methods are briefly discussed. In the current book, the small frame routine is introduced. In the beginning of the 20th century, there were only 16 postures in the routine. Wu Xiu Feng added some more postures to make the routine into 24 postures. Later, Wu compiled 12 versions/routines of the small frame. Xiao Jia or small frame consists of foundational structures for Ba Ji fighting methods. All postures may be practiced as standing in posture or breathing exercise. The moves also carry symbolism for the nature. We start with Wu Ji stance. We then open Tai Ji by assuming Liang Yi stance. And then we have 4 directions or Si Xiang by assuming the Lion Opening its Mouth and Cross Fist postures. When we reverse the side of our fist or palm, we have Ba Gua. The 6 ways of opening the door are also represented by the postures in the routine. In short, people may practice this set of moves for health and fitness, in addition to original martial applications. The original name for each posture is used. Each posture may consist of several moves. All the moves are illustrated with pictures. There are many variations of this routine. Only the common ones are examined in this book. This book provides the reader a valid and universal base to study and practice.
About the Author
I practice the style since late 1970s. The directness and straightforwardness of the moves impressed me greatly, when I first saw Ba Ji demonstrated. However, there are not a lot of books about Ba Ji style of fighting methods. Based upon many years of practice, and research of collected materials, I compiled the 24 postures in this book. Small frame routine is a core set of moves that everyone has to practice well first. Therefore, the information in this book will help anyone that is interested in the style tremendously.