the
varied arts of Wu Shi Jun
Wu Shi Jun is appearing everywhere right now. He is a professional instructor with a number of arts who seems, in addition, to be making himself something of a media presenter for the art. He is trying to remain traditional and yet popularize and explicate the relationship of the arts to Chinese culture. We put him under his name because his martial background is wide and extensive. He comes from XiaoYi in Shanxi province. He started learning BaFa and other systems from Jia Hu Chen, Dong Wei Shan and Li Tian Zhan. In 1966 he began Chen Taiji with Feng ZhiQian and Tian XiuChen. He has training in BaGua, Taiji, Xing Yi, possibly Yi Quan, Bafa, Long Fist and Canon Fist not to mention a number of others. Expect this section to continue to grow as Wu Sifu expands his presentations. Here's a little more about the Ba Fa style.

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pictures below to see larger versions. |
Eight Shape Eight Palms Bagua
This is an interesting version that seems to combine the idea of the basic Eight Palms based on the animals into changing palm like transitions. Another way to put it is that this form has eight shapes based on the following animals: Swallow, Hawk, Bear, Monkey, Dragon, Snake, Tiger and Horse. Each of these palms is usually associated with a single, simple change but in this set each palm has a change pattern of about eight movements. A very interesting thought not primary set that combines some of the energies of Bagua with some of the directness of Xing Yi. To our knowledge not associated with a particular style. Wu Shi Jun is a professional and polished teacher.
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About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
VCD#1354 - single (Chinese Only)
DVD #11354 - single (English Subtitles)
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Our Recommendation: Wu's instruction is very clear in either format. Unlike some instructors he does have a lot to say and those interested in his concepts might prefer the DVDs. |
Bagua Sun-Moon Chasing the Wind Double Sabers
A fast and fairly complicated sword with many changes indeed.Though there are circle steps don't expect too many as most of the footwork is standard linear for the sabers. Many, many whirling patterns. Even a single handed throwing of the saber into the air. But, essentially, a nice respectable set with a minimum of ground rolling and a maximum of patterns changes. Wu is very facile with the blades.
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About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD #11355 - single (English Subtitles) |
Only in DVD right now. |
3 Star Canon Fist's Hua Tan (flower altar) Palm
Particularly popular in Hebei, Hua Tan Palm is one of three palms originally associated with the Three Star (Emperors) Cannon Fist system. The foundation of this series was originally coposed of Da Tan, Zheng Tan and Hua Tan or Large Altar, Straight Altar and Flower Altar. The movements of this form are generally soft, open and fluid with little emphasis on power. This form was supposed to have been employed by Yang Ru Zhen and Yang Ban Hou to aid training in Taiji.The movements are wide open like Long Fist but without strong or jerky actions. Said to be a very good opening form even BEFORE one starts Tai Chi training. No applications. Wu Shi Jun is a refined and professional performer and the eleventh generation of Chen inheritors. |
About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
VCD#1356 - single (Chinese Only)
DVD #11356 - single(English Subtitles)
|
Our Recommendation: Wu's instruction is very clear in either format. Unlike some instructors he does have a lot to say and those interested in his concepts might prefer the DVDs. |
Old Eight Bagua Palms
Wu Shi Jun is a popular teacher who, at one point, became the student of the famous Li Zi Ming. This is a set of short but very "twisty" Bagua changes. Not quite as simple as most "Old Eight Palms" these are somewhere between full one changes one is used to and the single action change most often associated with the mother palms. Wu is very flexible and light in his movements. There is not much application spoken here but the introductory section has a number of stance and twist training methods. A very pleasant rendition.
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About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
VCD#1476 - single (Chinese Only)
DVD #11476 - single (English Subtitles)
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Our Recommendation: Wu's instruction is very clear in either format. Unlike some instructors he does have a lot to say and those interested in his concepts might prefer the DVDs. |
BA FA QUAN Partner Practice
This is the primary single hand form of DVD 29995 performed with a partner.The "Eight Methods" paired boxing encompasses the Eight Techniques: Punch, Grasp, Seize, Intercept, Kick, Lean, Dodge and Vibrate. Also it shows the Eight Forces: Pushing, Drilling, Enfolding, Screwing, Chopping, Raising, Breaking and Warding Off. This is a Long Arm form but with the determination of the Short Fist. The movement are not only not meant to look easy, they are meant to look like a struggle. Thus the rougher, more primitive appllications meets the idea of developing spirit. A good military method. Partner should be careful, Wu warns us, because the movements of this set are dangerous.
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About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD #29993 - single(English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
BaGua Linked Palms Training
The "Old Mother Palms" is the basis of this more advanced learning level which shows more speed changes, greater use of force and more up-and-down motion. It is rather obviously the same basic structure as Jiang Rong Jiao's New Palms but with a number of additional twists and turns. We agree with Wu Shi Jun and employ Jiang's Eight Palms in almost the same spot of our curriculum. He works these palms at an increased tempo. No applications.
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About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD #29994 - single(English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
BA FA QUAN 8 Methods Boxing
We know, these are out of order but what's new? Obviously DVD 29993 should come before this as this is the single person practice of that style. This gives a small history and explanation of the style. Next is a complete breakdown on the set. Finally a portiion of the two person version of the same form, ostensibly BaFa's main hand form. |
About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD #29995(English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
The Murderous Spear of 5 Dukes
As in many cases the spear technique here harkens back to that organized by General Ji Ji Guang who combined the methods of Yue Fei, Luo Cheng, Zhao Yun and Li Cheng. As Wu states, this is a complex and at least intermediate spear. The actions require good footwork and graceful transitions. By the way, Wu's technique is higher level than many practitoners we have seen in the series. Worth the effort if you are looking to see an advanced bit of practice.
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About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD #29996 - single(English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
BaFa Big Spear and its technique
Where the Murderous Spear is complex this spear is "easy". There are only 24 movements in this set. The moves are much more appropriate to a Big Spear, though. Good solid basics are shown. We might not agree with every detail but here is a solid presentation of the dynamics and mechanics of the weapon. Good for all spear practice but particularily good for the large version of the weapon where it, along with the BaGa saber, were taught to troops. |
About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD#29997 - single(English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
Shanxi Xing Yi 12 Animals and Linking Form
It is good to be reminded that the animal movements of Xing Yi are formed along the lines of their attack attributes as opposed to their appearances. Wu goes into detail on these animal motions describing each one with from four to seven actions. He then, rather cursorily, shows all the fives elements and, finally, the famous Linked Fist. His versions of these latter two are serviceable but not profound and they seem just "extras" to the bulk of the presentation. |
About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD#29998 - single(English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
9 Postures of Dragon Style SuShen Boxing
This series is developed from the imitation of nine postures of the fabulous Dragon combining Tui Na (massage) and QiGong. This beautiful and inspiring series encourages the body to twist, stretch, move elegantly and serenely as a flying Dragon. This is more of a martial QiGong series but it has integrity. Compared to many it is elegant, interesting and something like a soft Xing Yi series. |
About
1 Hour,
Prices compared
DVD#29999 - single (English Subtitles) |
Our Recommendation: Only available in DVD at present. |
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