兵法

Internal Martial Arts

Moon Mountain [ 山月館; Yuèshān-guan or Gassankan ] is a private training activity in the Pacific Northwest that is concerned with the development of skill at Chinese internal martial arts and older sword methods from Japan.

百物先天地
無形本寂為
能著像主不
逐四時泪寥

There is something before heaven and earth, formless and silent. It can manifest all things and does not wither with the seasons.

Internal Martial Arts

I practice Northern Wú style Taijiquan [ 吳氏太極拳 ], Yin style Baguazhang [ 尹派八卦掌 ] and Hebei Xingyi Quan [ 冀形意拳 ] as taught in formal lineages preserved as part of Yin Cheng Gong Fa North America.

Wú ( 吳) style Taiji is known for its relaxed character, giving practitioners the ability to off-balance an opponent at first touch by borrowing their force. Bagua is known for its smooth and fluid nature, giving practitioners the ability to change spontaneously in response to an opponent's actions. Xingyi is known for its stability, giving practitioners an ability to express sudden and explosive power.

In addition to unarmed methods, my practice includes a curriculum of traditional weapons including sword, saber, long saber, and spear.

Japanese Swordsmanship

I also maintain an independent practice of Japanese swordsmanship that is increasingly influenced by my practice of Chinese internal martial arts. Much of my Japanese swordsmanship practice is centered around the analysis of kata drawn from the historical Jikishinkage-ryū kenjutsu and related arts and then experimentation in free practice. Due to the multiple influences on this practice, I have taken to using the unique name Gassan Kenpō [ 月山剣法 ] to formally describe this activity.

Martial Arts Research

Inner Dharma was a writing project I maintained between 2004 and 2024 that was concerned with traditional martial arts and culture. Much of its content has now been published and can be found among the recommended reading.

I may be reached via email using the link below.

Seattle, WA