八极拳六大开是武术中的基本招式。练习架子以增强基础，掌握六大开以便应用。所谓“开”，是指先出后进，每种手势都必须包含“开”。六大开包括顶、抱、掸（单）、提、跨和缠。这里的招式并不仅限于固定模式，而是指在对敌人变化时产生的动作过程。“步落招成”、“打招如闪电”反映了这一过程。“招”是一种巧妙运用力量的手法，用力制胜而非依赖招式。

以下是一首歌曲来描述这六大开：

一打顶肘左右翻，二打抱肘顺步赶；

提跨合炼单扬打，顺步绕身便是缠；

翻身顶肘堂中立，大开神拳往后传。

此外，还有几个附属技巧，如朝阳手、单体手、背后折缰等，可以在使用这些基本技巧时进行进阶训练。

截击技法也很重要，它包括斩龙手、外搭肘等多种动作，这些都是提升实战能力的关键。

八极拳强调三靠三合突跨相连作为其核心原则。在战斗中，“跨”代表的是横向力量，“突”代表的是冲击力，所以每个招式都要结合这两种力量。在使用桩步作为基础前，要确保根基稳固，因为没有稳固的根基，就无法有效地发挥任何招式。其中五个主要动作——抱、缠、顶、中和掸——以及两个辅助动作——折僵和朝阳手—are all crucial in the one-on-one battle. Whoever occupies the central line wins, and whoever loses it loses.

The key to a good attack is that the opponent doesn't know where to defend, while a good defense is that the attacker doesn't know where to strike. Seizing opportunities through small openings and exploiting weaknesses are essential skills.

Practice should be consistent, not sporadic or irregular. One must maintain a balanced diet and avoid overexertion during practice. Cultivating inner energy (qi) requires subtlety, while shaking off excess qi demands caution.

Training martial arts should focus on cultivating both physical skill and moral character. A strong foundation of moral integrity is essential for mastering any martial art.

Finally, here's a recipe for washing hands after practicing stances:

Ingredients:

Cangwu (30g), caowu (30g), nanshen (30g), shechongzi (30g), banxia (30g), baibei (30g), huajiao 10-15 seeds, laotongtou 10-15 seeds each

Instructions:

Soak all ingredients in vinegar for 7 days before grinding into powder with water.

Mix with salt water according to prescription

Wash hands thoroughly every day