Traditional methods support by modern thinking.

Multi-Aspects Development

the form development

In traditional Chinese martial arts training, it is fundamentally important to develop a good body form structure for power transfer and generation purpose. Like all workouts and sports, having the correct form not only maximize the athlete’s performance, it also minimizes the risk of injury. In addition, having a proper form structure also allows one to not use excessive energy. Being able to relax is the fundamental key to develop and express “Jin” (Fa-Jin) at a later stage.

the “jin”(勁) development

Jin is the soul to TCMA, without Jin, martial arts is no difference compare to dance moves. The direct translation of “Jin” is power. However, being a common TCMA terminology, Jin is beyond just “power”, Jin exists in every styles of disciplines, and here are many types of Jin, such as: Sinking Jin, Explosive Jin, Expansion Jin, Cross Jin, Coiling Jin are different Jin that Bajiquan practitioners develop and use. There are also several types of Jin that associate with the Pigua, Bagua, Taichi, Praying Mantis… systems. Once practitioners went through the basics form requirements and training, through various methods, students will begin developing the necessary Jin that are associated with each style of disciplines over time.

the “Yi”(意) mind/intent development

Intent is the essential control element to Jin delivery. 50% of an effective TCMA performance, no matter in combat or practice, rely on the mind/intent. We start introducing the concept of “state of mind” since the early training stages. Overtime, the mind and body will achieve correspondence and harmony.

core styles of disciplines

The concept of “Mix Martial Arts” (MMA) is nothing new to traditional Chinese martial arts. In the past few centuries, there were very few CMA grandmasters who only studied one style of discipline. Wu Tan’s original curriculum was designed after Grandmaster Liu’s martial arts life journey: Long Fist, Bajiquan, Pigua Zhang, TaiChi Quan, Praying Mantis, and Bagua Zhang. Here at Wu Tan NJ, we have redesigned the curriculum to be more condensed but still well rounded to better fit the needs of modern day.

Here are the styles of disciplines we teach in Wu Tan NJ:

Bajiquan

Bajiquan is one of the few styles in Chinese martial arts that is offensive oriented, known for its directness, short-range explosive power expression and the stomping steps throughout its forms. In recent history, head trainers of the Qing Dynasty emperor PuYi's bodyguards, the infamous communist leader Mao Tse-Tung's bodyguards, and the founding president of Taiwan Jiang Kai-Shek's bodyguards were all famous Bajiquan Masters!

Pigua Zhang

Pigua is the "opposite" of Baji. Pigua Zhang and Bajiquan are often taught as complementary styles, especially in Taiwan. In fact, there is a Chinese martial arts proverb that goes: "When pigua is added to baji, gods and demons will all be terrified. When baji is added to pigua, heroes will sigh knowing they are no match against it." Pigua Zhang is known to be long-ranged, fast speed, sharp, and flexible.

Bagua Zhang

Bagua Zhang is one of the most unique (and advanced) styles among all Chinese Martial Arts. It is one of the three so-called “inner styles” next to Tai Chi Quan and Xing Yi Quan. Bagua Zhang was created referencing to the concepts of the Bagua diagram from YiChing. Bagua Zhang is known for its circular walking and the restless but fluid movements. Unlike most other styles of Kung Fu, Bagua Zhang's offensive and defensive mechanisms lie within its "turns" during its continuous motions.

Classical Weapons

Weapon is the extension of our limbs. Therefore, at Wu Tan, we believe in "fist before weapon." There are several weapons we study in Wu Tan: Jian (straight sword), Dao (saber), Xuang Dao (double saber), Miao Dao (double-handed long saber), Qiang (spear), Guen (staff), Deer Horn Knives, Double Hooks, and the famous Bajiquan weapon — DaQiang (grand spear).

“We don’t train soldiers, we train generals.”

— Dr Chen Chang-Lin —

Classes

Group Kung Fu Class (Chinatown, NYC)

Sunday 8:45 am - 10:30 am (All-Levels)

A weekly lesson of a small group of adults between 10-12 practitioners ages 18-50. No previous martial arts experience is required. The curriculum is designed with the primary focus in the Baji/Pigua systems and applications with minor introductions to other complementary systems such as Bagua Zhang, TaiChi Quan, Praying Mantis, and classical weapon studies (Miao Dao, Jian, and Qiang).

Private Kung Fu Lessons

80 minutes session, time to be arranged

1-on-1, or maximum 1-on-2 dedicated training. Hyper focus on the detail and strength development like the old time master teaching an apprentice.

Please inquire for available time.

八極塾 bajishu online streaming lessons

Go to bajishu.com for more details

Remote training that works! Using online streaming videos to eliminate the geographic and time limitations. Paired with our unique and unconventional method to provide personalized feedback. Enable this incredible knowledge to be further spread across every corners in the world.
利用即時網路影片與獨特的練習反饋方法來排除地域與時間的限制，將這一門老祖宗的智慧得以傳播到世界的每一個角落。

Kissena Park, Queens NY lessons

Sunday 9am - 12pm

One of Master Chen Chang-Lin’s 11th disciples — Coach William Feng holds an outdoor class every Sunday morning at the beautiful Kissena Park in Queens, NY. No previous martial arts experience is required. The curriculum includes Praying Mantis, Baji/Pigua systems and applications.

Contact us for more information.