内家

I began studying internal martial arts after moving to Baltimore in 2004. I trained in Silver Spring under Bob Galeoene before being introduced to Paul Cote and then Zhang Yun. In 2015, I became a formal lineal student of traditional internal martial arts under Zhang Yun laoshi as part of Yin Cheng Gong Fa North America.

Yuèshān Guǎn (月山館; Moon Mountain Hall) is the name of my school as recorded in the Yin Cheng Gong Fa register; it was chosen in homage to where where I decided to shift the focus of my training from modern goshin-jutsu to classical and traditional martial arts. From time to time I work with experienced martial artists seeking to deepen their u nderstanding of internal martial arts.

Tàijí Quán

The primary focus of my internal martial arts practice is the Wú style of Tàijíquán, founded by Wú (吳) Quanyou (吴全佑; 1834–1902).

Tàijí has an extensive curriculum and is a lifelong study – I cannot do it justice with a short description here, but there are many resources in print and online. That being said, some of my practice consists of the 83 posture form arranged by Yáng Yǔtíng as well as methods of Da Lu, Tuai Shou, Jie Shou, Qigong and Tàijí weapons including Dāo (saber), Jiàn (sword), and Qiāng (spear). Proper Taiji practice is known for its relaxed character, giving practitioners the ability to off-balance an opponent at first touch by borrowing their force

Bagua Zhang

I also practice Bagua Zhang ( "Eight Trigram Palm" ) as taught by Zhang Yun and his senior disciples. Bagua is known for its smooth and fluid nature, giving practitioners the ability to change spontaneously in response to an opponent's actions. Elements of the curriculum include the 8 Mother Palms (Ba Mu Zhang) and 8 Big Palms (Ba Da Zhang) of Cheng Ting Hua, 64 Circular Changes of Yin Fu, 64 Linear Bagua Forms of Liu Dekuan, Bagua Chunyang Jian (pure yang sword) and Bagua Shibajie Dao (18 interceptions saber).

Xingyi Quan

Hebei Style Xingyi Quan ( "Form Mind Boxing" ) is known for its stability, giving practitioners an ability to express sudden and explosive power. Elements of the curriculum include San Ti Shi, 5 Elemental Fists, 12 Animal Forms, 10 Step Elemental Linking Form, and the Mixed Skills Form.

Tongbei Quan

Shi-style Baiyuan Tongbei Quan is an art traditionally taught to indoor disciples, and possibly for this reason is not as widespread outside of China. My practice of Tongbei includes foundational basic practices (jibengong), two-handed long saber (tian gang dao) and the Eight Ancestor Fists.