Adam Hsu – The Ba Ji Thunder

Baji Thunder: Foundation
7 Disk Set, over 8 hours of instruction
Chinese language subtitled in English

BOX ONE: 3 DVDs
“Basic Training: Top Secret”

Volume #1—1.21.52
The first video is a general introduction but with a lot of information. History starts, a discussion on that rather odd name, former masters of this great art, branches and stories. Next “real basics” and what they mean. There are Baji standing exercises. Eight Word formula showing the principles and correspondences in Baji training.

Volume #2—1.10.50
The three Levels of power explains some key ideas about developing the specific explosiveness of this powerhouse style. The second introduces two primary training methods: Bear Steps and Tiger Back. This is the twin root of the style and a good example of the mental training as well as physical that any true Kung Fu style requires. To explain in depth, Adam Hsu shows the use of the spine in Baji and even the idea of “two spines.”

Volume #3—1.18.39
In the third volume Adam Hsu dedicates the entire DVD to Baji energies. He introduces and explains the famous Baji stamping, and discusses how some students stamp more for effect than function. He shows the rationale of what should really be happening in BJQ stamping with all the basic steps needed for this crucial skill. Then he outlines Baji’s rarely seen “Lean on the Metal Mountain” practice. This method expands your short-range body power. Everything is shown in a very logical and—most importantly—safe progression.

Next comes post training. Where Wing Chun has one post, Baji has three. Adam Hsu shows a great method for using the posts not only as striking dummies but for angular variation, body conditioning and specific methods of entering the opponent. He gives good instructions for distancing the posts and also shows the same method you would use if working only on a single post and discusses the 8 fundamental forms of Baji striking. The method he unfolds starts with set patterns and rapidly evolves to a free-form exercise where angles, strikes, blocks and deep leg maneuvers are combined. He even shows some post training human-to-human.

BOX TWO: 3 DVDs
“Baji Jia: Indoor Skill”

Volume #1—1.13.06
Finally, in the proper order of learning, comes one of the most significant of Baji’s key forms: BaJi Jia also known as Xiao Baji. The lesser known name, Baji Jia, means “structure” and gives you breakdown of the form with far more than just the foot patterns and hand positions. Every position is explained. There are no exactly duplicated movements so the form is “all meat.”

Volume #2—1.02.15
With great details and insights, Adam Hsu continues to breakdown this pivotal form. In this heritage, from Li Shu Wen, each pose can be a wellspring of energy as well as strong mental training. Not a technique where the artistry has exiled the functionality,

Volume #3—1.01.49
Baji somehow manages to perform so truthfully that it is also beautiful. This structure form is also good, in fact strenuous training. The attention to postural accuracy immediately gives you the “feel” of practicing real BaJi. Adam Hsu’s breakdowns are precise and thorough, much more so than many teaching tapes. And, believe me, Baji is one style where you want to be as accurate as possible.

BOX THREE 1 DVD
“Application: Real Usage”—1.14.20

In his own inimical way, Adam Hsu shows the applications of the Baji Jia while simultaneously weaving everything about usage into an analysis of how to get the most out of all levels of Baji training. Very frank about this misunderstood subject, Adam Hsu shows precise and important details to each move in the form while simultaneously showing you how to look at traditional training, very different from most instructors. At the end he gives extra notes on how the forms can be expanded and explored.

Baji Thunder: Development #24897
3 DVDs, contained in one box
“Development”

Development Volume #1—100.03 minutes
Background on Da Baji’s skills & forms practice. Sifu Hsu explains the proper focus for training
Explanation of Movements, the 24 “official” moves Da Baji is seen as a “representative” form, this version is more organic
Elbow Strike: the famous form opening, hand washes head, some insights into GM Liu’s teaching
Flat Strike: horizontal power, no retreat, angle changes. Each move is flexible yet true to its form.
Punch Downward: adapting the body and strike. Examples of distance changes and more.
Side Kick Back Fist Strike: strong lateral entering, leg projection. Power issuing in sequence.
Opening: Famous spread palms, management of the limbs. Rotational power at the heart of a movement.
Belly Punching: Timing attack with constant pressure. Every step should “advance” your argument.
Push Window Levels training, change angles, pressure to enter unchanged.
Lift Window: Upward controlling of the elbows, breaking in through the enemy’s defense.

Development Volume #2—46:20
Spreading Palms Empty Stance: Training the spirit. Not every move needs a fight explanation.
Turn to Palm Strike: Following Rotation to Strike
Palm Striking Forward: opening the enemy’s door to rush in, following the opponent but leading.
Takedown: the power of an integrated body. Range of motion and how it helps.
Back Rolling and Body Strike Silk Rolling energy, rotate, compress, release, the inter action of forces
Kneel Down: The art of tailored punches, directing power
Step Backward Strike: Balancing retreat and advance and some important practice ideas
Conclusion

Development Volume #3—117:08
Practice: Sections of the form presented, setting goals
Best practice methods
Elbow Strike: Opening his Gate, Entering. The art of entering, upsetting, generating
Flat Strike: Special strategies. Moving through adaptations
Rotate and Strike: Positional practice. Every form should have flexibility of angular change.
Opening Intercepting and reading information. A crucial training for all Kung Fu. Arrive first.
Punch Belly: Double hand control and covering the opponent. The sensing of possibilities.
Jack Up Window: Tiger pounces, forward attack, redirecting and controlling
Rotate Palm: Directional change to strike for maximum effect.
Forward Palm Strike: Advancing palms and practice tips. What we can get from a form, how ot own it.
Take Down Not only the scissor mechanics but the methods of entering and capturing the opponent’s balance point.
Kneel Down: Demonstrating some leg Chin Na adn deep stepping.
Conclusion: Thoughts on forms and movements

 Baji Thunder: Liu Da Kai & Ba Shi #24898
4 DVDs, contained in one box
“Six Big Openings and Eight Postures”

Advanced: Volume #1
History
Key Points
Movements: Each action is a separate practice, many layered that can be done as part of a marching practice.
Black Bear Turns its Back
White Horse Dashes to Cattle
Fierce Tiger Climbs Mountain
Golden Leopard Shows Claws
Green Dragon Rotates Body
Rhinoceros Pokes Horn
Lean
Post Training

Advanced: Volume #2
Usage: This series takes the same 14 actions and shows them at different levels of complexity.
Free Arrangement
Application
Movement
Black Bear Turns its Back
White Horse Dashes to Cattle
Fierce Tiger Climbs Mountain
Golden Leopard Shows Claws
Green Dragon Rotates Body
Rhinoceros Pokes Horn
Blessing

Advanced: Volume #3
Training: One level of practice is with equipment and partners. Sifu Hsu gives and explains numerous strikes against poles and with partners. This practice delivers more body contact than the partner performance set.
Background
Legacy
Difference
Importance
Sequence
Movement Explanation
Black Tiger Steals Heart
Er Lang Chops Hill
Luo Han Fights Dragon
Strong Man Beats Tiger
White Snake Spits Tongue
Golden Rooster Shakes Wings
Na Zha Drills Sea
Carry Tiger Back to Mountain

Advanced: Volume #4
Steps
Explanation
Black Tiger Steals Heart
Er Lang Chops Hill
Luo Han Fights Dragon
Strong Man Beats Tiger
White Snake Spits Tongue
Golden Rooster Shakes Wings
Na Zha Drills Sea
Carry Tiger Back to Mountain
Blessing