The lineage of Baji Quan practiced by the An family originates from Wang Jing Po, a master of the 'Yan Shan' style of Baji Quan. This lineage can be traced directly back to the art's creator, Wu Zhong, through his daughter Wu Rong and Wang Jing Po’s teacher, Liu Da Jia Zi. Liu Da Jia Zi significantly refined the style before passing it to Wang Jing Po, who later taught An Ji Hai in Tian Jin. At a young age, An Ji Hai also learned some Baji basics from Li Shuwen, one of the most famous Baji masters. However, since Li Shuwen was already quite old at the time and no longer taught as actively, his influence on An Ji Hai’s development remained limited. Under Wang Jing Po’s strict and precise guidance, An Ji Hai developed exceptional mastery, ensuring that the art was preserved and deeply ingrained in the An family. Since An Ji Hai’s generation, Baji Quan has been passed down through each subsequent generation of the An family. Today, this tradition continues under Master An Jian Qiu, who carries the family’s legacy of Baji Quan into the modern era, upholding its principles and teaching its explosive techniques to new practitioners.
Xing Yi Quan, the first internal martial art incorporated into the An family’s Wushu, is renowned for its direct, powerful movements and its emphasis on harmonizing mind and body. The An family learned the Shenxian style of Xing Yi Quan from Master Liu Yun Ji, a disciple of Li Cun Yi, who was a student of Liu Qi Lan—himself a direct successor of the style’s founder, Li Ruo Neng. Initially known as "Xin Yi Quan" ("Heart-Mind Fist"), this art focuses on developing unity of intention (Yi) and energy (Qi) through foundational practices. An Ji Hai’s rigorous training and decades of dedication ensured that Xing Yi Quan became a vital part of the An family’s Wushu heritage. Today, this lineage continues to be taught by Master An Jian Qiu, preserving its traditions and principles.
Bagua Zhang, known for its signature circle-walking and intricate palm techniques, was introduced to the An family by Master Gao Yi Sheng. Gao’s lineage traces back to Cheng Ting Hua, a close disciple of Bagua Zhang’s creator, Dong Hai Chuan. Inspired by Taoist principles, Dong Hai Chuan designed Bagua Zhang to integrate eight fundamental elements into martial practice. Its flowing, circular movements mimic the Taoist ritual of circling a fire, symbolizing balance and transformation.Gao Yi Sheng innovated Bagua Zhang further, creating Hou Tian (Post-Natal) Bagua and integrating it with Xian Tian (Pre-Natal) Bagua. An Ji Hai, as one of Gao’s distinguished students, brought this unique style into the An family’s martial practice. Today, Master An Jian Qiu continues to teach both Xian Tian and Hou Tian Bagua, maintaining this essential part of their Wushu tradition.
Taiji Quan, famed for its graceful, meditative movements and focus on internal energy, was introduced to the An family by Qu Ke Zhang, a close friend of An Ji Hai and a Taoist monk from the Jing Yi An Temple in Tian Jin. Qu studied an ancient style of Taiji, passed down by Taoists from the Wudang Mountains, and excelled in Taiji sword forms. His education was enriched by interactions with numerous martial arts masters, including Cheng You Long, the son of Bagua Zhang master Cheng Ting Hua. Encouraged by their shared teacher Gao Yi Sheng, Qu taught An Ji Hai the intricate Taiji sword forms and internal principles through methodical repetition. Beyond martial arts, Qu Ke Zhang introduced An Ji Hai to traditional Chinese medicine, Taoist Qigong, meditation, and philosophy. Today, Master An Jian Qiu carries forward this rich Taiji Quan tradition, sharing its profound teachings with new generations.