Baji Wrestling / Tàijí Quán 太極拳

## Modern Times

**Tai chi** (simplified Chinese: 太极; traditional Chinese: 太極; pinyin: ***Tàijí***), short for **T'ai chi ch'üan** or **Tàijí quán** (太極拳), sometimes colloquially known as "Shadowboxing", is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for defense training, health benefits, and meditation. The term *taiji* is a Chinese cosmological concept for the flux of yin and yang, and 'quan' means fist. Etymologically, Taijiquan is a fist system based on the dynamic relationship between polarities (Yin and Yang). Developed as a martial art, it is practiced for other reasons: competitive wrestling in the format of pushing hands (*tui shou*), demonstration competitions, and greater longevity. As a result, a multitude of traditional and modern training forms exist corresponding to those aims with differing emphasis. Some training forms of tai chi are practiced with extremely slow movements.

## Traditional Taijiquan

Not commonly known, Traditional Taijiquan was once a more combative Martial Art, There is actually two types of Taijiquan, That were taught harmoniously; *Soft Taiji*, and *Hard Taiji,* Where it's specialty was in grappling and in wrestling, as well as striking with Hua Jing, or Dissolving power. Soft Taijiquan was for the internal benefits of Neijing, and relaxing tense and tired muscles while training in other external styles, akin to Yoga.

Baji Wrestling has similar roots to Taijiquan's wrestling, as well as Shuijiao, Chi-Na.

The induction of *hidden* wrestling techniques within Bajiquan forms is to promote the idea of striking whilst grappling, and being ready to do so.

Rotation, Pivot, Spiral, Hook.

These are all grappling concepts, In translation and in practice, most of the core Taiji Wrestling & Baji Wrestling Techniques are akin to;

* Single Leg Takedown
* Reap
* Ankle Pick
* Knee Pick
* Underhook / Overhook
* Outside / Inside Trips
* Foot Sweeps
* Arm / Foot Drag
* Arm Throws
* Arm / Joint Spin
* Redirection Throws
* Gentle Submissions; Nothing close to BJJ, but there are lot's of softer control holds similar to what law enforcement would use.

**Chi Na and Joint Locks** are also part of both Taijiquan and Baji, These are soft submission holds and control holds. While blood chokes won't be found here, there are joint manipulation theories, deterrence's, and aiding with striking by cross guards, step ins and leg locks.

* Standing Arm bar
* Shoulder hold
* Wrist manipulation
* Forearm locks
* Neck control, Collar Tie, Clinches but not like Muay Thai
* Small Joint control
* Knee Bar
* Elbow locks
* Ankle locks

Shuijiao on the other hand is more "aggressive" with use of leg, waist, hip, and overall body strength and muscles to aid in the grappling. There is also a lot of lifting, and grabbing, pushing and picking up. The throws and vertical drops are found here. Overall more similar to Judo and it's concepts.

* Double Leg Take Down
* Suplex
* Slams
* Throws
* Hip Throw
* Shoulder Throw
* Take Down Defence
* Throw Defence

Baji Wrestling is a combination of the two, as well as combination with striking and with a more mixed combat philosophy. Thus, These throws, grapples and holds are followed by strikes instead of submission or with gravity to the floor.