Bajiquan (Yueshan Bajiquan)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Bajiquan (Yueshan Bajiquan)

Applicant: Boai County, Henan Province

Project No.: 800

Project No.: VI - 28

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: traditional sports, recreation and acrobatics

Region: Henan Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Boai County, Henan Province

Protection unit: Baji Wenwu School of Boai County

Introduction to Bajiquan (Yueshan Bajiquan)

Applicant: Boai County, Henan Province

Yueshan Baji boxing originated in Boai County, Henan Province. It was founded in 1185 by Canggong, the second generation abbot of Yueshan temple. It spread to the surrounding areas in the early Yongle of Ming Dynasty. It has a history of more than 800 years. By 1927, Yueshan Baji boxing had been inherited by 24 generations of monks. During the Anti Japanese War, Yueshan temple was destroyed in the war. Ma Liansheng, a layman disciple of Yueshan temple, opened the Baji martial arts school in his hometown, which has been handed down to this day.

Yueshan Baji boxing is simple in movement, vigorous in strength, strong in momentum, short in length, both offensive and defensive, focusing on practicality. Rescuing and protecting Yueshan Baji boxing is of great reference value to the research on the development of traditional Chinese martial arts, the relationship between Chinese martial arts and geopolitical and economic and social development, as well as the inheritance and development of Henan local culture and Buddhist culture. Although there are many people practicing Bajiquan all over the country, even in Britain, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and Southeast Asian countries, with the gradual death of the old boxer, many boxing scores, techniques and skills are on the verge of being lost and need to be protected urgently.