Ep 26: Rikard Elofsson and Miika Wikberg: A deep dive into Nordic Bajiquan

Bājíquán (八極拳) or shorter just Baji, is commonly known as “the martial art of bodyguards”. It emphasises the use of attacks that close down the distance as well as explosive close combat techniques such as combinations of elbow, knee and takedown techniques. Both Rikard Elofsson and Miika Wikberg are senior Baji students of Lü Baochun, based in Finland who has over 40 years’ experience in the training and practice of baji. He has trained under many of the famous martial artists who used the style, such as Han Longquan and Zhang Xuchun. Timestamps: 0.40: - Rikard - Introduce yourself/how did you meet your teacher Master Lü Baochun? 3.15: - Miika - Introduce yourself/how did you meet your teacher Master Lü Baochun? 7.15: What makes Baji different to other martial arts? 8.30: Old Baji and new Baji 9.20: Trademark techniques of Baji 10.15: How is Baji power different? Training methods and the 3 stepping methods. 12.40: The forms and sets in the Baji system 19.20: The history of Baji 25.15: The mixing of Baji and Pigua 26.09: Baji and body guarding 29.41: Is Baji hard to practice? 31.29: Baji and stamping/stomping 34.34: Baji and Tai Chi being taught together 36.25: How to train with Master Lü Baochun 38.00: Do you spar? 40.15: Can you add Baji to an existing skill set? 41.05 Is there a Baji Qigong? 42.18 Are there Baji conditioning exercises? 43.54 Iron Body and Baji 44.35 How do you integrate Baji with other arts? 47.24: Baji standing exercises 51.00: Wrap up and the Muhammad Ali influence Links: The Baji Association (English): https://www.baji.info/en/ Bajiquan Wasa https://www.facebook.com/bajiquanwasa/ https://www.instagram.com/bajiwasa/ Baji Kung Fu Stockholm: https://www.facebook.com/kungfusthlm/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/@Jumfer https://www.youtube.com/@bajiwasa8400